30 thoughts on “Santa Barbara | The Last of Us: Pt. 2 | Ep. 13 (FINALE)”
Major apologizes over how long this has taken! This video was supposed to be up hours ago, but I have been in a battle of wills with the YouTube HD processor and copyright claims since yesterday. Other then that enjoy the video and be prepared for nearly 40 minutes of analysis at the end 😅
I saw the story as Ellie wrestling with her own guilt for not forgiving Joel fully. Her ability to forgive him was taken away with his death. She projected her own self hatred for not forgiving him onto Abby, and killing Abby represented killing the part of herself that wouldn't forgive Joel. In the end Abby becomes Joel to Lev, and Ellie becomes Abby. When she actually finds Abby, you can see her instant hesitation. A part of her realizes that this isn't about her and Abby, it's about her and Joel. It's really a beautiful story.
One of the biggest things for me in this game was as I was playing as Abby. I didn't like her at first, of course. The way I was able to warm up to her was through the eyes of her friends, especially Owen. I ended up totally falling in love with Owen. He was such a great guy. When I was playing as Ellie, I was such on a rampage with her that I didn't really pay attention to whom I was killing. But after falling in love with Owen, I had this moment when we were in one of his cut scenes where it hit me – wait a second, did I kill this guy as Ellie?? I went back in the game to check, and realized I did kill him! I was so upset, that I started crying – and bawled my eyes out. He was such a good guy, he had all these hopes, and it was so senseless and unfair the way he died. It broke my heart. But that's one of the amazing aspects of this game, is that it can show you something you hate – but you end up turning around and seeing something you love when you look at it from another angle. There was no enemy anymore – it humanized the enemy. It is frustrating that Abby and Ellie never get to know each other's truth, but I think that's part of the lesson of this story – is that our perception is never accurate – it's only coming through our own filter which is marred by our own trauma.
One last thought – my friend and I have a theory that people who have issues with empathy don't get this game because the story can't make sense if you don't know how to empathize. It's normal for younger people (teenagers and kids) to not have fully developed their empathy as well. So a lot of the harsh criticism comes from those who lack an ability to absorb the story.
I am glad that you enjoyed the game for what it is, instead of others who created this narrative in their heads. I loved the game, and when it swapped to Abby, I remember being curious to see her side of the story. This game is a masterpiece and stuck to its guns of being critical and not giving any room for comfort to the player.
The series was well run and the final conclusions were pleasant to listen to and I didn't feel the time passing. As for your opinion about the game, I fully agree.
As for me: Due to these large pre-premiere leaks and the hate that appeared on this game, the huge enthusiasm for this production disappeared and I decided to wait out this brawl and after some time evaluate the game myself with the considerable fears that accompanied me. From the very beginning, the game captivates with graphics, shots, acting, sound, and it deals with very difficult topics in a mature way. However, the prologue made me take a break from playing for a while. When I returned to my first day in Seattle, I let myself be carried away by this world and chasing Abby to blindly take revenge. This long production allows us to reflect on many aspects of life many times, especially in the 2nd and 3rd day of our stay in Seattle as Ellie and the whole path on Abby's side, which can be understood more and more, to get to know her and her group, and in particular with Yara and Lev. This is something I have never experienced before in any game. Absolutely top gameplay that does not get bored and an outstanding sequence of events in which you suffer because you do not get another hero, happy events that can let you break away from the world and feel like someone outstanding and unreal. Oh no, this game strikes with realism – due to human mistakes, weaknesses, endless circle of violence and self-hatred even in the face of such an apocalypse. Everyone expected after 7 years of adventures like in part 1, but it would not make sense, they had no reason to travel anymore. Something had to happen that would destroy this world of them, and the consequences of ending Part 1 had to emerge. You might as well end the story, because part 2 already makes the heroes so devastated that now they should have a relative rest. However, part 3 will surely arise in a few years and the fear to think how good it will be and at the same time destroy us internally again.
Great job Naughty Dog! It is worth waiting so many years for such games.
I almost totally agree with your assessment! The idea of a game in between the first and this one to give us the Salt Lake Crew's journey to give us their perspective before we find out who they were connected to is a great idea! I also agree about your assessment regarding Joel's reactions to Abby when he first meets Abby. Being paternal, he was likely thinking, "This kid is the same age as mine (Ellie) so I have to protect her." That is a very Joel way to think. You're also right about the dreams/flashbacks. Both "fathers" smile at their daughters and the daughters are able to let it go. Yara along with Jesse are the two "purest intentioned" people in the game and they were awesome. I also really like Lev. He's just a really good kid!
It was incredible watching your journey, especially the moment you were insulting and wishing pain on abby when she’s with her Dad, all the way to the end, where you didn’t want her hurt. And Lev, too. The pain of that final fight. It’s all so brutal, and you reminded me of myself playing the first time. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts so freely; your vulnerability is courageous and inspiring!
Hi Cynth …I'm so glad I watch your analysis at the end. It was so good. You finally got it. Empathy. Smart gal. If Ellie had killed Abby she would have destroyed her humanity and doomed herself to permanent mental illness. Empathy is the only way to find closure and heal the trauma. It's hard to break free of the revenge cycle but it's the only solution. Haters of the game wanted the good guy to kill the bad guy, and everyone lives happily ever after. Neil Druckman said screw that and kicked the Hollywood blueprint into the long grass. It was brave and it created a masterpiece. Regarding pacing or any criticisms you have, hold them until you replay it at least 3 times, because you see everything with new eyes on the replay and everything makes perfect sense. There are no flaws.
The Last Of Us was the best game ever made. The Last Of Us 2 is now without doubt the best game ever made. So glad you enjoyed it because I've loved watching your smart skilful gameplay. It's a crushing game. It's not a feel good game. But it's essential. Let's be honest, half the world cannot show empathy, so Neil had his work cut out trying to bring them around. He literally set himself the task that if he cannot make the player feel empathy for Abby by the end of the game, then he has failed. But some people cannot feel empathy at all. They are in it for the revenge. That's why we have wars. Germany vs Jews, Russia vs Ukraine, WLF vs the Scars, team Ellie vs team Abby.
Think Joel is selfish by killing everyone could of left marlyen and the doctors in hospital lived just nasty what he did to the whole world and not caring about other lives but Ellie he feels guilt and sad about his daughter death and sees his daughter thro Ellie I only liked one character in this game is Abby I see Joel is nasty of what he did and selfish wasn’t sad at all when he died kinda knew from part one what he did and knew thers big story behind Abby and why she killed him Abby all the ways and feel thers goin be part 3 Ellie and Abby will meet and be understanding eachother and it’s goin be great
An extremely insightful , intricate, and incredibly intelligent analysis of this game. Probably the best I've heard. She should write for a digital entertainment/movie publication.
I'm an instant subscriber after watching this series! Man, thank you so much for this amazing playthrough. I've watched a lot of playthroughs of this game and I firmly believe the person playing/commentating completely changes the experience. It's so refreshing seeing someone go into this game with an open mind, and watching your journey from hating Abby to loving her and her story as much as Ellie's was amazing. It was such a natural development and, to me, the way you played is exactly how people should experience this phenomenal game <3
I watch a new playthrough of this game every couple of months since its release and i have to say yours is one of my favorites ❤️ I loved watching you grow from purposefully killing Abby to loving and defending her lol. also, thank you for debunking the "Joel was out of character" critique, it's so ridiculous, I agree with you 100%. anyway, LOVED this playthrough and your analysis. thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. it's a truly special game
absolutely adored this playthrough – i've watched a ton of them and this might be my favorite one – I know there are many people whom the game/story didn't work for but you, like me, went through all the same emotional beats that they wanted us to. I feel bad for people that it didn't land for, cuz man, what an experience.
I completely disagree about your idea to make a game in between this one and the first one to get us emotionally invested in the salt lake crew before we see them die. It was important to the emotional resonance of the story that we be fully invested in killing them *while they are being killed*. So that when we do learn about them, when we become invested in them, we see what we've done in a new light. So that we understand how easy it is to get invested in the need for revenge, before introducing the real emotional and physical cost of revenge. The first part is supposed to feel like a classic revenge story and the rug-pull they did with the second half was honestly masterful.
