Just like a good bottle (crappy analogy since I don’t even drink), I kept TLOU2 as a gem that I would play only during a great time… It’s our first Christmas in our house and that moment finally qualifies.
I really enjoyed playing the first chapter in 2016 and my expectations for the second game were sky high. Let me tell you this: I’m glad that TLOU2 is the first game I completed in our house because I had a blast!
The rhythm between the dramatic scenes and the action was perfect. The scenario had me change my mind a few times, especially about Abby. I felt sad, angry, righteous, vengeful, happy, then sad again. It’s been a few days now and the game keeps on playing in my mind. I know that it will eventually fade, then I’ll probably play it all over again, because I love it that much.
Spoilers ahead!
I remain on the side of Ellie. She didn’t decide anything and she was absolutely not responsible for what happened to the Fireflies. Abby, however, was aware that the intervention would kill Ellie. Yet, she told her father to do whatever it takes. That doctor took the decision to kill Ellie without even telling Joel and it was fucking wrong! Later, that distinction can be seen in the communities where the girls both live. Jackson is peaceful and friendly while the wolves are a bunch of trigger happy xenophobic maniacs who kill and torture people as if it was normal. Even Owen and Mel wanna run away from them. It’s great that Abby finds herself a conscience and all, but it’s too late and if I have to chose, I’ll side with Ellie any day of the week. That being said, I believe that the message of the game isn’t to chose wisely who you chose to side with but that violence only leads to more violence. If Abby would have renounced to her vengeance, so many people would still be alive.
I’ve read a lot of people saying that Naughtydog wrote themselves in a corner and that a third game would be impossible. That’s a load of crap, I have dozens of ideas for a solid new chapter (if anyone at ND reads this, contact me). Sometimes (most of the time), I really don’t understand the negativity some people have against gems like TLOU. It’s one of the most fantastic game I’ve ever played. My only complaint is that it was a bit short. I completed it under 30 hours and I really don’t care to extend that playtime with any of the other modes.
If you never played it, go ahead, don’t hesitate! You’ll thank me later. And if you don’t like it, don’ talk to me ever again.