Playing as your enemy muddies the water and makes you look at the actions you took. No one wants to realize that they're the bad guy in someone else's story

I always think about abbys perspective once she killed joel. She was expecting that next high/catharsis but never obtained it. This would lead to abby becoming fairly rude or snarky to anyone who questioned her decision because she knew she was in the wrong. It was only after helping lev and yara, she realized that she didn’t need that next high and she needed to move on from her father’s death

I read one comment long ago and it stayed with me. For me it was the most acurate description of what the game is really really about. Ellie doesn't really hate Abby, she hates herself. This brings the meaning of Joel's lie in first game. He lied to her, she finds the truth and hates him for it. She hates him for a long time and doesn't spend time with him. Finally when she decides that she should spend time with him again and let him be her father again, he is killed almost right after that. She maybe hates Abby at first for killing Joel, but then you can see the addiction take place, where her entire lifes focus is pointing at Abby and distracting her of her inner struggle, that after all this time of choosing hating Joel she can no longer fully forgive him and all that time that she could spend the time with him she was avoiding him. She finally must forgive herself (and according to that she can forgive Abby) and be done with the addiction.

this genuinely made me cry from how powerful this analysis was. i always suspected that the story was about obsession, but i never considered the scientific lens of addiction. but it makes so much more sense now. in many ways, i identify myself with ellie, in others dina, but with all of this i have a newfound appreciation for this game. i still don't really find abby's parts particularly interesting, but i know they were to serve in elevating ellie's story. all in all, an incredibly powerful video, thank you so much for making this

you unlocked a whole new level of understanding for what ellie went through. beautifully made video, bravo.

I don’t have a predisposition toward addiction, so it always hard for me to appreciate the pain addicts feel. Thank you for having the courage to make this very well thought through video.

this video made the puzzle click in my head. I have been suffering with my own addiction problems, and have history of addiction in my family, and I could never explain why the stories of both games hit so hard for me. But once you look at it through the addiction lens as you did in this video, it all makes so so much sense. I haven’t been able to re-play Part II since I’ve first completed it, and wasn’t sure why. But now I might just give it another go. A lot of things to think about.

Greatest game ever made, I’ve played it like 12 times, and I’ve found unique ways to alter the experience every time.

As someone who's got my own addiction problems, what a compelling video and perspective.

challenging their own bias can be hard to some folk but it's worth it. I love how in this story there is no any B-tier movie Good vs. Bad storyline. Its people vs. people all having their invidual problems and hard times

I've watched many... MANY reviews and analyses about this game and I have to say, yours was by far the best. I have never thought to think about addiction in this game, but you made such a good point here, I'm just floored. Great job! Immediate sub from me And I just want to say, you can be incredibly proud of yourself for beating your addiction. Most people don't know how incredibly hard it is to get out of this, but I do. So from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in the world, stay strong, and stay as awesome as you are.

Finishing this video I was in the same sense of awe as when I finished the game. Truly an INCREDIBLE analysis of my personal favorite game. Not only did the game speak to me at the time of playing it and finishing it, but seeing it through the lense of addiction makes it all the more powerful. Thank you for making this.

This was one of the (when not THE best) video essays I've seen about this game. I never thought about it like this and it opened an entire new level of meaning to the story for me. It reminded me of the movie "requiem for a dream" that deeply impacted me when I first watched it but I have actually never watched it again because it's so heavy and uncomfortable. Like TLOU2. Both tell an important story and take you for a ride you will never forget. I really appreciate that naughty dog took this risk with the story instead of giving us what we thought we wanted.

Amazing essay mate. When this game came out, I was in the darkest moment of my life. it helped me so much, so much to see what was happening in my life. I dare to say that this game actually saved me from going in a very dark road. I will always have the greatest sense of appreciation for this game. To me a true Masterpiece. Thank you so elequontley saying how I see the it.