So, I never had any stake in it having never played the first game, but it seems looking back that 80-90% of the criticism(mostly centered around Abby and company) really boiled down to one thing. I think a lot of people were expecting this game to be "comfort food" and just be a continuation of Ellie and Joel's adventures. It's almost universal that people absolutely hate Abby and her friends at first, and I think most of the vocal criticism were from people that just checked out mentally after Joel's death, and just went on to try and tear everything about the game down after that.
There are some really great themes about the dangers of tribalism and revenge. On the surface it's reasonable that Ellie would want to bring Joel's murderers to justice, it's also reasonable that Abby would want to kill the man who murdered her father and a bunch of other people, but it's also reasonable that Joel would go to any lengths to save Ellie's life after all they'd been through, and it's reasonable to justify sacrificing 1 girl to develop a vaccine/cure that could save millions. In the end though, all these "reasonable" actions just led to a bunch of people dying for nothing really. Sure you could say Abby and Ellie both found some closure, but if I'm Jesse or Manny(speaking of which, the way those 2 died was a pretty good mirror image between the 2 sides of the story) or Mel I'm gonna say "fuck your closure, that's not worth me dying. You want closure go see a therapist".
Still, all those themes and messages are going to be lost on people who just said "fuck this game" after Joel's death and don't look for any other value.
I will say though, while this kind of story has a lot of value, I do feel these grim and depressing stories become over represented in media. I definitely get people who miss more aspirational content in movies/games/TV.
Hello, recently stumbled across your channel and this playthrough of LoU2. Wanted to drop you a note to tell you I very much enjoyed it and watching your journey of experiencing the game. Id also be remiss if I didn’t mention some stellar gameplay! Some of your stealth and quick shot accuracy were astounding! Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for encapsulating all your thoughts at the end. Discussion of the many themes and emotions of the game is one of its most valued byproducts. I too also greatly enjoyed the game, at 53 LoU 1&2 are my favourite games of all time and the story they tell are among my top 10 stories period. Wishing you continued success with your channel.
Well-reviewed, the storyline is so deep and dramatic from the beginning to the end. (God only knows how many tears did I drop because of this phenomenal game LOL.) I am looking forward to seeing the series version of TLOU.
Thank you for your commitment and your cheerful soul throughout this amazing journey.
Like i said before i've seen 50+ walkthroughs and i'm blown away with how perceptive and insightful you are. Thank you so much for sharing this with The Rest Of Us. <3
People hated this game for a lot more reasons than "I like Joel, game sad" Personally what irked me the most was the recycling of the father/daughter dynamic but doing so through the weird paternal reverse-androgenic Abby/Lev relationship. Neil or some writer has some serious daddy issues. The TLOU universe is bar none the best zombie universe, and the first game took us through it in an epic story with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. Then we get this turd that's nothing but a petty revenge tale about two women obsessed with their father figures, an obsession that drives both of them to commit heinous acts. Again, daddy issues anyone? And then there's the fact that they just plain insulted Joel and Tommy by making them look like bumbling morons. We're supposed to believe that they would just walk right into a trap like that? That they wouldn't be suspicious at all of a group of military aged men and women wearing militia patches from a group Tommy is aware of, who set up shop right outside of town? That means they're either desperate deserters or on a mission that probably involves the town, either way you don't stroll into a basement full of them and then stand with your back to half of them in the middle of the room. The way that whole sequence played out was just stupid and low effort. Joel's character deserved a better ending.
Major apologizes over how long this has taken! This video was supposed to be up hours ago, but I have been in a battle of wills with the YouTube HD processor and copyright claims since yesterday. Other then that enjoy the video and be prepared for nearly 40 minutes of analysis at the end 😅
I saw the story as Ellie wrestling with her own guilt for not forgiving Joel fully. Her ability to forgive him was taken away with his death. She projected her own self hatred for not forgiving him onto Abby, and killing Abby represented killing the part of herself that wouldn't forgive Joel. In the end Abby becomes Joel to Lev, and Ellie becomes Abby. When she actually finds Abby, you can see her instant hesitation. A part of her realizes that this isn't about her and Abby, it's about her and Joel. It's really a beautiful story.
