'The Last Of Us Part 2' State Of Play Shows Off New Gameplay

Sony’s latest State Of Play video has showcased brand new footage of Naughty Dog’s upcoming The Last Of Us Part 2.

The 23-minute long video features a commentary from Part 2 director and Naughty Dog Vice President Neil Druckmann who unveiled details of the game’s new mechanics, enemies, story, and world.

In the video, Druckmann explained that the sequel takes place several years after the events of the first game. Since then, Joel and Ellie have settled amongst a community of survivors in Jackson, Wyoming. However, as Druckmann stated in the video, its peace is shortlived when the community is seemingly attacked, triggering the events of Part 2.

Druckmann explained that the game will span multiple seasons and take place across multiple locations. However, most of Part 2 will take place in the city of Seattle where players must navigate a series of exterior and interior locations including the dense city and overgrown suburbs. To aid in exploration, Naughty Dog has given Ellie the abilities to jump and to use ropes, and the game will feature horse riding and boat exploration.

Factions and Enemies

Later in the video, Druckmann touched on the two new factions featured in the game; the technology-obsessed Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and zealots the Seraphites who have rejected all forms of technology. The two groups will attack Ellie differently as the WLF rely on guns and vehicles while the Seraphites use a more stealth-based approach with bows and arrows.

Druckmann then shared details of the infected enemies, showing footage of the new Clicker designs as well as the revamped Stalkers which, as shown, will hide in shadows and attack Ellie as a group. Also shown were Runners and new infected enemy Shamblers which are similar to the first game’s Bloaters but are covered in angry-looking pustules that can shoot gaseous acid.

The game will also feature another new class of infected but Druckmann offered no details, telling viewers to wait until they play the game to find out. The statement was accompanied by a terrifying roar.

Other details touched on in the video include the new stealth mechanics such as the ability to crawl through grass, the new dog enemies which can hunt Ellie out via her scent trail, the ability to dodge enemy attacks, and a new mechanic which allows Ellie to pit enemies against each other.

The State Of Play then offered a look at the new crafting and skills system before turning to the eight minutes of new gameplay. The segment featured Ellie exploring a part of the Seattle city while hunting for a character known as Nora.

The gameplay saw Ellie explore a section of the city of Seattle while hunting for a woman named Nora. In it, Ellie dives into a river, takes on enemies, customises her weapons, and uses traps and explosives on enemies. It ends with a cinematic sequence posing more questions than answers.

The Last Of Us Part 2 releases June 19th, 2020, on the PlayStation 4. You can watch the State Of Play video below: