THE Last of Us Part 2 is just weeks away – and we’ve got all the information you need ahead of the hotly-anticipated game’s release.
The title has players shoot and hack their way through a post-apocalyptic Earth and is sure to be one of the year’s best-selling games.
What is The Last of Us Part 2?
Unsurprisingly, the Last of Us Part 2 (LOUP2) is the followup to 2013’s smash-hit game, The Last of Us.
The original title followed the story of Joel, a bereaved father who helps escort teenager Ellie across a post-apocalyptic America.
They’re forced to contend with zombie-style cannibal humans that have been taken over by a mutant fungus, as well as hostile people, too.
The new game is set five years after the original story ended, but you’ll now play as a 19-year-old Ellie, rather than an older and less sprightly Joel.
Joel and Ellie had settled down in Jackson, Wyoming, but a “violent event” disrupts that peace, according to Naughty Dog, the game’s developer.
“Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors,” Naughty Dog write on its website.
“When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure.
“As she hunts those responsible one by one, she is confronted with the devastating physical and emotional repercussions of her actions.”
Last of Us Part 2 gameplay
Like the original, there’s a heavy focus on stealth, with players encouraged to sneak up on enemies before quietly dispatching them.
Animations for these take-downs are brutal, with Ellie desperately wrestling with her foes before stabbing or bludgeoning them to death.
You’ll also engage in more open combat, using guns, Molotov cocktails, a bow and arrow and more to see off waves of on-rushing enemies.
According to Naughty Dog, the games studio behind the series, you’ll feel every punch and bullet thanks to the game’s gritty and realistic gameplay.
“New and evolved gameplay systems deliver upon the life-or-death stakes of Ellie’s journey through the hostile world,” the firm said.
“Feel her desperate struggle for survival through improved features such as high-intensity melee combat, fluid movement and dynamic stealth.
“A broad variety of weapons, crafting items, skills and updates allows you to personalise Ellie’s capabilities to your play style.”
When is The Last of Us: Part 2 out?
The Last of Us Part 2 was originally scheduled to release on May 29, 2020.
However, the game has been hit by multiple delays and setbacks as a result of the current global health crisis.
The hotly-anticipated title will launch on the PlayStation 4 on June 19.
You can pre-order ist on the PlayStation Store or over at Game, Amazon and many other online retailers.
TLOUP2 will also almost certainly come out on the PS5 when the new console hits shelves later this year.
Sony recently confirmed the PS5 was on track to launch in time for Christmas 2020.
Last of Us Part 2 story leaks
Unfortunately, parts of the game’s story leaked online last month – but don’t panic, we won’t be sharing any of that here.
Out-of-context scenes from the game spread like wildfire across social media, leaving game director Neil Druckman “heartbroken”.
Druckman wrote on Twitter: “Heartbroken for the team. Heartbroken for our fans. We’re still incredibly excited to get the game into your hands.”
Naughty Dog urged fans not to spoil the release for others.
“No matter what you see and hear, the final experience will be worth it,” the company wrote on Twitter.
In other news, the PlayStation 5 is on track for a Christmas 2020 release – but the console won’t come cheap.
Microsoft showed off its first Xbox Series X gameplay clips last month.
And, You can check your Xbox addiction over the past 10 years with the new ‘My Decade on Xbox’ tool.