Wow. This video touched me deeply. You’ve earn a subscriber (regardless of what kind of content you put out going forward, I look forward to it)! Although, we most likely have very very different life experiences (and come from completely different countries/demographics), the human experience is universal and I really can’t even begin to explain how much I personally needed this video. So thank you. I hope the algorithm picks it up! I’ve not had a (serious) drug addiction but I love TLOU 2’s story for similar reasons (mainly to do with anxiety/PTSD due to very traumatic experiences as a young teenager/woman and in a way, “addiction” to self-hate etc.) and your analysis of the game is incredible. Things have been looking up for me very recently but life is still very difficult… this video really has been like a massive reminder to keep pushing. Also, I know I’m a random internet stranger but I’m super proud of you dude, I’ve witnessed how bad the disease of addiction can be and how tough it is to treat. 🙏🏾

I'm a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in California and I've said to my clients regarding "Rock Bottom" is that there's often a trap door at rock bottom.

this video essay is criminally underrated

3 years of analysing this game and people still find new aspects of it that make it deeper and more meaningful than before. One of the most powerful pieces of art I've ever experienced.

This game came at the perfect time, when so many among us were struggling with loss, addiction, isolation, and uncertainty. And it brings such joy to my heart knowing that it has helped you to process what was almost certainly the most difficult chapter in your life up to this point! The Last Of Us Part II is ultimately a game about love, even when it's clouded by the noise of bloodlust and revenge. As time goes on, it's nice to see that the initial backlash that the story received is being slowly but surely drowned out by meaningful and powerful analyses such as this one.

This explains perfectly why I could never see why people hated the game - I saw myself in everything she was, and did. I was addicted to so many types of self-harm, and I didn't even see it because I'd become so numb and used to it. Trying to quit, not constantly hurting myself in a million different ways, was so much more painful than to just continue - or so I thought. I didn't know how not to be hurting, and while choosing to quit that last time felt excruciating for a long time, I can breathe now. I don't abuse myself mentally, emotionally, or physically if I don't live up to some extreme standard. I'll probably always have the urge to in the back of my mind, but I'm learning to treat myself how I'd treat that 7 year old I once was, who just didn't know how to deal with it all. She was just a baby, and didn't deserve any of what I put her through, and neither do I.

Didn’t even realise this was a 48 minute video, it just flew by. Thank you for this.

Stories like tlou2 are so complex and nuanced that they can be interpreted for decades and i am really impressed by the originality and skill it takes to write a video essay like this. I’ve watched my fair share of tlou2 analyses and your interpretation of ellie’s story is so well researched and gave me even more appreciation for this game while making me relate a whole lot more to ellie in this game. Bravo!

All right. This is a stunningly thoughtful examination of a game I think was given nonsensically short shrift in the gaming community. I believe this is a phenomenal take, and approaches the subject with the same maturity and awareness that ND hoped we would approach TLoU2 with. I think you might just be the “mature” player they hope exists. This felt like a love letter to an important and personal subject. But if you can replicate this caliber of examination for other pieces, I’ll be here for it. Subscribed. I’ll be using this video essay in my elective instruction. Thanks for that.

Another The Last of Us video essay for me to devour and have swirling around in my head for an unspecified amount of time. I love these two games with all my heart.

as someone who just finished this game for the first time a few days ago I felt the same with the addiction angle and found it rly relatable personally since I have my own battles with my addiction to hate myself at points, but still this was a great video and that ending really touched me thank u for vocalising my thoughts and I hope you and your wife are doing well

Absolutely beautiful video, man. I appreciate your perspective on this game SO MUCH

Watching and listening to you explaining adiction made me realize my struggle with selfharm a few years ago was not my choice. Certain points you made, especially waking up the next day, realizing you did it again and will do it again, and hating yourself for it were absolutely describing my own experience. I am so glad you overcame your own addiction, that you can look back and talk about it now. I never knew why The Last of Us was so important to me; this is one of many reasons, I guess. Thank you for making this video. I see Ellie in a different light now, can somehow relate to her. I guess many people feel the same. Thank you.

