[MINOR SPOILER ALERT]
The game is actually great. The amount of hate is just because of the fact that they are so attached to the characters on the first game and expect the same pattern on the sequel and I myself is guilty on that.
However, on an honest part - this game is like Naughty Dog saying to forget the original Last of Us story line because this is the new road where we will be taking you on a possible part 3 but its not that bad at all.
With all the hates you are seeing I still highly recommend playing it 'til the end though I agree that every one might have mix emotions and reactions on many factors but hey, its worth the try.
The game has splendid performance, animation fluency, impressive graphics pushing the PS4 to its limits. The story is not bad but we cannot deny that we are actually expecting a new Joel and Ellie journey but I don't think we will actually going to get one after this.
For me, this was actually fun at the same time saddening.