As single-player games continue to evolve, developers have been able to pull even more from other mediums to enhance the player experience through things like deeper stories and even cinematography. Naughty Dog, in particular, has been at the forefront of these types of experiences by translating cinematic moments into gameplay for theUnchartedfranchise. However, it isThe Last of Us Part 2which has drawn the praise of the Russo Brothers, the directing duo behindAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame, who believe the game is one of the best games out there.
The Last of Us Part 2is the sequel to Naughty Dog’s hit 2013 gameThe Last of Us, picking up four years after the events of the first game. Players trade Joel for Ellie this time around as she sets out on a quest for revenge after her new home and those she cares about are threatened by other survivors outside their settlement. It also follows Abby, another survivor who finds herself hunted by dangerous forces in and around the remnants of Seattle, Washington, which puts her on a collision course with Ellie.
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The subject ofThe Last of Us Part 2came up as part of a video IGN posted to its official YouTube featuringthe Russo Brothers, both of whom were on hand to promote their new film with Netflix,The Gray Man. As part of the video, the duo got to flex their directing muscles and rate cinematic chase sequences in games in honor of an action-packed chase set-piece from their new film. Among the clips was the Rat King chase fromThe Last of Us Part 2where Abby is being chased by the monstrous creature, prompting Joe Russo to say it was “one of the great games ever made.”
The Russo Brothers had nothing but praise for Naughty Dog’s construction of the sequence, with Joe noting how it effectively uses “limited POV” along with cinematography and sound design to build tension. Anthony adds the series of obstacles put in Abby’s way, along with limiting how often the player sees the Rat King, adds tension to the scene. Joe had what may have been the biggest compliment for the scene, though, saying it was “a page” fromSteven Spielberg’s “playbook.”
The high praise from the directing duo behind some of themost popular Marvel Cinematic Universe filmsis a major stamp of approval forNaughty Dog, alone. However, it is also reflective of how far single-player games have come in being able to deliver an experience that can rival those seen on television and movie screens regularly. It is this type of experience Naughty Dog appears to have been striving toward betweenThe Last of UsandUnchartedseries, but while the Russos did share some praise for the latter, it wasThe Last of Uswhich seemed to stand out.
The Last of Us Part 2is currently available on PS4.
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