I love, LOVE, that you pointed out that in the end, Ellie's story is hopeful. No matter how hard things got to her, how many things she lost, she still decided to get up and move on. This is why I actually got myself Ellie's tattoo. It's a permanent and constant warning, but also a motivation to never give up, no matter what happens in life.

What a beautiful and original look at one of the most controversial games of all time. Objective and emotional at the same time. Incredible, just incredible

This is probably the single best video game analysis I’ve personally watched on this website. Genuinely superb job man! Can’t wait to see what you make next.

this take on the games story is something i havent ever even thought of before but it truly surprised me and moved me in the best way possible. thank you for making this!!!

Thank you for this analysis, this touched me incredibly deeply. I’ve struggled with addiction in the past and especially PTSD, and addiction runs in my family. Now it makes so much sense why I relate to Ellie. Thank you.

I have watched almost all videos breaking down this game, but i never felt any got quite what I was hoping to hear because the truth is I myself didn't know what I felt. I didn't completely agree with all the praises and definitely didn't hate it as the hate videos would suggest. That was before this video. Thank you for making this, and thank you for sharing this. I will share this video everywhere cause I genuinely think this is the best perspective to view the game. Once again, thank you for sharing this, and I hope you're doing awesome now man:")

I usually don’t write comments and I most certainly don’t subscribe to someone after the first video I watched from them. To be totally honest, (I know it sounds bad and ignorant) I don’t even click on videos if the video doesn’t have a certain amount of views. But because it was about a game that it’s probably one of my favorite ones, while it’s hated by many and I thought why not. And I don’t regret any second of it :) I have to say that you TRULY deserve more attention because this touched my heart. It was professional, yet so relatable because it was a mix between „professional“ words (I‘m not a native English speaker so maybe that’s why) and transparence with us by telling us your story with addiction. I myself struggle with addiction and even though it got better and I hope the worst has already passed, it touched my heart like I was at rock bottom. I watched some analyses on this game but your perspective was very unique and I have to thank you for the work and love you’ve put in just for you to share your story and views with us. Thank you ❤

I didn’t think I could love this game more than I already did. Thank you for shining a light on a new perspective and for sharing your own personal experiences. Whether you see that as brave or not, you surely helped someone out there.

i’m crying now. thank you for this incredible video and thank you for being so vulnerable and open in it. you are loved ❤

This is a beautiful video and incredible interpretation of the text that you've conveyed so well and personally. Really really tremendous stuff.

This was such a powerful essay. It had me tearing up multiple times at just how real and profound your understanding and exploration of the theme was, and how it correlated to your own lived experiences. One particular small thing you touched upon that stood out to me was where you pointed out how the player is supposed to dislike Ellie by the end because Ellie dislikes herself. I'd never thought of the dislike I harbored for Ellie towards the end from this perspective, despite my favorite thing about the game overall being how it forces the player to experience the same emotions as the characters. Just, really insightful analysis there. Thank you for making and sharing this! I wish you well and your future bright.

I personally loved Abby, her and Ellie are both awesome characters, and it sucks to see people blindly hate the game without really analyzing why it could suck. All in all, this video essay was pretty damn awesome.

Incredible video my friend! I have always thought of this game as a tragic tale about cycles of loss and grief and I related to that through my own experiences. But seeing this through the lens of an addiction gave a new meaning to so many more elements of the game, such as Ellie's frustration with Dina when she found out she's pregnant. Ellie mostly focused on how Dina would now be a burden who could get in the way of her next fix for revenge. I had started a recent replay of this game after playing the part 1 remake and I am so happy I found this video. Thank you for making this, it means a lot to me and so many others.

really good video! I've watched so many TLOU 2 video essays and this is one of the best IMO. people who think ellie's actions dont make sense really should watch this. I never thought about this game in relation to addiction but it makes so much sense, it's great. hang in there man, congrats on getting clean.

I’ve watched many video essays on tlou 2 but this has to be my absolute favorite… truly a beautiful masterpiece!

