The Last of Us Part 2, also known as TLOU 2, has been a hot topic in the gaming world since its release in 2020. Developed by Naughty Dog, the game received critical acclaim for its gripping story, intense gameplay, and stunning visuals. However, a recent documentary has shed light on the fact that the game almost took a completely different route during its development.
The documentary, titled Grounded II, provides insight into the initial plans for The Last of Us Part 2. According to Anthony Newman, the co-game director, the game was originally conceived as an open-world experience inspired by the popular game Bloodborne. This revelation has sparked a wave of interest and conversation among fans of the franchise.
Newman explained that in the early stages of development, the team envisioned an open world that was heavily focused on melee combat. The idea was to create a world that would expand as players explored, similar to the layout structure of Bloodborne. “It was purely melee-focused, like it was all hand-to-hand combat,” Newman said. This would have provided a unique and immersive experience for players, as they mastered the world and its challenges.
Emila Schatz, the lead game designer, also shared her thoughts on the initial concept, stating that the team was not only interested in the melee combat but also in the layout structure. She expressed admiration for the open space in Bloodborne that seemed to grow larger as players delved deeper into the game. This sense of mastery over the world was something the team aimed to capture in The Last of Us Part 2.
However, as time went on, the team at Naughty Dog realized that the open-world concept was not aligning with the story they wanted to tell. The studio had initially set out to make the sequel as different as possible from the first game but ultimately decided to pivot from the open-world idea.
The revelation of the game’s early development concept has sparked speculation and discussion among fans. Many are now wondering what the game would have been like if it had followed the original open-world route. Some have expressed disappointment that the concept was ultimately scrapped, while others believe that the final product was true to the storytelling and gameplay that fans have come to expect from Naughty Dog.
In addition to the revelations about the game’s early development, the documentary also featured remarks from Neil Druckmann, the co-writer and co-director of the first two games. His comments have led to speculation about the possibility of a third installment in The Last of Us series.
Overall, the insights provided by Grounded II have given fans a deeper understanding of the creative process behind The Last of Us Part 2. It has sparked conversations about what could have been, while also reigniting excitement for the possibilities of future installments in the franchise.
As the gaming community continues to absorb and discuss the revelations from the documentary, it’s clear that The Last of Us Part 2 continues to captivate and inspire fans around the world. The game’s impact on the industry and its loyal fanbase is a testament to the talent and creativity of the team at Naughty Dog.