One of the biggest things for me in this game was as I was playing as Abby. I didn't like her at first, of course. The way I was able to warm up to her was through the eyes of her friends, especially Owen. I ended up totally falling in love with Owen. He was such a great guy. When I was playing as Ellie, I was such on a rampage with her that I didn't really pay attention to whom I was killing. But after falling in love with Owen, I had this moment when we were in one of his cut scenes where it hit me – wait a second, did I kill this guy as Ellie?? I went back in the game to check, and realized I did kill him! I was so upset, that I started crying – and bawled my eyes out. He was such a good guy, he had all these hopes, and it was so senseless and unfair the way he died. It broke my heart. But that's one of the amazing aspects of this game, is that it can show you something you hate – but you end up turning around and seeing something you love when you look at it from another angle. There was no enemy anymore – it humanized the enemy. It is frustrating that Abby and Ellie never get to know each other's truth, but I think that's part of the lesson of this story – is that our perception is never accurate – it's only coming through our own filter which is marred by our own trauma.
One last thought – my friend and I have a theory that people who have issues with empathy don't get this game because the story can't make sense if you don't know how to empathize. It's normal for younger people (teenagers and kids) to not have fully developed their empathy as well. So a lot of the harsh criticism comes from those who lack an ability to absorb the story.
Ellie: Does baby voice.
Half of all YT gamers: 🤯
I am glad that you enjoyed the game for what it is, instead of others who created this narrative in their heads. I loved the game, and when it swapped to Abby, I remember being curious to see her side of the story. This game is a masterpiece and stuck to its guns of being critical and not giving any room for comfort to the player.
The series was well run and the final conclusions were pleasant to listen to and I didn't feel the time passing. As for your opinion about the game, I fully agree.
As for me:
Due to these large pre-premiere leaks and the hate that appeared on this game, the huge enthusiasm for this production disappeared and I decided to wait out this brawl and after some time evaluate the game myself with the considerable fears that accompanied me. From the very beginning, the game captivates with graphics, shots, acting, sound, and it deals with very difficult topics in a mature way. However, the prologue made me take a break from playing for a while. When I returned to my first day in Seattle, I let myself be carried away by this world and chasing Abby to blindly take revenge. This long production allows us to reflect on many aspects of life many times, especially in the 2nd and 3rd day of our stay in Seattle as Ellie and the whole path on Abby's side, which can be understood more and more, to get to know her and her group, and in particular with Yara and Lev. This is something I have never experienced before in any game. Absolutely top gameplay that does not get bored and an outstanding sequence of events in which you suffer because you do not get another hero, happy events that can let you break away from the world and feel like someone outstanding and unreal. Oh no, this game strikes with realism – due to human mistakes, weaknesses, endless circle of violence and self-hatred even in the face of such an apocalypse. Everyone expected after 7 years of adventures like in part 1, but it would not make sense, they had no reason to travel anymore. Something had to happen that would destroy this world of them, and the consequences of ending Part 1 had to emerge. You might as well end the story, because part 2 already makes the heroes so devastated that now they should have a relative rest. However, part 3 will surely arise in a few years and the fear to think how good it will be and at the same time destroy us internally again.
Great job Naughty Dog! It is worth waiting so many years for such games.
Overweight Kevin Nash 😆
I really enjoyed your playthrough of this
I almost totally agree with your assessment! The idea of a game in between the first and this one to give us the Salt Lake Crew's journey to give us their perspective before we find out who they were connected to is a great idea! I also agree about your assessment regarding Joel's reactions to Abby when he first meets Abby. Being paternal, he was likely thinking, "This kid is the same age as mine (Ellie) so I have to protect her." That is a very Joel way to think. You're also right about the dreams/flashbacks. Both "fathers" smile at their daughters and the daughters are able to let it go. Yara along with Jesse are the two "purest intentioned" people in the game and they were awesome. I also really like Lev. He's just a really good kid!
