Warren Watanabe

I completed the game and enjoyed the story. If the story was a generic revenge story for Ellie, then this game would be predictable, and I don't think the story would have been as powerful. Some spoilers below. I appreciated seeing Abby's perspective and her redemption character arc. Also seeing the WLF from Abby's perspective made for some humanizing of the WLF members Ellie would eventually kill. Watching Abby go from antagonist to protagonist was unexpected. Additionally, seeing Abby find her humanity only to face tragedy when the only man she loved is killed was powerful. Conversely, Ellie's trajectory is the exact opposite as Ellie begins to lose her humanity as she continues to seek vengeance. As I was playing through Ellie's story, I kept remembering the opening lyrics to Joel's song and realized this was foreshadowing what Ellie was going through. Although it was easy and enjoyable to seek revenge as Ellie. Watching the protagonist become the antagonist was disturbing to watch, but was ultimately an important lesson on the dangers of obsession. I understand why this story might not agree with everyone, but having a story that kills off a beloved character in the beginning and shows the messy nature of revenge, and the effects of trauma and violence was a brave move for Naughty Dog.