The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered CD Key

Users wrote

Steam reviews consistently praise The Last of Us Part II for its storytelling, visuals, and refined gameplay. Many readers highlight the bold dual-perspective narrative and the emotional impact of revenge and loss. Some criticism focuses on Abby’s sections, pacing, and a contentious tone in places. Overall, the game is celebrated for its technical excellence and cinematic presentation, even as some players debate its storytelling choices.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Powerful, dual-perspective storytelling (22 mentions) - The game tells Ellie and Abby’s stories from different viewpoints, creating a complex examination of revenge and its consequences. Reviewers frequently call this one of the most emotionally engaging narratives in gaming. The writing and performances are described as cinematic and bold, willing to challenge players’ sympathies. This narrative approach is cited as a standout strength across many reviews.
• Refined combat and stealth with added replayability (18 mentions) - Combat is described as tighter and more satisfying than in the first game, with improved gunplay and stealth mechanics. Reviewers note the pacing and variety of encounters, making fights feel tense and meaningful. No Return mode adds additional challenge and a way to experience the game without replaying the story. Overall, the gameplay supports the strong narrative rather than slowing it down.
• Stunning visuals and production quality (14 mentions) - Graphics, lighting, textures, and animations are repeatedly praised as among the best in games. Sound design and musical score contribute to a cinematic atmosphere and emotional depth. Port discussions note that PC updates and remasters help, though experiences vary by system. Overall, production values are a standout strength of the title.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Controversial themes and perceived political messaging (25 mentions) - A significant portion of reviews comment on the game’s handling of LGBT content and its political messaging. Some players view these elements as distracting or as a reason to be critical. The controversy is noted as a recurring sentiment among debates around the game. Despite the controversy, many reviewers still praise the storytelling quality.
• Abby’s sections can feel slow or unengaging (15 mentions) - Many reviews mention that playing as Abby slows the narrative pacing and can reduce immersion. Some players find Abby’s arc less compelling than Ellie’s. The shift in perspective disrupts the rhythm for a portion of the game.
• Ending and pacing issues (12 mentions) - Several players describe the ending as rushed or unsatisfying. Pacing complaints point to long segments and a delayed payoff. This sentiment appears across multiple reviews.
• Not as engaging as The Last of Us Part I (10 mentions) - A portion of reviews believe Part II is not as cohesive or engaging as Part I. Some players feel Part I delivered a stronger emotional arc overall. The difference in focus between the two games is a common point of comparison.
• PC port and technical issues (8 mentions) - There are reports of crashes, stuttering, and other technical problems on PC. Some players also mention port-related optimization challenges. The issues are not universal but are noted by several reviewers.

Compared Games

• The Last of Us Part I (15 mentions) - Many reviewers compare Part II to Part I, noting improvements in mechanics and visuals but ongoing debate about which game tells the story more effectively.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (6 mentions) - Some reviewers compare TLOU Part II’s ambition and storytelling with Red Dead Redemption 2, placing it among the strongest single-player experiences.
• Ghost of Tsushima (3 mentions) - A few reviews compare Part II’s production values and combat to Ghost of Tsushima, with mixed opinions on narrative impact.
• God of War (2018) (2 mentions) - Occasional mentions compare the cinematic presentation and scale to God of War (2018).
• Uncharted 4 (2 mentions) - Some reviewers reference Naughty Dog’s other titles like Uncharted 4 when discussing design philosophy.