Tlou2 is a true masterpiece. The story dares to take risks, pushing beyond the boundaries of what is conventional and expected in movies, series, and especially video games today. Its willingness to subvert tropes and challenge the audience is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often plays it safe.
The gameplay, level design, and animations are on another level compared to most modern games. Every detail is meticulously crafted, which makes the game feel real and hauntingly beautiful.
After finishing the game I was surprised to discover the backlash from some corners of the gaming community which made me curious enough to look into it. What I found is that much of the criticism comes from three places: the brutal death of a loved main character, the unconventional narrative choices, and main characters who don’t fit the classic straight male Hollywood archetypes.
I understand why these plot choices might make some players uncomfortable. But for me, this is precisely what makes tlou2 such a great work of art. It challenges us to confront our expectations and biases, offering a narrative that is as complex, unforgiving and challenging as the world it depicts.