The Last of Us 2: Revenge has never been so intensely thematised

After Naughty Dog masterfully explored the themes of survival, love, morality and sacrifice in The Last of Us Part I, The Last of Us Part II explores the complex relationship between Joel, Ellie and Abby - and offers a profound reflection on revenge.

Note: The following lines spoil the first part of The Last of Us massively. Please only read on if you already know the story and outcome.

The game uses the three main protagonists to show the devastating consequences of a vendetta and how it can consume and change lives. Since the first game, Joel and Ellie have shared an almost parental relationship: Joel has repeatedly protected Ellie and become a father figure to her. But their bond is characterised by a deep breach of trust - Joel prevented the Fireflies from using Ellie to develop a cure, potentially sacrificing millions of lives to save Ellie.

This decision, however motivated by love and care, plunges Ellie into inner turmoil when she learns the truth.

Revenge is a driving force for Abby. She wants to avenge the death of her father, who was killed by Joel at the end of the first game. Her unwavering determination to find and kill Joel forms the starting point for the plot of The Last of Us 2.

Ellie, shaken by the events at the beginning of the second part, also embarks on a vendetta against Abby. The special thing about this dynamic is that the game lets you slip into the role of both characters - so you experience the motives, stories and feelings of both Ellie and Abby. This makes it clear that revenge is never an easy path without consequences.

By switching perspectives, the game shows how revenge draws both Ellie and Abby into a maelstrom of violence and pain. The narrative structure emphasises the emotional and moral cost of revenge and makes it clear that revenge rarely brings peace - it often only leads to more suffering.

The Last of Us 1 has long been one of the most emotionally gripping games, and no doubt The Last of Us 2 will also earn a place on that list among PC gamers after its PC release on April 3rd when it launches.

Those willing to tread the path of revenge can get the PC remaster of the game pre-order now at Gamesplanet - with access to speedrun, roguelike and guitar mode, in other words all PC features. Not only at a fair price, but also with pre-order bonuses in the form of unlockable recipes, skills and upgrades.