The Last Of Us 2

24-06-2020 11:56am

Markitron wrote: »

I don't really understand why people would criticise this game for Ellie being a lesbian when that has been common knowledge for over 6 years now.

I had absolutely no issue with that aspect. I had just heard reports that it would be the focal point of the game.

Much as the same way I didn't give a **** about Nathan drake being straight, white and a man, but if uncharted became mostly about him fighting against the injustice of prejudice against "cis white men" but with an archaeological backdrop, id be pissed.

Thats the road I thought they were going down, especially when I heard sarkesian may be involved.

Hands up though, I was wrong.

Gyan84 · 24-06-2020 12:02pm

Penn wrote: »

That's definitely going to be key when going for collectibles for the platinum. I've scavenged everything as much as possible but no doubt I've missed one or two things here and there. Chapter select looks like you can pick up from pretty much any location or encounter

Chapter select works for the collectibles but as far as I know there isn't enough pills/gear pieces in one play through to get the upgrade related trophies.

EoinMcLovin · 24-06-2020 12:04pm

Gyan84 wrote: »

Chapter select works for the collectibles but as far as I know there isn't enough pills/gear pieces in one play through to get the upgrade related trophies.

Yeah for upgrades, you need to do new game +

SomeSayKos · 24-06-2020 12:05pm

Gyan84 wrote: »

Wasn't sure if I wanted a sequel when I finished the first game but I definitely don't want a sequel to this..

I think we're definitely getting a sequel to this or maybe something akin to 'Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. I didn't think I wanted a sequel to the first game but I definitely want a sequel to this. When I saw Abby at the pillars at the end of the game I was actually shocked. The suffering she must have endured is pretty grim and I'd like to see what happens to her and Lev. I also want to know what happens with Ellie now.

Penn · 24-06-2020 12:14pm

Gyan84 wrote: »

Chapter select works for the collectibles but as far as I know there isn't enough pills/gear pieces in one play through to get the upgrade related trophies.

Oh really? Damn. I did wonder about that but wasn't sure if maybe there were some caches of pills/gear I'd missed along the way that might make up the difference.

Markitron · 24-06-2020 12:50pm

Penn wrote: »

Oh really? Damn. I did wonder about that but wasn't sure if maybe there were some caches of pills/gear I'd missed along the way that might make up the difference.

Yea it was like that with the first game. Even if you found every single resource in the game you still had to get to about 2/3 into a second playthrough to max every skill and weapon.

Actually, seen as how you have finished it, can you answer these 2 quick questions for me? Spoilers for the second half of the game!

How many upgrade trees does Abby have? I have played the first half of her first day and I have just started making my way to the aqarium to find Owen. Think I have 2 or 3 branches but none of them look particularly useful so been saving my pills.

Roughly how far am I through the game? Think I am just shy of 18 hours playtime

Thanks in advance

Edit: If someone that has finished it could answer this that would be much appreciated.

Penn · 24-06-2020 12:52pm

Markitron wrote: »

Yea it was like that with the first game. Even if you found every single resource in the game you still had to get to about 2/3 into a second playthrough to max every skill and weapon.

Actually, seen as how you have finished it, can you answer these 2 quick questions for me? Spoilers for the second half of the game!

Thanks in advance

Sorry, haven't finished the game. I just meant in terms of my progress thus far.

Markitron · 24-06-2020 12:54pm

Penn wrote: »

Sorry, haven't finished the game. I just meant in terms of my progress thus far.

****e, sorry, hope I didn't ruin anything there.

Zero-Cool · 24-06-2020 12:57pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I had absolutely no issue with that aspect. I had just heard reports that it would be the focal point of the game.

I can see the youtube video now "Dunne receives payment from Neil Cuckmann"

I will be interested to go back and look at all the leak stuff (and reactions) when I finish the game.

24-06-2020 12:57pm

Markitron wrote: »

Yea it was like that with the first game. Even if you found every single resource in the game you still had to get to about 2/3 into a second playthrough to max every skill and weapon.

