The Last Of Us Part 2 Review: 10 Ups And 2 Downs

7. It Challenges Your Expectations (In An Earned Way)

While I can't, and wouldn't dare dream to, talk too much about where the plot goes, this is a sequel that does not play it safe either. It's unafraid to make some bold narrative decisions, ones that, at first, you might find yourself disagreeing with.

The Last of Us Part 2 could have been a good game by giving your more of the same formula you enjoyed seven years ago. Instead of giving you what you want though, it gives you what you need, and that's a thoughtful, considered and faithful extension of this narrative that completely complements the first, even if at a glance it seems to be its polar opposite.

To be totally truthful, I entered this game wanting something of a comfort blanket. Seeing Joel and Ellie again felt like reconnecting with old friends, and I found myself giving the new cast the cold shoulder. It's a testament to the quality of the writing that you not only warm to the new additions, but that they become some of the game's best elements.

This is the best thing about The Last of Us 2; there's a clear reverence for the original, and more importantly your investment in the original. It doesn't take that for granted, and it rewards that investment. There are countless references and call-backs, subtle moments of character building only die-hard fans would pick up, and elements that hit harder knowing the weight of everything that came before.

But at the same time, this isn't a game about fan service or keeping you warm under that comfort blanket.

As a result, there are going to be elements that are divisive, for sure, but Naughty Dog justifies each and every decision, bringing them together in one killer of a climax. In an era where so many games are afraid to experiment, The Last of Us Part 2 strives to challenge the player and subvert their expectations, but not simply for the sake of it. You're going to have some knee-jerk reactions to specific things undoubtedly, but wait until you've seen the full picture before coming to a conclusion on them.