[bax]

I'm about 10 hours in and absolutely loving it so far. Naughty Dog has made some decisions that have surprised me from a story and gameplay perspective and I can't wait to see what else they have in store as I haven't had anything spoiled for me.

In typical ND fashion this game is a technical marvel. Visuals, audio, acting, etc. There really isn't anything better in the industry right now. The way this game makes you feel the tension on a scene by scene basis is amazing. The level of detail in every single room is unparalleled and tells a unique story. I have spent at least a couple hours just picking up notes and looking at items in buildings. The amount of love the artists put into this game is amazing.

These are beloved characters so I can understand some feeling so passionately about the story- good and bad, but I love the fact that Naughty Dog is telling the story they want to tell. They don't hold back, which is awesome to see.

Like others I was a bit concerned this game would be "too bleak" for the current times, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how things have been broken up so far. There have been plenty of little moments that make me smile and even laugh. Happy to report the bleakness hasn't been an issue in the slightest for myself so far.

The game gives back to the fans too. There are so many callbacks to the original- big and small that I really appreciated. Having just recently replayed the first game and the Left Behind dlc it was fresh in my mind.

Ellie as the main character is quicker and more nimble than Joel in the first game. It's little things like how quickly she runs, the ability to go prone, jump, and dodge that really enhance the feeling of the gameplay, while also staying true to the original. This is more stealth based as well- there are some sections where you can avoid combat entirely. There is a lot more freedom gameplay wise in that regard.

So far, this has been a huge upgrade in every single way from the original. If you are a fan of the first game, I couldn't even imagine not playing this to see how it is for yourself. Heck, even if you're a fan of single player video games in general you owe it to yourself to check this game out.

Like I said, I haven't finished this game yet- I'm not even halfway through, but concerns from earlier in the thread comparing this to Andromeda, calling it a franchise killer, etc are very off base.

Everything I have seen so far make me believe that this game truly is a masterpiece and one of the best of the generation. Very much deserving of all the glowing reviews it received.