Actually, seen as how you have finished it, can you answer these 2 quick questions for me? Spoilers for the second half of the game!
How many upgrade trees does Abby have? I have played the first half of her first day and I have just started making my way to the aqarium to find Owen. Think I have 2 or 3 branches but none of them look particularly useful so been saving my pills.

Roughly how far am I through the game? Think I am just shy of 18 hours playtime

Thanks in advance

Edit: If someone that has finished it could answer this that would be much appreciated.

4 or 5

You have a decent amount to go. Maybe 25% if not a little more

Gyan84 · 24-06-2020 12:57pm

Markitron wrote: »

Actually, seen as how you have finished it, can you answer these 2 quick questions for me? Spoilers for the second half of the game!
How many upgrade trees does Abby have? I have played the first half of her first day and I have just started making my way to the aqarium to find Owen. Think I have 2 or 3 branches but none of them look particularly useful so been saving my pills.

Roughly how far am I through the game? Think I am just shy of 18 hours playtime

Thanks in advance

Edit: If someone that has finished it could answer this that would be much appreciated.

Abby has the same amount of skills as Ellie which is 5 I think. Even after I got all of her skill books I didn't really find any of them as good as Ellie's but that could have been down to my play style.

I'd say your roughly 2/3 the way through. Maybe another 6-9 hours depending on how fast you play

Markitron · 24-06-2020 1:00pm

Deleted User wrote: »

4 or 5

You have a decent amount to go. Maybe 25% if not a little more

Gyan84 wrote: »

Abby has the same amount of skills as Ellie which is 5 I think. Even after I got all of her skill books I didn't really find any of them as good as Ellie's but that could have been down to my play style.

I'd say your roughly 2/3 the way through. Maybe another 6-9 hours depending on how fast you play

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

SomeSayKos · 24-06-2020 1:15pm

On skill trees:

I found it a real pain having to revert back to making shivs to kill clickers after getting used to Ellie's knife!

Penn · 24-06-2020 1:21pm

Markitron wrote: »

****e, sorry, hope I didn't ruin anything there.

Nah, no worries. Think I'm at roughly the same spot as yourself.

Zero-Cool · 24-06-2020 1:58pm

Had to capture this, the way the blood chunks drop from the handle!

https://twitter.com/Sheehy_83/status/1275772053749194753?s=19

Markitron · 24-06-2020 3:36pm

Zero-Cool wrote: »

Had to capture this, the way the blood chunks drop from the handle!

https://twitter.com/Sheehy_83/status/1275772053749194753?s=19

The little details in the game are utterly staggering. Anytime I stealth kill someone I have to pan the camera around to see the faces, the animation is unreal.

Zero-Cool · 24-06-2020 3:58pm

I see a lot of people ragging on the combat but I'm finding it fairly class. Yeah, the stealthing around can be samey but when it goes to ****, you get to see some cool stuff.

https://twitter.com/SunhiLegend/status/1275800655228215296?s=19

The Raging Bile Duct · 24-06-2020 4:02pm

There's no way I'd ever be as fluid as that... how the fúck did they do the sliding back part.

Whatsisname · 24-06-2020 4:05pm

Zero-Cool wrote: »

I see a lot of people ragging on the combat but I'm finding it fairly class. Yeah, the stealthing around can be samey but when it goes to ****, you get to see some cool stuff.

https://twitter.com/SunhiLegend/status/1275800655228215296?s=19

holy **** that sliding back part was so cool ahaha

The Raging Bile Duct · 24-06-2020 4:06pm

I had my first meeting with

the Scars. That goddamn whistling

Made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up.

Markitron · 24-06-2020 4:13pm

The Raging Bile Duct wrote: »

There's no way I'd ever be as fluid as that... how the fúck did they do the sliding back part.

