[Spoiler Alert!] So i just beat the game recently.
The Story and Gameplay are really brilliant I must admit. Honestly, I enjoyed playing both Ellie and the much-hated Abby until the very end. The characters are very compelling and engaging. Nonetheless i gave the game 2 out of 5 rating because of its Impact.
I know it's just a freakin' game and should put aside my emotions when rating but I found the game very very depressing when compared to the first game. I don't mind the ultra-brutality of the gameplay but in the story, there is tragedy after tragedy after tragedy and it almost never stops. And i must admit that when Joel died I got really depressed. Characters die one after another. There is not a moment of relief or even a glimpse of it because as you play the game you can already assume that everything will end bitterly.
To a newcomer of this game I would likely recommend this but to those who have played and loved The Last of Us Part I, I give this warning that this sequel is something that may probably devastate you. But if you are brave enough, be sure to try this one and if you are not then pretend that this sequel does not exist at all and Joel and Ellie are still living peacefully ever after.
Respect and Peace!