The Last of Us Part II: Deconstructing a Divisive Masterpiece Gone Wrong
What made The Last of Us Part II so “bad” to a significant portion of its audience isn’t a simple matter of poor game design. The reasons are multifaceted and rooted in a complex interplay of narrative choices, character treatment, pacing issues, and the subversion of player expectations. While the game received critical acclaim for its technical achievements, gameplay improvements, and graphical fidelity, these strengths were ultimately overshadowed by contentious story decisions that alienated many fans of the original The Last of Us. The core problem wasn’t necessarily that the game was bad in an objective sense, but that it was bad for the fans who held strong emotional attachments to the characters and world established in the first game. This disconnect created a firestorm of controversy, impacting the game’s overall reception and sparking a lasting debate within the gaming community.
The Core Issues: Why Fans Turned Against It
The negativity surrounding The Last of Us Part II can be attributed to several key issues, all interwoven and compounding the overall negative reaction:
1. The Death of Joel: A Sacrilegious Act?
The most immediate and visceral reaction stemmed from the brutal and abrupt death of Joel, a beloved protagonist from the first game. Killing off a character so central to the emotional core of The Last of Us in the first act of the sequel was a risky move, to say the least. While death is a common theme in post-apocalyptic narratives, the manner of Joel’s death – beaten to death with a golf club by a new character, Abby – felt particularly cruel and disrespectful to many players. It wasn’t just that Joel died; it was how he died and who killed him.
2. Forced Empathy for the Antagonist: Playing as Abby
Compounding the impact of Joel’s death was the decision to force players to play as Abby for a significant portion of the game. This was intended to create empathy and understanding for Abby’s motivations, revealing her side of the story and the reasons behind her actions. However, for many players, this strategy backfired. They were unwilling or unable to empathize with the character who murdered Joel, seeing it as a forced attempt to justify an unforgivable act. The shift in perspective felt manipulative and ultimately alienated a large segment of the audience. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores in depth these issues.
3. Pacing and Narrative Structure: A Disjointed Experience
The game’s pacing and narrative structure were also heavily criticized. The constant shifting between Ellie’s and Abby’s perspectives felt jarring and disrupted the flow of the story. The game essentially asks the player to invest emotionally in Abby after spending half the game wanting to see her punished. This disrupted the player’s sense of agency and made it difficult to become fully invested in either character’s journey. The narrative felt artificially lengthened, and some felt that the shifting perspectives were more of a detriment than an asset.
4. Dehumanization of Ellie: A Shadow of Her Former Self
Some players felt that Ellie’s character was misrepresented or dehumanized in the sequel. Her relentless pursuit of revenge and the brutal acts she committed along the way felt out of character for the Ellie they knew from the first game. While character development and change are natural, the extent of Ellie’s transformation felt jarring and unsettling to some, making her less relatable and less likable. The game emphasized her trauma and violence, potentially at the expense of her more endearing qualities.
5. Subverted Expectations: A Departure from the Original
The original The Last of Us was praised for its character-driven narrative, its exploration of the bond between Joel and Ellie, and its themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. The Last of Us Part II, however, deliberately subverted these expectations. It presented a darker, more morally ambiguous world, where revenge is a destructive force and there are no clear-cut heroes or villains. While some appreciated this more nuanced approach, others felt it betrayed the spirit of the original game and its core themes.
The Last of Us Part II: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about The Last of Us Part II, providing further insights into the controversies and debates surrounding the game:
1. Why was there so much controversy surrounding The Last of Us Part II?
The controversy stemmed from a combination of factors, including the death of Joel, the forced perspective of playing as Abby (Joel’s killer), the game’s pacing issues, and perceived character misrepresentation. These elements combined to create a divisive experience that alienated many fans.
2. Was The Last of Us Part II review bombed?
Yes, the game was subject to a significant review-bombing campaign, with users leaving overwhelmingly negative reviews in response to the controversial narrative choices.
3. Did critics like The Last of Us Part II?
Yes, The Last of Us Part II received “universal acclaim” from critics, who praised its gameplay, graphics, performances, and audio design. However, critical opinions were divided on the narrative and themes.
4. Why did Naughty Dog kill off Joel?
Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann stated that Joel’s death was necessary to drive the narrative forward and explore the themes of revenge and its consequences. It served as a catalyst for Ellie’s journey and forced players to confront the complexities of morality.
5. Why did players have to play as Abby?
Playing as Abby was intended to provide players with a deeper understanding of her motivations and humanize her character, forcing them to confront their own biases and assumptions. It was a deliberate attempt to challenge the player’s perspective.
6. Was The Last of Us Part II a commercial success?
Yes, despite the controversy, The Last of Us Part II was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide.
7. Is The Last of Us Part III confirmed?
While not officially confirmed, Naughty Dog has hinted at the possibility of The Last of Us Part III being in development.
8. Why did Ellie let Abby live at the end of the game?
Ellie’s decision to let Abby live was a complex one, potentially driven by a realization of the futility of revenge and a recognition of the shared humanity between them. Seeing Abby vulnerable and reminded of her own loss, Ellie realized that killing Abby wouldn’t bring back Joel.
9. What is the Rat King in The Last of Us Part II?
The Rat King is a grotesque and terrifying infected creature encountered in the “Ground Zero” section of the game. It is one of the most challenging and memorable encounters in the game.
10. Is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps virus?
Yes, Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps brain infection, which is the central conflict of the Last of Us universe.
11. How old is Ellie in The Last of Us Part II?
Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us Part II.
12. What was the major mistake in The Last of Us TV show?
In one episode of the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us, a camera crew was accidentally visible in the corner of a shot. This error was later corrected.
13. Why did Ellie kiss Riley?
The kiss between Ellie and Riley establishes Ellie’s sexuality and sets up Riley as a defining character in Ellie’s life.
14. Did Ellie ever forgive Joel for his actions in the first game?
It is heavily implied that Ellie never fully forgave Joel before his death, which contributed to her overwhelming grief and desire for revenge.
15. Why is Abby so physically strong?
Abby’s physique is attributed to her rigorous training regimen, access to ample food and resources, and dedication to physical fitness within the WLF (Washington Liberation Front) group.
Conclusion: A Bold but Flawed Experiment
The Last of Us Part II is undoubtedly a bold and ambitious game. It pushed the boundaries of narrative storytelling in video games, challenging players to confront uncomfortable truths and question their own moral compass. However, its controversial choices ultimately proved too divisive for many, overshadowing its technical achievements and alienating a significant portion of the fanbase. The game serves as a case study in the risks and rewards of subverting expectations and the importance of understanding the emotional connection players have with established characters and worlds. It sparked important conversations within the gaming community about the nature of storytelling, player agency, and the limits of artistic license. The lessons learned from The Last of Us Part II‘s reception will undoubtedly influence the future of narrative-driven video games.