I'd been sitting on Last of Us Part 1 since last summer when I got a PS5, and the recent release of Part 2 Remastered was the inspiration I needed to finally give these a shot. I hadn't played the first entry since it's initial release on PS3, and was familiar with all the furor over Part 2.
It was really a treat to play them back to back, with how consistent they were. Typically between sequels you sort of have the adjustment period where you get used to new controls or new gameplay elements, so playing these was pretty fun. Of course, the graphics were amazing, but it was one of those seamless things where you don't really notice.
So yeah, Part 2 ... I think I understand why people were upset, I only care a little bit about it, but that was like MGS2 levels of deception in terms of playable content. I guess my chief complaint was that things like the Birthday flashback chapter were so amazing, playing the last half of the game as Abby sort of wiped my memory of all those chapters playing as Ellie. I ended up finishing the game at 4 in the morning after an all-nighter play session (which is a pretty rare occurrence), so I was left feeling pretty raw and numb after it, physically and mentally, hah.
Probably the most gripping story I've watched/played/consumed, in a long-ass time. Season 2 (and 3??) of the show is going to hit like crack. Really interested to see how they adapt the material.
Between Ghosts of Tsushima and the Last of Us games, I need a game that's just fun and enjoyable. It's weird being emotionally drained playing a video game. And FF7 Rebirth is coming up soon ... I don't think my heart can take it.
I'm kicking myself for skipping the PS4. I'm still going back and playing PS4 gen games on my PS5, and I realized I missed so many great games. But at least now I don't have to be frustrated by all the "remakes and remasters" this gen. It's all new to me.