Fixing this game's story. *Spoilers

[StuckInWashingMachine]

The Last of Us Part II: A Story Divided by Ambition and Execution
When The Last of Us Part II was first announced, I was among the many fans eagerly awaiting a continuation of one of the most iconic narratives in gaming. After playing the game and spending far more time watching reviews and rewrites than I did actually replaying it, my feelings are conflicted. The story is undeniably ambitious and divisive, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by questionable narrative decisions. I applaud Naughty Dog for pushing boundaries, but ultimately, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Risky Themes, Poor Execution
The game tackles themes of revenge, anti-racism, and acceptance, which are inherently complex and thought-provoking. However, the narrative often stumbles in conveying these ideas organically. While Neil Druckmann and the team clearly had a vision, it feels as though they were so focused on delivering their themes that they neglected to weave them seamlessly into the story.

For example, Abby’s redemption arc attempts to humanize her by exploring her bond with Lev, a trans man ostracized by his community. While noble in intent, this relationship feels forced and rushed, as if it exists solely to make Abby more likable. Her decision to betray her own faction for Lev—a stranger she barely knows—is poorly justified. It comes across as a contrived plot device rather than a believable character moment.

Structural and Pacing Issues
One of the game’s most significant flaws is its disjointed story structure. Splitting the narrative between Ellie and Abby was a bold move, but the way it was executed left many players alienated. By the time you start to empathize with one character, the perspective shifts, disrupting the emotional connection. The pacing feels inconsistent, with slow, introspective sections bogging down the momentum.

This fragmented storytelling diminishes the emotional impact of the climax. The themes of revenge and forgiveness, while compelling on paper, lose their weight because the narrative doesn’t earn these moments. Players are left feeling manipulated rather than moved.

Statistical Anomalies and Immersion
While I appreciate diversity in media, the inclusion of certain characters in The Last of Us Part II stretches plausibility in a post-apocalyptic setting. Abby’s physique—resembling someone on a professional bodybuilding regimen—feels incongruous given the game’s frequent mentions of food shortages. Similarly, Lev’s chance encounter with Abby strains believability. In a world teeming with danger and chaos, the odds of two "statistical anomalies" meeting are astronomically low, making their relationship feel more like a narrative convenience than an organic development.

Another immersion-breaking moment is Ellie’s transformation into one of her community’s top hunters. While Ellie’s journey in the first game was grounded in her growth and struggles, her skills in Part II feel like a sudden leap, undermining the grounded realism that made her character so compelling.

A Missed Opportunity
Despite its flaws, The Last of Us Part II had the potential to be an extraordinary exploration of human emotion and morality. The themes and ideas are there, but they’re buried beneath clunky storytelling and poorly implemented character arcs. If the writers had taken more time to refine the narrative and collaborate with experienced storytellers, the game could have resonated with a broader audience.

Conclusion
The Last of Us Part II is a polarizing experience that tries to challenge players’ perceptions but falters in execution. Its divisiveness is a testament to its ambition, but also to its flaws. While some fans can overlook the inconsistencies and appreciate the game for its themes, others, like me, are left with disappointment. It’s a game I wanted to love, but its missteps make it hard to hold up as a masterpiece.

[PONPOKO]

Low effort AI generated slop.

[slx3d_]

tl;dr

[Guy]

I love it when people have actual REASONS for disliking the game instead of: GaMe WoKe
Shut the ♥♥♥♥ up
Just because a few characters are trans or gay or bi
And Abby is buff af
Doesn't mean the game is bad.
Anyways... Nice way of fixing it.