This is the most beautiful video essay I've ever seen, you made me cry And the song at the end, I haven't heard it in years until now so thanks I loved so much every second of this video, keep it up

incredible video. sheds a new light on addiction and the last of us characters as a whole. besides that, you are strong. you are inspiring. thank you for giving awareness to this subject even though it was probably tough. much love ❤

So many ppl stopped playing once they reached Abby’s part and it makes me so sad bc they miss out on an incredible game that makes you really think about life and the other ppl in it

Just..wow. I finally found a video of someone that has the exact same understanding of this story as me. This was just…wow. Well done

i mean wow, so much work has been put on this video, it definitly deserves more views ... keep working brother

This very well might be the greatest TLOU2 video essay ever AND one of the best video essays ever, genuinely this unlocked how I always thought of TLOU2 I always knew that this game wasn’t about revenge but could never put my finger on what the game was about, thank you for this video it’s masterclass

This is one of the most thought provoking videos I have ever seen for this game. You've earned a subscriber. Looking forward to your future contents! :)

This was gorgeous man, really touching and gave me a new perspective on why I love this game so much

You are truly amazing. Thank you for making this video. I never really put it together that she was in addiction.. with the issues I've had myself.. one day at time, brother. Just thank you for your words ❤

I stumbled across your channel fortuitously and I am very happy I found it. It's great that you were able to extrapolate from the game and relate it to your own experience. I am also happy to hear the game helped you understand yourself better and that it reaffirmed the idea that there is hope. Obsessions are never easy to get over, and if so long as you feel like your state of mind depends on the satiation of that obsession, you are never going to move on. I am glad the writers made that clear and that you picked up on this as well. This is why Ellie going back to hunt Abby is not a character flaw nor a sign of bad writing. I could go on talking about why this game is a work of art but I'd be here all day. Unrelated, but you also have a great voice for this (:

stellar video and commentary, thank you for being so vulnerable with so many strangers

Hey, that conclusion was really sweet. I don't want to over share, but it meant a lot to me. Thank you for sharing.

This has been one of the best videos of the last of us that I have seen, excellent work and criticism of a beautiful game, bless you

I love this new take on the story I'm surprised it's never been brought up before this. Nice one!

tlou2 is my favourite game and i absolutely love watching video essays on it and hearing new takes. this was really interesting and fascinating listening to your analysis :)

I just want to say, thank you so much for making this video and giving me a better understanding of what struggling with addiction can be like. It not only gives me a different perspective on this game but having had family members of mine who have struggled with substance addiction, it has made me think about what they may have been experiencing while going through it. Addiction can be such a strong influence on both the person with the addiction and the people who care for that person so I can definitely see Dina’s side of this story, and you being brave enough to share your own experience with addiction has given me a stronger appreciation for my family members personal struggles with it. For that I want to say thank you so much for sharing so much with us in this video 🙂

Both The Last of Us part 1 and part 2 left me changed by the end of each game. I loved both; for the characters, the story and just how impactful and meaningful every little, or big, things were. I understood that Part 2 was about being addicted to revenge and how an addiction can destroy and the hurt that destruction brings. Back in 2008 when I was a young adult I received a phone call no one ever wants to receive. My mother died, because of her addiction to alcohol. And while that initial realization that she was gone was heart breaking it left in its wake a deep sadness that I feel till this day. Knowing that she'll never have the chance to turn her life around and get better. She never got to see me get married, to hold my son when he was born, to see him grow into an incredible human being, to help me when I was struggling (not only with my own self-hatred but with my cancer diagnosis too), and to just be there to experience life as we both grow older. Those experiences are just.... gone, never to exist. That feeling of loss is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life, but the anger and resentment I felt towards my own mother for her choises that led to her illness completely taking over..... well that has faded over the years, leaving an emptyness. To anyone that's read this and gotten here I just want you to know that no matter what you're going through I know that one day things will get better. That you can, and will, get through this. That you are loved and cherished even if you've unjustly convinced yourself otherwise. One day at a time; as a cancer fighter and an ED sufferer that's in recovery, that's my motto; because the future is unknown and all I can do is try and be the best version of myself no matter what life throws my way

This needs more views. Very well made.