You should look up Sunhi's twitter feed. His GIFs are ****ing incredible. Some of his Bloodborne gifs look like a CG film

gimli2112 · 24-06-2020 4:19pm

It always depresses me when I have a particular tough time with a Bloodborne Boss and then see some youtuber beating it without taking damage, wearing a nappy and using a stick

24-06-2020 4:20pm

Zero-Cool wrote: »

I see a lot of people ragging on the combat but I'm finding it fairly class. Yeah, the stealthing around can be samey but when it goes to ****, you get to see some cool stuff.

https://twitter.com/SunhiLegend/status/1275800655228215296?s=19

It's been going on since the first game. Folks refusing to think outside the box imo.
The system is way more expansive than is implied.

Naughty dog can't do complex gameplay and mechanics is the narrative I continue to read. Which is false.

Gyan84 · 24-06-2020 4:55pm

The Raging Bile Duct wrote: »

There's no way I'd ever be as fluid as that... how the fúck did they do the sliding back part.

It's L1+Circle with the left stick pointing in the direction you want to slide in. Whenever I do it it looks like someone face-planting while getting riddled with bullets :pac:

Started my second play through. The option to highlight all interactable objects within 30 meters is handy.

One thing I noticed about the lodge scene the second time is

That Tommy reveals his and Joel's name before they ever get to the lodge. I thought that was interesting because some people online were complaining that Joel would never reveal his name. Although after a glance at the last of us 2 subreddit people will complain about literally everything.

Also in Ellie's room at the very start she has a copy of Jak and Daxter next to her PS3 and the toy robot Sam wanted in the first game is on her shelf

johnny_ultimate · 24-06-2020 5:34pm

I think Naughty Dog make combat systems that are fun and often thrilling, if sometimes rather bland and contrived. Their systems are fluid and full of options, and can give way to cinematic moments or environmental asides that blend seamlessly with the gameplay.

My main problem with their use of combat is how it often jars or undermines the rest of the game. I find it hard to feel too moved by Ellie's moral dilemmas, for example, after she's just dispatched 20 goons. They've also ended up wrapping themselves in various narrative and dramatic binds in both this series and Uncharted as they've tried to have their characters acknowledge the fact that, yes, committing mini-genocides may have some repercussions (this game the obvious final destination of that approach). In short: they want to tell serious-minded stories about vulnerable humans while still having those vulnerable humans engage in long, exciting action scenes where you kill scores of random grunts.

Oh, and also the combat is just used to make all their games (Left Behind excepted) far ****ing longer than they need to be :cool:

one armed dwarf · 24-06-2020 6:27pm

I think the combat is really good. I usually really dislike ND games cause they're the antithesis to the DMC type things I usually play. But this game has a great flow to its design where it feels like maps are designed on purpose so that patrol routes eventually overlap and converge such that you can't just isolate each and every enemy and pick them off one by one. Eventually everything will culminate in some sort of violent shoot out.

So the game loop sort of starts off with a lot of surveying and scavenging then you have to learn to get good at adjusting when **** hits the pan, as it is going to at some point. Making a lot of loud noise in one part of the map to concentrate AI attention to that spot as you scarper and flank. Listening to AI chatter and trying to figure out if somebody is speaking inside a building or is nearby and if they are near each other (survivor mode doesn't let you do the xray vision stuff).

It's all really good and the difficulty modifiers to a great job at showcasing these systems. Speaking as someone who did not enjoy TLOU1 at all because the gameplay was so dull I think the sequel is a great improvement. Story-wise, maybe not so much but I've never been that engaged by these characters anyway. This type of story has been done to death anyway. But I like this game a lot at least.

Pity that it's currently very fashionable and cool to shout from the rooftops at how overly woke it is or whatever, definitely a weird af culture war going on with it right now that's even pulling in some people who I'd thought were a bit more level headed about this stuff. Kind of a shame too how it's poisoned the well for discussing the more credible problems at ND like its crunch culture and harrasment allegations cause it's all tied up in this trojan horse of a toxic agenda about taking down the 'SJW' or whatever

The Raging Bile Duct · 24-06-2020 10:31pm

https://mobile.twitter.com/wasim_cg/status/1274759411534159873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-9606543822243210517.ampproject.net%2F2006112352001%2Fframe.html

This Twitter thread is great for showing how much detail went into stuff that a layperson like myself is never going to notice. It's mind-blowing.

