It understands story structure and audience expectations, and it knows how to subvert them in upsetting ways. The Last of Us: Part 2 might be among the most emotionally manipulative games I've played, and I mean that as a compliment. Snuffing the series' protagonist so early was such an audacious, upsetting move that played upon our expectations in a clever way. Lots of franchises kill off beloved characters in big dramatic ways, but this typically happens at the end of a film or TV series, when you know the story is about to end anyway.

And then he gets killed in the opening act. All the pieces are in place to undergo this new journey with him. We as players have been waiting eight years to spend more time with Joel, to hear more of his story and follow his character arc - especially to see how his relationship with Ellie has grown. 'The Last of Us: Part 2 might be among the most emotionally manipulative games I've played, and I mean that as a compliment'īut with The Last of Us: Part 2, we've already spent countless hours playing as Joel, fervently undergoing his hardships over the course of the first game - as well as the opening of this second act. How many stories have we seen where someone's family member is murdered and they go off on a quest for vengeance? And typically these premises can fall a bit flat emotionally, as there isn't enough time to develop the person who gets murdered, so you take the protagonist's word for how indispensable the dead person was. Our teenage heroine Ellie's surrogate father Joel is viciously murdered and we must avenge him. The Last of Us: Part 2 is first and foremost a tale of revenge. The reason for this is simple: The Last of Us: Part 2 relies so heavily on our emotional connection to the characters and events in the first game that it would lose the bulk of its impact if you hadn't gone through its predecessor in full. The Last of Us: Part 2 staunchly neglects that latter category, heavily implying that it is absolutely imperative that you play through the first The Last of Us to appreciate this follow-up chapter. How easy it would have been to slap on a number at the end and bill it as a traditional sequel? Something aimed towards fans of its predecessor, but also an accessible jumping off point for newcomers looking to hop on board with the latest blockbuster. One of my favorite things about The Last of Us: Part 2 is hidden in the title. Note: This piece will contain massive spoilers for The Last of Us: Part 2. This entry was contributed by Ollie Jones, co-founder and creative director of Swamp Motel, the theatre, film and gaming hybrid company behind the Isklander ARGs Plymouth Point, The Mermaid's Tongue, and The Kindling Hour, as well as the London-based Resident Evil 2 Safe House experience. Why I Love is a series of guest editorials on intended to showcase the ways in which game developers appreciate each other's work.

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