10 Video Games Critics Loved (That IMMEDIATELY Divided Fans)

Considering The Last of Us Part II won over 320 Game of the Year awards, it seemed like the last video game to generate outrage, especially since its predecessor was universally adored.

And yet, Naughty Dog's hyped follow-up garnered an unprecedented level of hatred. Although Part II's review-bombing was deeply unfair, many of the game's criticisms were pretty justified.

The sequel tries so hard to subvert expectations, it interferes with characterisation and the flow of the narrative. As a concept, it was clever to allow gamers to play as Abby, since it let them see things from the antagonist's point of view.

However, so much time is dedicated to Abby's backstory, it takes away from Ellie, who's supposed to be the protagonist. Even though Joel's death was meant to be devastating, it felt like a betrayal, since players barely spent an hour with him.

Although flashbacks are a great tool at fleshing out details, many of the interjected sequences ended up undermining the story. Characterisation is surprisingly undeveloped, to the point where key figures perform actions that contradict their values.

Now, story and characterisation isn't everything when it comes to gaming. (I mean, look at Super Mario.) But because the first instalment put so much effort into the writing, it's disappointing to see the narrative and character development in the sequel take such a U-turn.