46 thoughts on “The Art of the Last of Us Part II”
Wowwww~ A game-turned-book with amazing, detailed graphics?? Sounds like a treat, Lashaan! You lucky devil you, getting your hands on this copy from the publisher! Brilliant review, my friend!
As lucky as you are and as great as this review sounds. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on LoU and part two. People seem to be in two minds about it. Great game the first one was, i am actually trying to get all single player achievements.
Reviews of LoU part two have come in and people seem pissed of… i pretty much know what happens in the game now and will rather keep from playing that. Leave the story where 1 stoped
Thanks, Dawie, I appreciate the kind words. I’m an absolutely huge fan of the first game and I consider it a real masterpiece, even the remastered edition on PS4 makes the game even more stunning!
The second game is truly controversial. Especially for the story that they went with. The director of the first game isn’t on it anymore and Neil Druckmann decided to do something that was bound to kill a lot of the fandom. I’ll definitely try and sneak in a review for it in the near future though.
I was completely unfamiliar with this, but I love your enthusiasm for it. The sample visuals from the book are fantastic. I can only imagine how immersive the game must feel, and if I were more of a gamer I’d be very tempted to give it try.
Thanks, Todd! I think as a photographer, you’d probably understand even more why this feels like a wonderful companion piece to possess as a fan. It really feels like they actually went somewhere to take pictures instead of having drawn them from scratch! 😮
Definately. And it wouldn’t at all surprise me if they did actually scout real locations. I recently picked up a small artbook about Makoto Shinkai and his anime, and it mentions they often visit locations and create photos that allow him to then create animation with a very real look to it. This game also has that look, very real. I love these sorts of artbooks!
My gaming days are limited to my Nintendo Switch these days, but I must admit I’ve been drawn to The Last of Us, especially after hearing my brother rave about the game. I’m a sucker for artbooks and I love spotting the details in the work and think it’s a great companion piece to the game, especially if it makes you want to replay the game haha.
It’s not easy being a gamer hahaah Having multiple consoles can be soooo time-consuming but at least you’ve got plenty to enjoy on the Switch alone! 😉 If you get the chance to try out the first game (and even the second afterward), I do hope you have a good time with it. Take it away from your brother if you have to. 😛
Absolutely agree. Like looking into the behind-the-scenes of movies you love or documentaries on the process behind something. It’s always fascinating to see how much work was put into creating the final product.
Hahahaahahah hey, if you could get into those Assassin’s Creed books, I’m not surprised by the interest in this. I wish there was a novelization for you to try though. I think I did see one made by a fan and shared on reddit that seems pretty legit, if it interests you to read the first game’s story. But man, if you ever were to try the game or watch playthroughs on Youtube, you’d be impressed by this one a lot! 😮
OMG I loved the game…until maybe the end, for a whole lot of reasons that gave me all kinds of feelings I’m still trying to sort out, lol. The first game is close to my heart too, which is why somethings in this one made me quite upset, but I guess that’s understandable 🙂 I really need to pick up this one, I collect art books!
Hahahah I had issues with HOW they went on to tell this story but I appreciate most of the ideas. I can see why the ending would leave you like that though… If you collector artbooks, then this is a MUST! You’ll even see what “alternative” death they had for that ONE character we all love. 😉
I wish the game would have let you choose at the end – whether to kill or spare. That would have been awesome and daring. But nope, they chickened out on that and just let the game play out on rails 😛
Awesome review Lashaan and I’m so glad to hear that you love the Last of Us Part II given some of the hate (even vitriol) that has sadly been levied against by some of the gaming community. I’m just over half way through the game myself and I feel it’s just as much a masterpiece as the first one, I love that they have not taken the easy route and given us a story that puts the player through the emotional ringer and asks some morally challenging questions. Couple that with the beautiful acting, made all the better with the motion capture work and this is more than a game and the cinematic design plays an important part in that so it’s great that concept art has been collected and released in a nice hardcover edition.
I don’t want to finish the game but at the same time itching to reach the end and see how it all comes together. Actually, it’s convinced me to play through the first game again once I’m done with Part II.
