Ellie boasts upgraded mobility, a new Infected enemy type emerges, and much more.
Tim Turi
Senior Social Media Specialist, SIEA
Ellie's story continues in The Last of Us Part II, and I got a lucky opportunity to reunite with her at a recent hands-on preview event. The demo revealed copious gameplay details, from Ellie's improved mobility to new threats ranging from guard dogs to new evolutions of the infected. It also yielded a peek at the stunning visual enhancements Naughty Dog brings to the anticipated follow-up.
The early portion of the demo features heartfelt story moments between Ellie and her companion, Dina. Ellie was already a multifaceted protagonist in the previous game, but she’s now nineteen and her age shows in the depth of her character. She and Dina exchange playful teases, search each other’s eyes for signals, and dance around the topic of former lovers. My favorite moment between the two occurs when they enjoy a beautiful view of the Wyoming wilderness, and Ellie quietly curses to herself when she realizes she flubbed an opportunity to make a move. Moments like these showcase Ellie’s tenderness and vulnerability, and remind us of the little girl Joel fought to protect.
The second half of the demo further showcases Ellie’s violent side, and the lengths she’ll go to exact justice on those who hurt her loved ones. She faces a group of xenophobic survivors in Seattle who have captured Joel’s brother, Tommy. Ellie ventures into enemy territory to rescue him. Naughty Dog has gone through great lengths to convey that these enemies are people with lives and loved ones, not one-dimensional threats. Normally, sniping an enemy with a bow and arrow from considerable distance would come with some pride and relief. In The Last of Us Part II, it might be met by the shrieks of your victim’s loved ones yelling the deceased’s name in grief. Violence is sometimes necessary to survive and endure in this world, but it constantly weighed on my conscience.
This hard-hitting sequel takes the core gameplay of the original and expands players' tactical options at every turn. New threats and smarter enemies elevate the challenge to meet Ellie's enhanced range of abilities, so you'll need to learn new tricks to survive in an unforgiving world. The weight of my violent actions in the demo stuck with me just as long as my awe at the jaw-dropping world Naughty Dog is creating. Discover what the future holds for an older, wiser, and more dangerous Ellie when The Last of Us Part II comes to PS4 and PS4 Pro February 21, 2020.