The Last of Us Part II is a video game that goes beyond the surface-level mechanics of shooting and killing zombies. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game’s narrative explores themes like revenge, forgiveness, love, loss, and redemption. The game portrays its characters and their relationships with sensitivity and nuance, including romantic relationships, friendships, and even the relationships between enemies. The game’s unconventional narrative structure presents different perspectives on the story and explores the motivations of different characters. The Last of Us Part II is a masterclass in video game storytelling that has resonated with players around the world.

Beyond Shooting and Killing: Exploring the Narrative of The Last of Us Part II

Introduction

The Last of Us Part II is a video game developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2020. The game follows the story of Ellie, a young survivor in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned most of humanity into zombies. The game has received critical acclaim for its visuals, gameplay, and storytelling, and has won numerous awards.

While the gameplay involves a lot of shooting and killing of infected and other human enemies, the game’s narrative goes beyond mere violence. The Last of Us Part II delves deep into themes like forgiveness, revenge, love, loss, and redemption, and presents a complex and nuanced story that has resonated with players around the world. In this article, we will explore the narrative of The Last of Us Part II, and how it goes beyond the surface-level mechanics of the game.

Characterization and Relationships

One of the key strengths of The Last of Us Part II is the way it portrays its characters and their relationships. Ellie is the game’s protagonist, and the player experiences the story through her eyes. The game also features a rich cast of supporting characters, each with their own personalities, motivations, and flaws.

The game explores relationships in various forms, including romantic relationships, friendships, parent-child relationships, and even the relationships between enemies. Ellie’s relationship with her girlfriend Dina is a central aspect of the game, and the game handles it with sensitivity and nuance. The game also explores Ellie’s relationship with Joel, her surrogate father figure, and how that relationship is complicated by past events and secrets.

Themes

The Last of Us Part II is a game that isn’t afraid to tackle complex themes and issues. One of the main themes of the game is revenge, and how it can consume a person and lead to a cycle of violence. The game explores revenge from multiple angles, including Ellie’s desire to avenge Joel’s death, Abby’s motivations for seeking revenge against Joel, and the impact of revenge on those around the avenger.

The game also explores themes like PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the consequences of violence. The game doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of the post-apocalyptic world it portrays, but it also presents moments of hope and humanity in the midst of the despair.

Narrative Structure

The Last of Us Part II stands out for its unconventional narrative structure. The game does not follow a linear storytelling format, instead opting for a non-linear approach that jumps back and forth in time. This allows the game to present different perspectives on the story and explore the motivations of different characters.

The game also features a few key moments where the player’s expectations are subverted, such as the identity of a major villain, or the ending of the game itself. These moments force the player to question their assumptions and recognize the complexity of the story being told.

Conclusion

The Last of Us Part II is a game that goes beyond the surface-level mechanics of shooting and killing zombies. It presents a complex and nuanced narrative that explores themes like revenge, forgiveness, and the consequences of violence. It does so through well-developed characters, complex relationships, and a non-linear narrative structure that keeps the player engaged from start to finish.

The game has been praised for its storytelling, and it’s not hard to see why. The Last of Us Part II is a masterclass in video game storytelling, and it’s a game that will be remembered for years to come.