Thanks, Chris! I’m glad to hear how much you adore this IP. I, myself, consider the first game a full-on masterpiece, even in it’s remastered form. Everything about it was flawless. As for the second game, I agree with you on a lot of what you just mentioned but I still had a relatively big issue with HOW they decided to tell the story. I’ll try to sneak in a full review of the game in the near future to share more of my thoughts on it. Nevertheless, Naughty Dog is God and they further cement my love for them and Playstation (for being an exclusive). 😛 I do hope you enjoy the second-half and ending of the game though. There’s a lot that goes on. 😀
Yeah I totally agree, the first game was the first time I was truly moved and emotionally engaged by the characters and story of a video game and that’s only heightened with Part II. They certainly take some risks with the sequel and can perhaps see why some would not be happy with aspects of it (but not to the point of some of the vitriol we’ve seen about it online) but it’s working for me – giving me the unexpected and leave me thinking about things long after I’ve put the controller down. To me, that’s art at its best!
Yep, after these two games and the Uncharted series, especially A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog are certainly…ahem…top dog!
Need to get this game finished and playthrough the original, got my eyes on Ghosts of Tsushima!!!
Hahahah indeed! I’m already super excited for their next game, especially their next IP. I think I’ve seen rumours that a multiplayer TLOU Part II game might be possible too but I’d honestly prefer if they just worked on their next project for the PS5! 😛
Same here for Ghosts of Tsushima! What a Summer we’re having! 😛 Could’ve been even better if they hadn’t delayer Cyberpunk 2077 too!
Ah, yes I almost forgot about Cyberpunk – that’s certainly on my list as well!
I heard the rumours about a multiplayer TLOU but I don’t think that’s for me to be honest, I much prefer it to be a single player story experience. But hey, if there’s an audience for it then that speaks for itself!
Honestly, I have never been a gamer but I think I’ll still buy this BECAUSE FIRST – 5 STARS?! YEP. There must be something to it! And SECOND – LOOK AT THAT COVER! It is tooo gorgeous for words!!! 😭😭😍
BLESS YOU FOR ADORNING MY FEED WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL POST! Love it! 😍😇
Hahahah it’s nice to hear how interesting you are in this because of the art. If it’s just to collect, I’d recommend looking into the first one too hahaha Thanks for reading, Rain. I appreciate it. 🙂
We can definitely feel your love for this game through this review! 🥰 I can’t wait to explore this universe more! The artwork here is amazing but I’m not that surprised since the game is already very pretty 😍 Great review, lashaan!
Hahahaah I love Naughty Dog and the first Last of Us A LOT! 😛 While I had issues with the 2nd game’s story, it was still such a blast to go through! 😀 Hope you’ll be able to play them both too. Thanks, Caroline! ❤
Hahah for an artbook, something that’s more of a collector’s item, I feel like my usual rating system doesn’t really apply too. After all, there’s no real story here (besides the fact that it quickly summarizes the story of the game). Thanks for the vote there. I’ll probably try that out soon. 😉
I’m sooooo glad to know that you took the time to check out streams for the game! It really is an impressive and stunning story to follow! 😱 And this artbook makes you realize how much effort was put into the visuals! 😍 Thank you for dropping by! I appreciate it so much!
Written by a true fan of a video game. Your attention to details of the game in describing the art book sounds like a homage to the game. The game must really be incredible.
The first game and the company are among my favourite things ever hahah However, as you’ve probably noticed from my review of the sequel, I had major issues with the story hahhah 😀
Bookidote 
Wowwww~ A game-turned-book with amazing, detailed graphics?? Sounds like a treat, Lashaan! You lucky devil you, getting your hands on this copy from the publisher! Brilliant review, my friend!
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It is indeed such a beautiful item to possess as a fan of the video game franchise, that’s for sure! 😀 Thanks for reading, Jee!
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OMG! The ART!!!!!!
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YES! ❤
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As lucky as you are and as great as this review sounds. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on LoU and part two. People seem to be in two minds about it. Great game the first one was, i am actually trying to get all single player achievements.
Reviews of LoU part two have come in and people seem pissed of… i pretty much know what happens in the game now and will rather keep from playing that. Leave the story where 1 stoped
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Thanks, Dawie, I appreciate the kind words. I’m an absolutely huge fan of the first game and I consider it a real masterpiece, even the remastered edition on PS4 makes the game even more stunning!