J. Marston · 25-06-2020 2:22pm

Playing it despite my misgivings. At the theatre. The gameplay is better than I remember the first's being but it's still pretty unspectacular.

Dina is a lovely character even if her role as the angel on Ellie's shoulder is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. The interactions between her and Ellie is the highlight so far.

I find it funny how Ellie is shocked at the sight of one Tommy's victims but 5 minutes beforehand a guy is crawling away from me begging for his life before I plant a machete in his skull.

I have it on hard after reading normal is too easy but I'm still drowning in ammo and supplies.

The exploration is great. The first large area you encounter had a real sense of scale even if it only amounted to half a dozen interiors.

It's very good so far but I know there's a point coming that I'm gonna hate.

Markitron · 25-06-2020 2:52pm

J. Marston wrote: »

Playing it despite my misgivings. At the theatre. The gameplay is better than I remember the first's being but it's still pretty unspectacular.
Dina is a lovely character even if her role as the angel on Ellie's shoulder is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. The interactions between her and Ellie is the highlight so far.

I find it funny how Ellie is shocked at the sight of one Tommy's victims but 5 minutes beforehand a guy is crawling away from me begging for his life before I plant a machete in his skull.

I have it on hard after reading normal is too easy but I'm still drowning in ammo and supplies.

The exploration is great. The first large area you encounter had a real sense of scale even if it only amounted to half a dozen interiors.

It's very good so far but I know there's a point coming that I'm gonna hate.

You can keep it on hard but still reduce the amount of ammo and supplies if you want.

Zero-Cool · 26-06-2020 12:20am

Just finished Seattle day 2, wow, what a ****ing game.

totally get the argument that there are too many enemies to make the cutscenes as impactful as ND would like but I'm still all in. Whether I'm in stealth, combat or just plain legging it, it really feels like I'm fighting for survival in the brink of death. ND captured that feeling so well.

At this point of the story, it feels like the perfect progression from the ending of 1 but still a way to go

Checked my playtime and I'm at 12 hours, more than that
again to go I'd say.

Kirby · 26-06-2020 2:00am

I'd wager at the rate you are going you have another 20 hours to go. You haven't reached the halfway mark yet. Enjoy!

Jordan 199 · 26-06-2020 3:56am

I'm quite happy with how I'm dealing with the clickers. Stealthily creeping up behind them and taking them down. They don't scare me that much this time around.

Markitron · 26-06-2020 8:33am

Didn't get a chance to play this last night what with being preoccupied with Liverpool winning the league and all

I think I am coming up on the end

I'm on day 2 with Abby and am on my way to the hospital with the scar kid

gonna play the rest of the game in one sitting later on

Jordan 199 wrote: »

I'm quite happy with how I'm dealing with the clickers. Stealthily creeping up behind them and taking them down. They don't scare me that much this time around.

They become a bit more of a nuisance later on

gimli2112 · 26-06-2020 8:40am

I'll finish this over the weekend. Took a break as I really wasn't feeling it for the second half of the game. Need to see how it pans out.

If I get to shoot Abby in the face it will have been worth it.

I'll spoiler this anyway

but the rat king boss fight annoyed me too. It's not particularly difficult just really annoying, given where it takes place. The OHK mechanic and dodgy evade button didn't help.

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 8:49am

I'm close to the end 23 hours in. I wont say where I am as I dont know how to do the spoiler thingy lol

Theres parts at the start where you are walking around talking or taking in the scenary. I feel I shoulda enjoyed that more than just running through it to push on. Later in the game there is similar areas that I just find myself more engulfed in.

I would love to say, oh I can compare this with gta or mario or whatever... but the whole game as an experience seems totally new to me... they really did there homework.... my only problem is I hope we are not waiting another 7 years for another masterpiece

gimli2112 · 26-06-2020 8:52am

I'd agree the exploration always feels worth it. Playing on normal you do get quite a lot of resources but when you stumble upon a new weapon, training manual or just a resource you're short on you get a dose of those endorphin things.