It was incredible watching your journey, especially the moment you were insulting and wishing pain on abby when she’s with her Dad, all the way to the end, where you didn’t want her hurt. And Lev, too. The pain of that final fight. It’s all so brutal, and you reminded me of myself playing the first time. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts so freely; your vulnerability is courageous and inspiring!
Hi Cynth …I'm so glad I watch your analysis at the end. It was so good. You finally got it. Empathy. Smart gal. If Ellie had killed Abby she would have destroyed her humanity and doomed herself to permanent mental illness. Empathy is the only way to find closure and heal the trauma. It's hard to break free of the revenge cycle but it's the only solution. Haters of the game wanted the good guy to kill the bad guy, and everyone lives happily ever after. Neil Druckman said screw that and kicked the Hollywood blueprint into the long grass. It was brave and it created a masterpiece. Regarding pacing or any criticisms you have, hold them until you replay it at least 3 times, because you see everything with new eyes on the replay and everything makes perfect sense. There are no flaws.
The Last Of Us was the best game ever made. The Last Of Us 2 is now without doubt the best game ever made. So glad you enjoyed it because I've loved watching your smart skilful gameplay. It's a crushing game. It's not a feel good game. But it's essential. Let's be honest, half the world cannot show empathy, so Neil had his work cut out trying to bring them around. He literally set himself the task that if he cannot make the player feel empathy for Abby by the end of the game, then he has failed. But some people cannot feel empathy at all. They are in it for the revenge. That's why we have wars. Germany vs Jews, Russia vs Ukraine, WLF vs the Scars, team Ellie vs team Abby.
Loved your gameplay. This game is a crazy experience.
Maybe you could try Hollow Knight? GOTY material.
Enjoyed you play through very much u sooo good at hiding from enemies enjoyed that much lol 👍🏻 such good gamer looking forward watch play more games 😊
Think Joel is selfish by killing everyone could of left marlyen and the doctors in hospital lived just nasty what he did to the whole world and not caring about other lives but Ellie he feels guilt and sad about his daughter death and sees his daughter thro Ellie I only liked one character in this game is Abby I see Joel is nasty of what he did and selfish wasn’t sad at all when he died kinda knew from part one what he did and knew thers big story behind Abby and why she killed him Abby all the ways and feel thers goin be part 3 Ellie and Abby will meet and be understanding eachother and it’s goin be great
I'm gonna miss watching you playing this game, unfortunately I can't erase my memory so I can watch like it's the first time!
Greetings from Brasil!
An extremely insightful , intricate, and incredibly intelligent analysis of this game. Probably the best I've heard.
She should write for a digital entertainment/movie publication.
I'm an instant subscriber after watching this series! Man, thank you so much for this amazing playthrough. I've watched a lot of playthroughs of this game and I firmly believe the person playing/commentating completely changes the experience. It's so refreshing seeing someone go into this game with an open mind, and watching your journey from hating Abby to loving her and her story as much as Ellie's was amazing. It was such a natural development and, to me, the way you played is exactly how people should experience this phenomenal game <3
I watch a new playthrough of this game every couple of months since its release and i have to say yours is one of my favorites ❤️ I loved watching you grow from purposefully killing Abby to loving and defending her lol. also, thank you for debunking the "Joel was out of character" critique, it's so ridiculous, I agree with you 100%. anyway, LOVED this playthrough and your analysis. thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. it's a truly special game
Having finally played both which one is your favorite Last of Us 2 or Detroit Become Human ? They're my two favorite story games of all time
absolutely adored this playthrough – i've watched a ton of them and this might be my favorite one – I know there are many people whom the game/story didn't work for but you, like me, went through all the same emotional beats that they wanted us to. I feel bad for people that it didn't land for, cuz man, what an experience.
