The Last of Us II: Here’s what we know about Naughty Dog’s upcoming release
You’d be forgiven if you thought that there’d be only one game; the ending of Last of Us was pretty conclusive. But, as it turns out, it wasn’t the last we would see of Ellie.
The sequel to the third-person action-adventure survival horror game is being developed by Naughty Dog and will be published exclusively by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation 4.
The Last of Us II: Index
- Updates
- Major plot points leaked
- New HBO Series
- Directors making fans proud
- How the franchise began
- September 2019 media event
- The Last of Us II: First look
- Plot and gameplay
- Cast
- Release date
- Last of Us II trailers
Update: 28 April 2020 – Major plot points and trailers leaked
Last Of Us fans need a win, and we may just have found the reprieve we so desperately long for. After numerous delays in the release of the sequel, here’s something to get your teeth into.
The Last of Us Part 2 is now the subject of a massive leak that includes revealing its major plot points, videos and screenshots. The origin of the leak, however, remains a mystery.
We do know that it comes from Brazil and includes a fairly new release build of the popular game. The videos keep disappearing as soon as they are uploaded, but fear not, some clever gamer made a plan.
A breakdown of the leaks can be viewed here. However, do note that it contains spoilers, so many spoilers. It might affect the impact the game has on you once it’s released in May 2020.
We don’t want to spoil the game for others, so it’s up to you whether you follow that link or not. If that doesn’t bother you, then go right ahead. We’ll leave Naughty Dog’s statement with you, just in case:
“We know the last few days have been incredibly difficult for you. We feel the same. It’s disappointing to see the release and sharing of pre-release footage from development. Do you best to avoid spoilers and we ask that you don’t spoil the game for others. The Last of Us Part II will be in your hands soon. No matter what you see and hear, the final experience will be worth it”.
Update: 24 March 2020 – New HBO series
The Last of Us franchise will be adapted into an HBO series under the direction of Chernobyl’s creator, Craig Mazin. Casting is currently underway.
Composer Gustavo Santaolalla, who composed the score for The Last of Us games – as well as the soundtracks for Brokeback Mountain and Making a Murderer – will be returning to collaborate on the new TV show adaptation.
If all goes according to plan, the show will be released in 2021, but it could still be delayed. Possible casting choices for the role of Ellie include Kaitlyn Dever, Maisie Williams, Sophia Lillis and Millly Bobby Brown.
Update: 14 January 2020 – Making fans proud
Last Of Us creative director, Neil Druckmann, said in response to Play Station’s Game of the Decade announcement that Naughty Dog wants to make its fans proud.
“Here’s the deal… Y’all keep being amazing fans and we’ll keep working hard to create great games that make you proud.”
Neil Druckmann
Druckmandn is one of the most lauded and respected people in the gaming industry and have set most fans’ minds at ease, despite the recent delay in the game’s release.
The Last of Us would have been released in the second half on 2019, but the launch was delayed to February 2020. Another delay moved the launch date to 29 May 2020.
Update:16 October 2019 – How the franchise began
The Last of Us Part II may very well be the most anticipated game at the moment, competing for first place probably only with Death Stranding. Director Neil Druckmann sheds light on the ambitious sequel in a recent interview.
Speaking to PlayStation, Druckmann explains that the idea for The Last of Us “came into focus” during a dinner appointment with the Ashley Johnson – the actress who portrays Ellie – back in 2013. He explains:
“I met with Ashley Johnson and I pitched her the idea for Left Behind. And I told her I had something else I was working on and I pitched her that idea. So she’s there in the restaurant crying, and I’m thinking ‘I hope people don’t think I’m doing something horrible.’ But that’s the first time I remember having some strong idea.”
At the time, Druckmann had already sussed out a basic beginning, middle and end, even though the story changed over time and during the course of development. Read more here.
Update: 11 September 2019 – Upcoming media event
Brace yourselves, Geoff Keighley confirmed on Twitter that The Last of Us Media event will be held on 24 September 2019.
We’re expecting to see new gameplay trailers, and hopefully the release date will also be revealed. For now, we know that the game will “possibly be released in February 2020,” but the rumour is yet to be confirmed.
Unfortunately, very little has been revealed about the game so far and this new event could clear up a few questions. We will share an update and a live stream as soon as it becomes available.
The Last of Us 2: First look
The Last of Us was a major hit when it was first released, so it’s only logical that we’d be getting a follow-up.
The sequel was first announced at PlayStation Experience in 2016, followed by additional trailer releases throughout 2017. At the time, however, the gameplay was still being kept under wraps.
We we treated to new trailers of the sequel at E3 2018, with the developers showcasing the game’s stealth-based combat as Ellie was fighting for her life.
We’ll include all the game trailers at the end of this article, be sure to check back regularly for updates.
Plot and gameplay
Part two takes place five years after the events of the first game. That means it’s roughly 25 years after the outbreak of the Cordyceps Brain Infection began. Ellie is now 19 while Joel is in his mid-fifties.
Ellie’s anger and hate fuels a major theme in the story, and gamers will journey through her evolution as a character. Joel will be taking a backseat this time around
As for the gameplay, Ellie can sneak quietly between areas, loot bodies for weapons and crafting supplies, and is a total bad-ass in close range combat against more advanced enemies.
The Last of Us 2 Cast
- Ashley Johnson as Ellie
- Troy Baker as Joel
- Victoria Grace as Yara
- Ian Alexander as Lev
- Emily Swallow as Emily
Johnson is a former child star who made name for herself as Chrissy Seaver in Growing Pains. You may also recognise her as the waitress who sang Captain America’s praises after he rescued civilians in Avengers.
The Last of Us 2 release date
Rumour had it that the The Last of Us 2 would be released towards the second half of 2019 but that never materialised. A release date for February 2020 seems more likely.
In an interview earlier this year, Johnson, who portrays Ellie, appears to begin to say February, but quickly covered up the faux pas. However, a February release date would be ideal, since Death Stranding took the November 2019 slot.
Watch: The Last of Us 2 Trailers
Please note, these trailers contain content which my be inappropriate for younger gamers.
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