The second game is truly controversial. Especially for the story that they went with. The director of the first game isn’t on it anymore and Neil Druckmann decided to do something that was bound to kill a lot of the fandom. I’ll definitely try and sneak in a review for it in the near future though.
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Looking forward to Lashaan’s gaming coner🙂
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I was completely unfamiliar with this, but I love your enthusiasm for it. The sample visuals from the book are fantastic. I can only imagine how immersive the game must feel, and if I were more of a gamer I’d be very tempted to give it try.
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Thanks, Todd! I think as a photographer, you’d probably understand even more why this feels like a wonderful companion piece to possess as a fan. It really feels like they actually went somewhere to take pictures instead of having drawn them from scratch! 😮
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Definately. And it wouldn’t at all surprise me if they did actually scout real locations. I recently picked up a small artbook about Makoto Shinkai and his anime, and it mentions they often visit locations and create photos that allow him to then create animation with a very real look to it. This game also has that look, very real. I love these sorts of artbooks!
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My gaming days are limited to my Nintendo Switch these days, but I must admit I’ve been drawn to The Last of Us, especially after hearing my brother rave about the game. I’m a sucker for artbooks and I love spotting the details in the work and think it’s a great companion piece to the game, especially if it makes you want to replay the game haha.
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It’s not easy being a gamer hahaah Having multiple consoles can be soooo time-consuming but at least you’ve got plenty to enjoy on the Switch alone! 😉 If you get the chance to try out the first game (and even the second afterward), I do hope you have a good time with it. Take it away from your brother if you have to. 😛
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Art books can be real boons to true fans. Getting all of the little gems you’d never get anywhere else is great.
As for a videogame review, why not? Your blog after all 😀
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Absolutely agree. Like looking into the behind-the-scenes of movies you love or documentaries on the process behind something. It’s always fascinating to see how much work was put into creating the final product.
You’re right. Why not. 😀
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Lol you make me want to get it though I’m not familiar with the game, lol!
The art is great though.
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Hahahaahahah hey, if you could get into those Assassin’s Creed books, I’m not surprised by the interest in this. I wish there was a novelization for you to try though. I think I did see one made by a fan and shared on reddit that seems pretty legit, if it interests you to read the first game’s story. But man, if you ever were to try the game or watch playthroughs on Youtube, you’d be impressed by this one a lot! 😮
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OMG I loved the game…until maybe the end, for a whole lot of reasons that gave me all kinds of feelings I’m still trying to sort out, lol. The first game is close to my heart too, which is why somethings in this one made me quite upset, but I guess that’s understandable 🙂 I really need to pick up this one, I collect art books!
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Hahahah I had issues with HOW they went on to tell this story but I appreciate most of the ideas. I can see why the ending would leave you like that though… If you collector artbooks, then this is a MUST! You’ll even see what “alternative” death they had for that ONE character we all love. 😉
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I wish the game would have let you choose at the end – whether to kill or spare. That would have been awesome and daring. But nope, they chickened out on that and just let the game play out on rails 😛
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Awesome review Lashaan and I’m so glad to hear that you love the Last of Us Part II given some of the hate (even vitriol) that has sadly been levied against by some of the gaming community. I’m just over half way through the game myself and I feel it’s just as much a masterpiece as the first one, I love that they have not taken the easy route and given us a story that puts the player through the emotional ringer and asks some morally challenging questions. Couple that with the beautiful acting, made all the better with the motion capture work and this is more than a game and the cinematic design plays an important part in that so it’s great that concept art has been collected and released in a nice hardcover edition.
I don’t want to finish the game but at the same time itching to reach the end and see how it all comes together. Actually, it’s convinced me to play through the first game again once I’m done with Part II.
