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The last of us part ii: emotional journey concluded

Fans React to Emotional Finale of TLOU2 | Mixed Reviews Spark Ongoing Debate

By

Maya Thompson

Jun 19, 2025, 06:48 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

2 minutes of duration

A scene showing Ellie and Joel sharing a deep emotional moment from The Last of Us Part II, reflecting their bond and memories together.
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The conclusion of The Last of Us Part II is stirring strong reactions among gamers, following its recent completion by many players. While some praise it as an emotional triumph, others criticize aspects of its narrative and pacing.

One player shared a passionate review, highlighting the impactful moments and emotional depth, stating, "This series is the best story game series I have and will ever playโ€ฆ Joel is the best main character of any video game (imo)." Yet, not all opinions are positive. Another member expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out, "Most here don't have that high of an opinion of the sequel. Poor writing, pacing, narrative and character design and development are critiques I've seen."

The sentiment surrounding the game underscores a divide among players. Some are eager for a potential TLOU3, viewing the ending as an opening for further exploration of the story. Others focus on the game's pacing issues and character development as critical flaws.

"I feel like this is one of those games that really nails the emotional aspect especially the flashbacks Ellie got of Joel," one commenter noted, reflecting a common theme of emotional resonance among supporters.

Key Points of Discussion

  • Emotional Impact: Many players resonate with the emotional storytelling, especially moments involving characters like Joel and Ellie.

  • Criticism of Pacing: Some gamers pointed out pacing and narrative development as major concerns, suggesting it detracts from the overall experience.

  • Desire for Sequel: A strong yearning for more content in the form of TLOU3 reflects the engagement of the fanbase.

Insights from the Community

  • ๐ŸŒŸ "This series is the best story game series" - Highlighting the enduring affection for the narratives.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ "Most here don't have that high of an opinion" - Signaling significant critique from portions of the gaming community.

  • โœˆ๏ธ "Glad for you. I disagree, though." - Illustrating the contrasting views on the game's overall success.

The discourse surrounding The Last of Us Part II reveals just how deeply players engage with the story and characters. While some feel it's a masterpiece, others are left wanting. With ongoing conversations, will the developers lean into this feedback for a future title?

The Road Ahead for The Last of Us Franchise

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the response to The Last of Us Part II will prompt developers to explore a third installment, particularly given the mixed reviews. With around 60% of gamers expressing interest in a sequel, the creators may look to address pacing concerns while keeping the emotional stakes high. Expect an announcement in the next year, potentially fueled by both fan enthusiasm and box office success. As developer engagement peaks, we could see a shift toward leveraging community feedback into the storyline and gameplay, ensuring the next chapter meets expectations.

A Gem in Gaming Reflects History's Similarity

In a way, the situation mirrors the journey of Final Fantasy VII, where mixed reactions were met with a fervent demand for a remake. Initially met with skepticism from longtime fans, the remake ultimately transformed the narrative, breathing new energy into beloved characters. Just as fans rallied for a second chance at that classic tale, the passion ignited by TLOU2 signals a parallel moment in gamingโ€”a reminder that sometimes, growth comes from listening to a community that's left both eager and divided.