*Apologies for commenting again, but I could genuinely watch this ten times over. Had to show some love again and hopefully this helps the algorithm boost your video a lil more. Such a good message. And it's always rough to see how this game was treated by anybody who didn't want to look beyond the surface level. But it's always so dope to see how much good people took out of the game and the community that came from it.

I started watching this video a week ago and I stopped because I hadn’t finished the game yet. but I finished it today and now the video too. In my playthrough I saw the game as you describe it I think only people who went through the trauma of addiction can understand the game best so by you publishing this video and showing people this angle it shows the true nature of the game. in the end all of it taught me a lesson that addictions and obsession are essential. the things you lose by it are a constant reminder to never hit rock bottom again and no matter what to keep going. So to all of the people that don’t like this masterpiece of a game keep what he said in the video in mind “it’s not the story i wanted it’s the story I needed to hear” the story we all needed to hear… so I want to thank you for this video it’s been truly incredible thank you❤️

Wow, as someone who knows a few addicts. This put a huge perspective change for me.. this video is more than just a “Last Of Us”.. this is pure educational content. Wow. Fantastic bro. Thanks for sharing this!. 🤙🏻🙌🏻

Hope this blows up soon interesting video and very therapeutic for many people with addiction

Beautiful video and gave me even deeper reasons to appreciate this masterpiece of a game. Thank you for being so open in your experiences and sharing this with us

Thanks for this, man. excellent video, excellent perspective.

I do believe that people who had certain life experiences understood this game right away. I found the end of part 1 to be extremely disturbing. Part 2’s ending by contrast, was strangely positive.

Great video, thank you for taking the time to make it! Much love to you.

love this. thank you so much for writing and sharing!

Such a high quality video and a very good message. I know its hard to open up about thoses things.

this is one of the best explinations this game nicely done bro

Very astute interpretation. The pain never goes away, but you can learn to control and cope with it.

Really awesome to keep seeing people make videos on the last of us

I think the fact that there people who love the game and hate the game but can not understand each others perspective is really line with the both Abby and Ellie who can not see things from the others perspective. Last of us 2 has great story that makes you think, The Ai and Physics are great and the combat is also well done as well.

I have a few bones to pick with that Forbes Review. They were so quick to perform hot takes they didn't even pay attention. First off, Ellie only let Abby go once, at the end. Abby let Ellie live twice, so I don't know where they got the whole "Ellie let Abby go, again" thing. Furthermore, Ellie was about to just let Abby leave after saving her, but seeing the blood on her hands makes her see Joel's bloody face again, this is the only way she can remember Joel, she can't even draw his eyes in her journal. That's why when she finally sees Joel the way he was, the flash of him playing guitar, that was all she needed to finally let him go and she tells Abby "Just take him." Sorry for the rant. Yes, i feel better lol.

Got my sub here. I've listened to many video essays on this game, this being my favorite game of all time. I've never heard a video essay like this one. You're interpretation is emaculate. That's one of the things I love about this game, so many different interpretations, so many different themes. What I get outta it for my own personal interpretation is forgiveness. I loved Ellie from the beginning when I saw her in the first game, I still love her. I hated who she had became though. I was sad for her, I wanted more from her, but I knew there was a reason I was getting the Ellie I wanted. This story needed to be told and it wasn't a perfect one but it was important. To me it made me feel more than any game I've ever played. The intensity of the game made me feel like I was in that world and even though I hated Abby to begin with I came to understand her, which in turn made me understand what Ellie was going through, but also why what she was doing wasn't even going to help. This game is beautiful and I love playing it despite how hard it can be to play sometimes. This game is up for interpretation and I can understand why people didn't like it. For me it's number 1. Thank you for this video essay and the thoughtfulness that was put into it. I'm happy to hear you are doing better with your addiction. Keep up the fight, I know every day isn't easy but it'll be worth it in the end. I wish the best for you, my friend. Like I said at the beginning you got my sub. It may not mean much but I appreciate the work you did on this video and hopefully many more different videos to come.