I completely disagree about your idea to make a game in between this one and the first one to get us emotionally invested in the salt lake crew before we see them die. It was important to the emotional resonance of the story that we be fully invested in killing them *while they are being killed*. So that when we do learn about them, when we become invested in them, we see what we've done in a new light. So that we understand how easy it is to get invested in the need for revenge, before introducing the real emotional and physical cost of revenge. The first part is supposed to feel like a classic revenge story and the rug-pull they did with the second half was honestly masterful.
So, I never had any stake in it having never played the first game, but it seems looking back that 80-90% of the criticism(mostly centered around Abby and company) really boiled down to one thing. I think a lot of people were expecting this game to be "comfort food" and just be a continuation of Ellie and Joel's adventures. It's almost universal that people absolutely hate Abby and her friends at first, and I think most of the vocal criticism were from people that just checked out mentally after Joel's death, and just went on to try and tear everything about the game down after that.
There are some really great themes about the dangers of tribalism and revenge. On the surface it's reasonable that Ellie would want to bring Joel's murderers to justice, it's also reasonable that Abby would want to kill the man who murdered her father and a bunch of other people, but it's also reasonable that Joel would go to any lengths to save Ellie's life after all they'd been through, and it's reasonable to justify sacrificing 1 girl to develop a vaccine/cure that could save millions. In the end though, all these "reasonable" actions just led to a bunch of people dying for nothing really. Sure you could say Abby and Ellie both found some closure, but if I'm Jesse or Manny(speaking of which, the way those 2 died was a pretty good mirror image between the 2 sides of the story) or Mel I'm gonna say "fuck your closure, that's not worth me dying. You want closure go see a therapist".
Still, all those themes and messages are going to be lost on people who just said "fuck this game" after Joel's death and don't look for any other value.
I will say though, while this kind of story has a lot of value, I do feel these grim and depressing stories become over represented in media. I definitely get people who miss more aspirational content in movies/games/TV.
Hello, recently stumbled across your channel and this playthrough of LoU2. Wanted to drop you a note to tell you I very much enjoyed it and watching your journey of experiencing the game. Id also be remiss if I didn’t mention some stellar gameplay! Some of your stealth and quick shot accuracy were astounding! Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for encapsulating all your thoughts at the end. Discussion of the many themes and emotions of the game is one of its most valued byproducts. I too also greatly enjoyed the game, at 53 LoU 1&2 are my favourite games of all time and the story they tell are among my top 10 stories period. Wishing you continued success with your channel.
thank you for playing tlou it was a pleasure watching you play you really understant the story which many didint get it
Well-reviewed, the storyline is so deep and dramatic from the beginning to the end. (God only knows how many tears did I drop because of this phenomenal game LOL.) I am looking forward to seeing the series version of TLOU.
Thank you for your commitment and your cheerful soul throughout this amazing journey.
Based on its ending; gotta ask yourself, how to top part 1’s ending. Not easy.
Like i said before i've seen 50+ walkthroughs and i'm blown away with how perceptive and insightful you are. Thank you so much for sharing this with The Rest Of Us. <3
Amazing game!!
People hated this game for a lot more reasons than "I like Joel, game sad"
Personally what irked me the most was the recycling of the father/daughter dynamic but doing so through the weird paternal reverse-androgenic Abby/Lev relationship. Neil or some writer has some serious daddy issues.
The TLOU universe is bar none the best zombie universe, and the first game took us through it in an epic story with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. Then we get this turd that's nothing but a petty revenge tale about two women obsessed with their father figures, an obsession that drives both of them to commit heinous acts. Again, daddy issues anyone?
And then there's the fact that they just plain insulted Joel and Tommy by making them look like bumbling morons. We're supposed to believe that they would just walk right into a trap like that? That they wouldn't be suspicious at all of a group of military aged men and women wearing militia patches from a group Tommy is aware of, who set up shop right outside of town? That means they're either desperate deserters or on a mission that probably involves the town, either way you don't stroll into a basement full of them and then stand with your back to half of them in the middle of the room. The way that whole sequence played out was just stupid and low effort. Joel's character deserved a better ending.