Andrew “AJ” Jones

Spoilers ahead. Read after you’ve played the entire game. I truly enjoyed this game. From top to bottom. I think it was a big leap of faith with the direction the creators decided. I also believe it hit the mark and then some. As for the backlash, those reviews have every right to be angry and upset. The marketing felt like a bait and switch. I personally perceived that Joel was going to help Ellie get revenge but instead ended up with something far more bitter. That is unfair and misleading. But I trust Naughty Dog. I trust their story telling; hence the first game. Cynically speaking, it was a risky move by Naughty Dog. Controversy does creates cash. I think that’s one (of the many) big leaps that Naughty Dog took. They were very aware that killing off a beloved character would split the fan base. However, in defense of the writers, Joel did commit unforgivable atrocities and at some point those actions have consequences. In other words, Abby represents the other side of Joe’s choices. That was a 10+ hour eye opening experience that I won’t forget. I also think most of those negative reviews are a bit short sighted with the overall message and storyline Naughty Dog was pushing to convey. To me, Abby and Ellie are on the same revenge story, just at different times of the revenge cycle. A cycle that begets more revenge. In the end, I didn’t know who was going to survive. What I found interesting is how people reacted to the ending. Lots of people felt Ellie NOT executing her revenge by murder Abby was ‘dumb’ and possibly unfulfilling. I saw it as an understated twist. If you think about it, if Abby didn’t let Ellie live (twice might I add) then Ellie wouldn’t have been able to save Abby in the end. Overall, I felt like the game was two separate redemption stories wrapped in revenge connected by heart break. How can two complex characters overcome their darkest intentions? I don’t know but Naughty Dog might have an idea.