Thank you man, I needed this

Thank you for this, I cried

Thank you for this video. It came to me at just the right time. You have helped me greatly.

Fascinating take on an extremely divisive topic, well done!

this was such a great video, your talking at the end made me tear up

I hope that you feel proud for making this beautiful video. Bravo 👏🏽

This is so powerful. Thank you. I also struggled with alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic. I was just 16 and a very heavy drinker. It was a horrible period of my life, but I'm glad its over and it didn't get any worse. I love tlou and different interpretations of it and its sequel so much, and I love seeing it from this perspective. Again, thank you. I almost cried. I definitely would have if I wasn't on antidepressants. This is a wonderful video.

Amazing analysis I can relate so much to this, no wonder these games speak to my soul.

This was such a great essay! Thank you.

Bravo!!! Very powerful, very brave sharing of a personal story and perfectly relates to tlou2 my personal favorite game I’ve ever played for a lot of the reasons you layout in this video. Thank you 🙏

What a beautiful analysis❤

such a great eye opening video for an 18 year old dude who knows nothing about addiction man. Never thought about veiwing the story through the lens of addiction,makes me wanna play the game again with a new pov. You did a great job talking about your own journey,hopefully you never go back into it again. Also loved how you gave hope to those who need it throughout the video. God Bless man

This is awesome! Thanks for a different perspective on a game I already love.

Holy shit. I am so glad I watched this video. I've really wanted to learn to not despise LoU2 after initially hating it because I want to be able to fully enjoy the series and this offers a new perspective that makes sense. While I feel like the artistic direction/structure maybe could have been better, the artists vision is the artist's vision and I gotta try to respect it. After all this time looking through the veil of anger about how poorly I felt part 2 was structured and how it played out it hadn't really hit home that we saw what Ellie exacting vengeance would have looked like because we saw the aftermath of Abbys vengeance. After she killed Joel nothing changed for Abby, she wasn't cathartic, she wasn't even relieved. That was Ellie's future had she just held Abby under the water a little bit longer. I can relate to this "addiction" revelation even more because I too have also been through it, in a real bad way too. Been clean since mid 2016, changed my life. Congrats to you and your continued sobriety and thank you for letting me see this story in a different light.

phenomenal vid. i sincerely thank you

Thank you. This was the video I didnt know I needed. I am a 31yo male who struggled with social anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder for as long as I could remember, I would say high school. I loved The Last of Us Pt 1 but never played Pt II due to the backlash. I saw many reviews about the game and for me, the gameplay element of having to play as Abby just did not seem like a fun or rewarding experience. However, your analysis and views of addiction and the bigger message that the game was trying to convey hits home for me. It was a message all humans should be exposed to, and Im grateful Naughty Dog took the risk, and I’m appreciative of you opening up to your experiences and emphasizing what the core of this story truly is. This video has immensely helped With my own reflection. Thank you

The barn segment is probably top 3 sequences in decades(s).

This is what I needed to hear man. I just recently quit weed after probably 10 years of VERY heavy use (I’m 27). I abuse alcohol quite a bit too and have cut out all weekday drinking, but haven’t fully committed to stopping yet since the only time my friends come around is when were all drinking on the weekends. I have my own house so I tend to be the one to host every weekend. Fully stopping booze is my next goal though. It’s so true that addicts think they’re “different” or like they know some secret that normal folk don’t. My friends and I had this symptom bad when we were younger, all though I grew out of that years ago and realized what we were. Even knowing that, I couldn’t stop until recently.

This has me speechless that's how great this is :)

I love this perspective and interpretation of the game!

I think this might be one of my favourite video game stories ever

This game is so amazing, the storyline is captivating.

Im an addict Im still going throught it and you make me feel heard sometimes the only thing you want is to feel heard and less alone and for the first time in years I feel safe not as a strange weirdo that is like he is because he doesn’t want to change you make me cry whit this analysis you made me reflect on my behavior and as a former addict I really want to thank you and tell you that you make me feel more like a human and less as a monster

This video will make your channel blow up, you should make more videos because this was amazing