Mitch Lim

***SPOILER*** The gameplay mechanics is similar to the first part. With the addition of dogs and grass, and also a new type of infected. No complaints there. Story wise for TLOU2, however, is a far cry from the first game. Long time fans of TLOU have loved the game solely because of the bond between Joel and Ellie. While I understand the thought processes behind the bold move of killing off Joel, I feel that they should not have done so so early in the game. I mean, 2h into the game and Joel is dead? And I have to play as Joel’s killer for around 50% of the entire gameplay? Granted, I actually sympathised a little with Abby after experiencing her side of the story but come on Naughty Dog, making the player (Abby) fight Ellie, and then making us fight Abby again? That got old really quick. The whole time I was more annoyed than actually enjoying the game. Also, the story would have been really good if, instead of Abby killing Joel, she killed Tommy instead. And Joel would go after Abby for revenge, with Ellie following behind. This would have made more sense, and would have hit closer to home, since the first game was built upon these 2 characters. If Joel had died at the end of the game, it would have made so much more impact. One last thing, why make a teaser with Joel appearing, when in the actual gameplay, it was another character instead? Neil Druckmann has mentioned that its to protect the story. But come on, we all know that was a move to market the game, with the hype surrounding Joel. Great move, Naughty Dog. (Also, did not appreciate Neil Druckmann’s self insert in TLOU2 as “Dr Uckmann”)