The Last of Us Part II is a masterclass in storytelling, gameplay, and marketing

🎮 When The Last of Us Part II launched in June 2020, it took over the industry. Following a seven-year wait that felt like a lifetime, Naughty Dog delivered a sequel that was technically flawless, narratively devastating, and culturally explosive. But to understand why it tore the gaming world apart, we have to rewind to the beginning.

The original The Last of Us arrived in June 2013, acting as the final curtain call for the PS3. The story of Joel and Ellie was universally beloved, setting a standard for cinematic storytelling that many argued could never be topped. For seven years, fans begged for a sequel, dreaming of another heartwarming cross-country road trip.

When Part II finally arrived, it wasn’t the comfort food fans wanted. Leaks ruined the surprise weeks before launch, revealing the shocking death of a beloved character and the introduction of Abby — a dual protagonist who forced players to walk a mile in their enemy’s shoes. The critical reception was a perfect 10/10 symphony, but the user reception was a war zone. Review bombing campaigns and heated internet debates turned the game into a litmus test for empathy, proving that Naughty Dog had succeeded in making players feel something intense, even if that feeling was pure rage.

The HBO effect: While the game was cinematic, the 2023 HBO adaptation truly cemented the franchise’s immortality. The show, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, didn’t just adapt the game; it validated it for the rest of the world. The HBO effect was immediate and lucrative. It drove sales of the Part I remake through the roof and pushed Part II back into the bestseller charts years after its release. Suddenly, the controversial story decisions of Part II were being consumed by non-gamers who hailed them as brilliant television dramas.

Today, in 2026, the dust has settled. The Last of Us Part II is widely regarded as a modern classic, its gameplay mechanics still unrivaled in the survival genre. The franchise has fully expanded beyond consoles, with the PC port of Part II (released in April 2025) finally bringing mouse-and-keyboard players into the emotional grinder. While Naughty Dog has moved on to new, unannounced projects, the legacy of Part II endures: it was the moment video games stopped trying to be fun and started trying to be art — and like all great art, it wasn’t afraid to make you hurt.

💯 Rating: 93/100 (Metacritic), 10/10 (IGN)

⌛ Hours of gameplay: ~25-30 hours

🔁 Replay value: 8/10

👾 Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC

💵 Price: USD 50 (remastered)