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Thanks, Chris! I’m glad to hear how much you adore this IP. I, myself, consider the first game a full-on masterpiece, even in it’s remastered form. Everything about it was flawless. As for the second game, I agree with you on a lot of what you just mentioned but I still had a relatively big issue with HOW they decided to tell the story. I’ll try to sneak in a full review of the game in the near future to share more of my thoughts on it. Nevertheless, Naughty Dog is God and they further cement my love for them and Playstation (for being an exclusive). 😛 I do hope you enjoy the second-half and ending of the game though. There’s a lot that goes on. 😀
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Yeah I totally agree, the first game was the first time I was truly moved and emotionally engaged by the characters and story of a video game and that’s only heightened with Part II. They certainly take some risks with the sequel and can perhaps see why some would not be happy with aspects of it (but not to the point of some of the vitriol we’ve seen about it online) but it’s working for me – giving me the unexpected and leave me thinking about things long after I’ve put the controller down. To me, that’s art at its best!
Yep, after these two games and the Uncharted series, especially A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog are certainly…ahem…top dog!
Need to get this game finished and playthrough the original, got my eyes on Ghosts of Tsushima!!!
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Hahahah indeed! I’m already super excited for their next game, especially their next IP. I think I’ve seen rumours that a multiplayer TLOU Part II game might be possible too but I’d honestly prefer if they just worked on their next project for the PS5! 😛
Same here for Ghosts of Tsushima! What a Summer we’re having! 😛 Could’ve been even better if they hadn’t delayer Cyberpunk 2077 too!
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Ah, yes I almost forgot about Cyberpunk – that’s certainly on my list as well!
I heard the rumours about a multiplayer TLOU but I don’t think that’s for me to be honest, I much prefer it to be a single player story experience. But hey, if there’s an audience for it then that speaks for itself!
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Beautifully terrifying. AH! Right up my alley! 😍
Honestly, I have never been a gamer but I think I’ll still buy this BECAUSE FIRST – 5 STARS?! YEP. There must be something to it! And SECOND – LOOK AT THAT COVER! It is tooo gorgeous for words!!! 😭😭😍
BLESS YOU FOR ADORNING MY FEED WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL POST! Love it! 😍😇
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Hahahah it’s nice to hear how interesting you are in this because of the art. If it’s just to collect, I’d recommend looking into the first one too hahaha Thanks for reading, Rain. I appreciate it. 🙂
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I like this idea of game turned into book and the setting. That art is really beautiful. Amazing review, Lashaan! 🙂
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It’s definitely nice to see a video game’s concept art being collected into such a beautiful book! Thanks for reading, Yesha! 😀
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I love the idea of this! The art looks amazing!!
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Right? It’s such a beautiful companion book that highlights the beauty of the video game! 😀
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Oooh, pretty, pretty! 😀 I’m currently going through something similar but for Assassin’s Creed – a delicious publication 😀
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Ohhhh yess! Assassin’s Creed, a franchise created by Ubisoft right in my city too. 😉
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Laudable local patriotism, I see! 😁 Can’t fault you for that, those are some kick-ass graphics!
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That is.. But… What if… Nah, you’re right. 😛
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We can definitely feel your love for this game through this review! 🥰 I can’t wait to explore this universe more! The artwork here is amazing but I’m not that surprised since the game is already very pretty 😍 Great review, lashaan!
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Hahahaah I love Naughty Dog and the first Last of Us A LOT! 😛 While I had issues with the 2nd game’s story, it was still such a blast to go through! 😀 Hope you’ll be able to play them both too. Thanks, Caroline! ❤
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Wow, this looks awesome! Love art books like this. ^_^
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Same! It makes me want to collect more of them now hahah 😂
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When I saw 5 stars, my head nearly exploded.
I’m glad you had so much fun with this one.
And “why not?” to game reviews.
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Hahah for an artbook, something that’s more of a collector’s item, I feel like my usual rating system doesn’t really apply too. After all, there’s no real story here (besides the fact that it quickly summarizes the story of the game). Thanks for the vote there. I’ll probably try that out soon. 😉
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Ughhh I just discovered the last of us a few weeks ago, and have watched it on stream countless times! The art is sooooo beautiful!
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I’m sooooo glad to know that you took the time to check out streams for the game! It really is an impressive and stunning story to follow! 😱 And this artbook makes you realize how much effort was put into the visuals! 😍 Thank you for dropping by! I appreciate it so much!
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Written by a true fan of a video game. Your attention to details of the game in describing the art book sounds like a homage to the game. The game must really be incredible.
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The first game and the company are among my favourite things ever hahah However, as you’ve probably noticed from my review of the sequel, I had major issues with the story hahhah 😀
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