TGA 2020 GOTY Winner - View Awards Archive
Uncompromising Survival Masterpiece

The Last of Us Part II Review

An in-depth analysis of Naughty Dog's record-setting Game of the Year 2020 winner, stealth combat, No Return roguelike mode, and emotional impact.

What is the Game About?

Five years after their perilous journey across a post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled in Jackson, Wyoming among a thriving community of survivors. When a devastating and violent event shatters that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance through the overgrown, rain-drenched ruins of Seattle.

The game daringly fractures player sympathy by splitting its 25+ hour campaign between Ellie and Abby—the woman responsible for Ellie's trauma. Through breathtaking combat choreography, brutal physics, and lifelike companion AI, The Last of Us Part II challenges players to confront the true cost of hate and the cycles of violence.

Game Performance & PS5 Remastered Analysis

Naughty Dog achieved an unprecedented technical benchmark with their proprietary engine:

PS5 Remastered (Native)

Runs at 60 FPS in Performance Mode (1440p upscaled) or native 4K 30 FPS Fidelity Mode, with unlocked VRR support reaching 70–90+ FPS on 120Hz displays.

No Return Roguelike Mode

PS5 Remastered adds the addictive 'No Return' mode featuring randomized combat encounters, branching paths, and 10 playable characters with distinct traits.

DualSense & Audio

Full DualSense haptic feedback integration, adaptive trigger tension for bow strings and shotguns, and spatial 3D audio.

Industry-Leading Accessibility

Over 60 accessibility settings including text-to-speech, audio cues, high-contrast display, and custom button remapping.

Launch Editions & Which Version to Buy

Priced at $49.99 for PS5 Remastered or $10 upgrade for PS4 owners:

  • PS5 Remastered Edition ($49.99): Complete base game, No Return roguelike mode, Lost Levels with developer commentary, and Guitar Free Play mode.
  • PS4 to PS5 Upgrade ($10.00): Anyone who owns the PS4 disc or digital copy can upgrade for just $10.

Recommendation: The PS5 Remastered Edition is the definitive way to experience the title.

Rating of the Game

96 / 100
(Masterpiece - TGA 2020 GOTY Winner)

Calculated from IGN 10/10 & 93/100 Metacritic. Won a record 7 trophies at The Game Awards 2020.

The Good & The Bad

The Good

  • Unmatched realism in combat animations, enemy vocalizations, and stealth
  • Daring, emotionally challenging dual-perspective narrative
  • Addictive 'No Return' survival mode in PS5 Remastered
  • Spectacular environmental detail and lighting in post-apocalyptic Seattle
  • Pioneering accessibility settings

The Bad

  • Intensely bleak and emotionally grueling tone

Similar Cinematic Action Games Comparison

Game Title Focus Combat Style MSRP / Sale Price Length
The Last of Us Part II Survival Horror / Narrative Visceral Stealth & Scavenging $49.99 (Sale: $29.99) 25 - 30 Hours
The Last of Us Part I Cinematic Action / Fatherhood Stealth & Resource Crafting $69.99 (Sale: $39.99) 15 - 18 Hours
Resident Evil 4 Remake Survival Horror Action Knife Parries & Gunplay $39.99 (Sale: $19.99) 16 - 20 Hours
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Cinematic Action-Adventure Cover Shooting & Grappling $49.99 (Sale: $19.99) 15 - 18 Hours

Is it Worth Buying?

The Verdict

The Last of Us Part II is a towering technical and artistic achievement that pushes gaming storytelling to its limits. Its visceral combat and unforgettable narrative make it a defining work of the medium.

Who Should Buy:

Fans of mature cinematic narratives, survival horror, stealth mechanics, and players who appreciate morally complex storytelling.

Discount Predictor

PS4 version frequently drops to $9.99–$19.99, while the PS5 Remastered version regularly goes on sale for $29.99–$39.99.

Major Sale Calendar

  • The Last of Us Day (September 26): Major franchise discounts.
  • Black Friday & Holiday Sales: Up to 50% off.
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