This game means so much to me in my life. As a gamer, it shows the passion in what good story telling can feel like. As a musician, I thank Gustavo for making such beautiful music for this game. I will continue to play his music in his honor and re-live the moments in both video games. I had played The Last Of Us back when it came out on ps3 and I knew from that time that this game, in my eyes, was the best ever story driven campaign game ever. I fell in love with the characters, the mood, the gameplay, the story. I loved it all. And I had (of course) gotten The Last Of Us Remastered for PS4. And again, I fell in love all over again. To me these games make it relatable to the people who are playing these games. We’re all human living and doing what we think is right in our minds. Filled with emotions and obsessions and goals in life. Then some time had went by and the Trailer for The Last Of Us Part II had came out. I had seen it and got mixed emotions. I felt excited to see Ellie again, Joel. The song “Though The Valley” stuck with me for months. I knew that I didn’t want any spoilers or anything that would tell me about the game before I had experienced it for myself first. I wanted to go into the game with what I knew and what I had experienced beforehand. At all costs I dodged social media and anything that would have to relate to The Last Of Us Part II. Months before the game was finally released I had been looking for a new tattoo that I wanted to get. I remembered seeing that tattoo from Ellie and I searched everywhere to find the right design and set out to get it as well. So months before the game ever came out, I had found the design and I got it placed as best as I could see. I had finally got the tattoo. Not knowing what it meant, not knowing what it symbolized. But I knew that no matter what, I was such a fan and already from the first game, I had loved it so much and I knew that this game and the last game will always be with me in my life till the day that I die. Just like a Tattoo will. So fast forward to the game coming out. I had avoided everything. I got the game. I had locked myself into this game. And I completed it within 3 days of release. Oh my god. I had no clue. No thought in my mind on how much this game would impact my life. I cried as a man who loves Joel. I cried as a man who loves Ellie. I cried at the amount of Love they express and show in this game. I cried so much.. and when I had gotten to the part of playing as Abby. I hated it. I couldn’t get away from not playing her and I knew exactly what the story was wanting me to do. To see a different perspective on the whole situation. I had known what the Writers and Directors were doing. I refused to see this other side. I had rushed most of Abby’s story and I overlooked so much detail in the game during her play through for the first time I played the game. I Did Not want to see the other side. I had so much Hate. So so much Hate for Abby. At the time it never dawned upon me that I was filled with such Rage and Hate. I continued on at the pace the game would allow and finally got to the moment of the fight between Ellie and Abby in the Theatre. It destroyed me. I was playing as Abby, Someone I hated. I was fighting Ellie, Someone I had Loved. I did not want to fight. I didn’t know what would happen if I had won as Abby. What unfolds in the ending of the fight at the theatre gives me relief that Ellie and Dina live but it’s so torn apart that again I cried. When it switches to the farm and everything seems okay. I’m on edge that yes everything it okay. But Abby never slipped my mind. That vengeance was still in me to complete the job or seek out what Ellie and I had wanted, Revenge. We learn that Tommy shows her the way and we’re off to Cali.( I know I’m skipping over a bit but). Finally I get to the beach and find Abby. Untie her and at that moment all the Rage and Sadness had risen back up again in me. We fight and I am so ready to finally get this vengeance. Ellie is drowning Abby and then... the small flash back to Joel happens. It all of a sudden. Clear a my mind of what I see happening right before me. And I wanted to stop...... Ellie stops.... and let’s Abby go. I had personally stopped the game after that scene cut to black and I Cried. I cried and I cried so much.... Ellie goes back to the farm and I as a player am just destroyed. She finds Joel’s guitar and the sequence to play the guitar pops up and I start strumming only to realize that she... she can’t play his song... god this game... it tears me apart. As a musician I can feel that. As someone who loves. As a human. As Someone. She puts it down and walks away. Where? I don’t know. The ending music starts and cuts to black. Roll credits. And I’m left feeling...... nothing. For the coming days, weeks after completing the game. I was left without words. I knew I was in a sense of a feeling. I just didn’t know what. As time went on I kept on asking myself these questions. I wanted answers. I had searched for answers and more details and more information about the and what it means the most. I had became obsessed with finding out more. It could be anything! I knew I just wanted to know! I found talks and discussions. Neil Druckmann talking about the game and his visions had not.. put me as ease but gave me an enlightened feeling to what I was seeking out and finding the true meaning or explanation. This podcast beautifully captures that. To anyone who wants to learn more and hear about this video game, more than what you see in the video game. These podcasts capture the answers and different perspectives on what this game means. It’s purpose. I have personally been left feeling nothing after I had finished the game. But hearing these discussions, it has shown me a different perspective on what other people can see, feel, love or hate. I’ve changed. And I cannot say thank you to everyone involved ever. Thank You..