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:05am

gimli2112 wrote: »

I'd agree the exploration always feels worth it. Playing on normal you do get quite a lot of resources but when you stumble upon a new weapon, training manual or just a resource you're short on you get a dose of those endorphin things.

How do I say this without spoiling lol

Some areas ND are not so kind to themselves some great parts seem almost hidden from natural gameplay. The game is defo worth a second playthrough

gimli2112 · 26-06-2020 9:17am

add spoilers by highlighting the text in your post you want hidden and just click the spoiler icon in the top right hand corner of the message box. That's how I do it.

I'll need a second runthrough for the platinum anyway. It will be an all guns blazing revenge runthrough on normal, maybe with some of the resource options toned down.

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:21am

gimli2112 wrote: »

add spoilers by highlighting the text in your post you want hidden and just click the spoiler icon in the top right hand corner of the message box. That's how I do it.

I'll need a second runthrough for the platinum anyway. It will be an all guns blazing revenge runthrough on normal, maybe with some of the resource options toned down.

Cant see it... I have copy select all dictionary share etc but no spoiler button...

Penn · 26-06-2020 9:22am

gimli2112 wrote: »

I'd agree the exploration always feels worth it. Playing on normal you do get quite a lot of resources but when you stumble upon a new weapon, training manual or just a resource you're short on you get a dose of those endorphin things.

Yeah I enjoy the exploration side of things a lot, especially some of the safe codes puzzles. It even annoys me when something happens which kicks off a combat sequence when I wasn't finished scavenging and didn't know I'd trigger combat and then can't get back to the previous area.

You do end up with a full inventory a lot of the time, especially since using as much stealth as possible means you don't use resources. But there are definitely some combat sequences or enemy groups that can deplete your inventory fairly rapidly.

Penn · 26-06-2020 9:24am

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

Cant see it... I have copy select all dictionary share etc but no spoiler button...

If you're on mobile, you need to type [spoi.ler](Your text here)[/spoi.ler] without the fullstops (so it says spoiler).

You can quote this post and copy it

(Your text here)

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:27am

(Spoiler) like this ?

Heres one copying your quote

(spoiler) test

Penn · 26-06-2020 9:30am

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

(Spoiler) like this ?

Heres one copying your quote

(spoiler) test

No, it needs to be the square brackets [ ] both sides of the text you want to spoiler, and the second brackets needs a /

[spoi.ler](Your text here)[/spoi.ler] But without the full stops in the word spoiler

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:34am

[/spoiler] the dove from above

[Spoiler/] jiminey cricket

Lol cheers for the patience

Penn · 26-06-2020 9:37am

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

[/spoiler] the dove from above

[Spoiler/] jiminey cricket

Lol cheers for the patience

Getting closer

No / in the first set of brackets, only / in front of the word spoiler in the second set of brackets. Then whatever is between the two sets of brackets will be spoilered. Again, exactly like [spoi.ler](Your text here)[/spoi.ler] but just without the full stops

[spoi.ler]the dove from above[/spoi.ler]

the dove from above

- With the full stops removed

Markitron · 26-06-2020 9:42am

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

[/spoiler] the dove from above

[Spoiler/] jiminey cricket

Lol cheers for the patience

Instead of quick reply, use advanced reply. The spoiler button in on the top right of the text box.

Penn · 26-06-2020 9:43am

Markitron wrote: »

Instead of quick reply, use advanced reply. The spoiler button in on the top right of the text box.

I think he's replying on mobile. No spoiler button at all. Have to type out the spoiler tags fully.

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:50am

HE-MAN [spoiler/]

This has to be it

AVFC.Stephen · 26-06-2020 9:51am

Penn wrote: »

I think he's replying on mobile. No spoiler button at all. Have to type out the spoiler tags fully.

Yeah. I'm on my phone

Zero-Cool · 26-06-2020 9:51am

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

HE-MAN [spoiler/]

This has to be it

put the / before spoiler instead of after and you're good.

The Last Of Us 2

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