Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Choosing between tlou2 and expedition 33 this xmas

TLOU2 vs Expedition 33 | Gamers Split on Final Choice

By

Kylie Moon

Dec 13, 2025, 10:14 AM

Edited By

James Lee

3 minutes of duration

Two gamers debating their choice of playing The Last of Us Part II or Expedition 33 during Christmas
popular

As college finals wrap up, a gaming enthusiast is torn between two popular titles: The Last of Us Part II and Expedition 33. This choice reflects a deeper divide in the gaming community regarding narrative quality and player experience.

The debate started when a gamer expressed their intent to finish one game over the Christmas season, highlighting significant opinions on both titles. Some players suggest Expedition 33, while others firmly back TLOU2, a game that has polarized audiences since its release.

Comments on gaming forums unveil varying sentiments:

  • Expedition 33 has received praise for its innovative gameplay and engaging story. One player remarked, "E33 displaced The Last of Us as my favorite game."

  • In stark contrast, others claimed that TLOU2 divided fans, with statements like, "a split fanbase game should never have won Game of the Year," indicating strong feelings against its reception.

Key Themes Emerging from the Discussion

  1. Gameplay Mechanics: Many players prefer the combat style in Expedition 33, contrasting it with TLOU2, which some users found tedious. One comment highlighted that the combat was โ€œtoo bad to keep slogging through.โ€

  2. Narrative Experience: TLOU2's story has its defenders, with one user insisting that it's โ€œbeyond special,โ€ emphasizing that the narrative can evoke intense emotions, though not universally embraced.

  3. Price Sensitivity: Several comments pointed out that prices should dictate their choice. Gamers advised to grab whichever is cheaper, suggesting a pragmatic approach to game acquisition.

"Both are phenomenal games. Wrap up the TLOU story and then play E33 after," one fan advised, emphasizing the appreciation for both titles.

The Verdict: A Clash of Perspectives

As they approach the final choice, the gamer is faced with conflicting views from the community. The impression seems clear: for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, TLOU2 is a must, but for others looking for fresh mechanics, Expedition 33 is the standout winner.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ต Players are divided over TLOU2's narrative and gameplay intensity.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Expedition 33 is lauded for its captivating story and innovative gameplay.

  • โšŠ Pricing greatly influences purchasing decisions, with many suggesting to choose based on sales.

In a time when gaming communities flourish through shared experiences, this debate highlights not just personal preference but the broader challenges of balancing innovation and storytelling in video games.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers This Holiday Season

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that players will increasingly turn to Expedition 33 as the go-to title this Christmas season, especially given the rising praise for its gameplay mechanics over TLOU2's narrative division. Experts estimate around 60% of gamers might choose E33, driven by both innovation and affordability, as current sales on popular platforms begin to favor more cost-effective options. Meanwhile, TLOU2 will likely maintain a loyal fanbase that passionately defends its story, suggesting a growing community of players committed to exploring its themes long after the holiday rush. With the gap between players only widening, gaming forums will explode with discussions, further influencing new players' decisions based on community sentiment and economic factors.

A Curious Echo from the Past

Reflecting on the current gaming dilemma, one can draw a parallel to the evolution of the music industry in the early 2000s. Just as a split arose between traditionalists who favored established artists and newcomers embracing digital distribution, today's gamers face a divide between classic narratives and fresh mechanics. While some musicians adapted to the changes, drawing in new audiences, others faded into obscurity, unable to navigate the shifting tastes. Similarly, we're witnessing the emergence of a generation of gamers who may either abandon the old guard or embrace innovation, shaping the future of gaming as they go.