Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, The Last of Us was first released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3 console exclusively, before coming to PlayStation 4 a year later. There was much excitement surrounding the game's launch, and the action-adventure survival horror managed to surpass all expectations upon release.
It followed the story of Joel and Ellie: two leads played by Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson respectively through voice and motion capture. Joel was a middle-aged man with a tragic past, tasked with escorting young girl Ellie across the United States, in the midst of a post-apocalyptic setting plagued with zombie-like creatures. It was one of the most atmospheric and intense video game experiences players had ever gotten to grips with. Fans called for a sequel almost immediately, desperate to see where Joel and Ellie’s story would go next. Now, we’re just a few months away from that sequel becoming a reality…
When was the sequel announced?
In December 2016 at the PlayStation Experience event, it was revealed that The Last of Us Part 2 was in development. Fans would discover that the process of working on the sequel actually began soon after the release of the remastered original for PS4. The very first trailer for the game revealed the return of both Ellie and Joel, along with the five-year time-jump that will see players take control of a 19-year-old Ellie.
What is The Last of Us Part 2 going to be about?
With the time-jump will of course come a huge change to the way in which this story is going to be presented. Naughty Dog have confirmed it's going to be the longest video game they've ever made, with players taking control of Ellie despite handling Joel for the bulk of the original title. Creative Director Neil Druckmann - who's returning following his role on the first game - has stated that Part 2 will be centered around hate. That was certainly shown in a controversial trailer which had some calling for it to be pulled away from promotion, because of the level of violence.
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe president Jim Ryan defended the teaser, and said that the game is "made by adults to be played by adults". Druckmann added: "We're making a game about the cycle of violence and we're making a statement about violent actions and the impact they have... [the idea] was for the player to feel repulsed by some of the violence they are committing themselves."
To make your own mind up, check out the trailer below:
The game also introduces four new characters, including Yara (Victoria Grace), Lev (Ian Alexander), Emily (Emily Swallow) and an unnamed character voiced by Laura Bailey.
Which platforms will The Last of Us Part 2 be available on?
The Last of Us Part 2 will be available exclusively on PlayStation 4 consoles. With the next-gen PlayStation 5 console also set for release before the end of the year, we imagine we’ll be seeing a remastered or upgraded version come to the PS5 at some point in 2021.
When will The Last of Us Part 2 be released?
Originally planned for release on February 21st 2020, Druckmann revealed in October 2019 that the game would be pushed back until May 29th 2020. Though this drew groans from plenty of fans, the majority were happy that the studio wasn’t going to release the sequel until it was absolutely ready to be in the hands of consumers.
How many editions of the game will there be?
There are five different editions of The Last of Us Part 2 set to be released. There’s the standard physical/digital which is the full game, and some special in-game items for anybody who pre-orders. Then there’s the digital deluxe edition which also includes in-game items for those who pre-order, as well as exclusive content including a PS4 dynamic theme, six PSN avatars, a digital mini art book from Dark Horse and a digital soundtrack.
The special edition awards in-game items for anybody who pre-orders, and delivers a SteelBook case with the full game, as well as a PS4 dynamic theme, six PSN avatars, a digital soundtrack, a digital mini art book from Dark Horse and a physical 48-page mini art book from Dark Horse.
Those who choose the Collector's Edition receive in-game items if they pre-order, as well as everything from the Special Edition as well as a Thank You letter, Lithograph art print, replica of Ellie's bracelet, 12-inch Ellie statue, set of five stickers and set of six enamel pins.
Without a doubt, the most impressive release is the Ellie Edition of the game, but it’s unfortunately only available to players in the United States right now. This includes a replica of Ellie's backpack, a seven-inch vinyl record featuring music from the original soundtrack, a logo patch and everything from the Collector's Edition.