Microsoft Calls The Last of Us 2 "Significantly Ahead" of Anything on Console & PC in Leaked Review

The internal Microsoft The Last of Us 2 review has leaked, and it calls Naughty Dog's game "significantly ahead" of anything out on consoles & PCs.

[Jin_Sakai]

They’re right. I only played a few hours as I’m still waiting for a 60fps PS5 patch. The small portion I played looked amazing though!

[SullysCigar]

They actually are right. What a turn up for the books!

Edit @below, good point sir.

[excaliburps]

Well, they can be honest and whatnot given it's supposed to be internal only. Wonder what they have to say about other Sony games.

[VenomUK]

In this review, Microsoft criticises TLOU1 gameplay it said it 'gave players little freedom of choice in the moment to moment gameplay.' This is valid, however I would say this is more of a criticism of the linear story-driven genre, and the developer's tight controls on narrative and gameplay is what made the first game so successful. The problem is that whilst open world game's give more 'freedom' it doesn't necessarily make them 'better'.

[bouzebbal]

I played it and hated it.. Nothing happens at anytime.. Joel disappearance was so badly executed

[gamer7804]

@venom that’s a valid criticism that it doesn’t give choice . I’m okay with that not having choice given the story is satisfying . Unfortunately I just didn’t get any satisfaction out of playing that game.

[kayoss]

@bouzebbal
Joe's disappearance?
What are you talking about, did you even played the game?

[bouzebbal]

Kayoss

Was not to spoil if shine haven't played it.. But was apparently not easy to understand

[Sonic-and-Crash]

not at all ....generally all the media that were generally negative toward PS before ( now MS also) found LoUs2 very good ....i wonder why ? .....the game had serious design, plot and art direction problems . making it uninteresting ( having in mind that it is a game not a movie) ....as for the gameplay ....Days Gone completely showed how its done with its true scavenging survival action ..that was dynamic and tense

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

What was so bad about the game design and art direction? I think if you are being objective I can't see how anyone can disagree that TLOU2 is at the very least a very well made game. You may have your own opinions about what kind of game styles that you personally like which is fine, but to be objective...come on now...Naughty Dog are one of the best game studios in the world it's just a fact.

[leejohnson222]

Game play was great but the story for me was nonsense and didnt come close to the first game, i just ignored the silly story and enjoyed the game play

[Sonic-and-Crash]

@Harry

problems with art direction are that none of the characters is memorable ...remember that this is a game not a movie ...having oscar winning voice acting doesnt offer nothing to gameplay and immersion of the player ...character were colorless , dull and generic everyday people that dont fit in a game(exception is Ellie who had some game artistic values)

As from Game designing problems these were obvious with.. back and forth gameplay , past and contemporary disconected segments , 2 main characters (player cannt identify with none) , plot holes that are nt explained ...generally a mess

[cd1]

I loved TLOU2, so what if I thought the 1st story was better. Each to their own, kid.

[AspiringProGenji]

Yes. We know it is not a game, not a movie? Your point? Can’t video games be realistic and have high production values that enhances the experience and make it feel real? Believable? It not the 2d era of games anymore

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

@Sonic

Hmm okay so the art direction is a pretty broad topic, I mean it's not just about the characters you've got the environments as well which are stunning you have to admit that. This game is supposed to be a dark and gritty mood piece so the characters are not going to have colours that pop out because that would make the characters at odds with the world. As for stand out features I think Ellie and Joel are pretty iconic at this point and even Abby (everyone loves her guns) ;) I guess maybe some of the side characters are bit forgettable? Either way you said that they look like dull everyday people, but I imagine that's deliberate since the game is going for a realistic tone. It's all good if that's not what you want in a videogame but we all have different tastes, me personally I can go from Mario to TLOU easily because I like different things.

Now game design, I don't think you realise how much work went into this. You've got things like affordance where the player is directed into different locations based on lighting or colours, things of interest and still make it blend into the world so you subconsciously follow it. You've got the rope mechanics which to my knowledge is a first for consoles at least, creating a kind of half life approach to some puzzles. I suppose there are sections that may seem disconnected but they are vastly improved from the original in scope letting you go at your own pace and explore. To keep that kind of exploration in a strict narrative is a balancing act which works more often than not in TLOU2.

So identifying with the characters again is subjective, if you didn't bond with any of them then that's unfortunate . In the end it seems to me that you just don't like these kinds of games which is fine. Like I said before though you're opinions are subjective and so are mine but TLOU2 is objectively a well made game and top tier in its genre. The game design is technically brilliant, the art direction accomplishes what it sets out to do (I mean it's one of if not the best looking game on PS4), It succeeds in telling a heavy narrative (whether you like that or not again is subjective) and the game is virtually bug free.

I appreciate if you read through all of this ;)

[Christopher]

1. That dog whistle of comparing it to a movie
2. Days Gone had dumb as rocks AI and in the most intense moments it wasn't about the peril so much as dealing with how few number of enemies would be affected by a bomb or world trap element because, again, AI was bad.

It was a good game, but trying to compare it to TLoUP2 because it didn't have a story you didn't like for gameplay is hilariously bad and you could have just assumed it up to "open world better always" or something silly.

[Sonic-and-Crash]

@Christofer playing Days Gone in some tense moments i really felt how LoUS2 should have been ....yes it is open world but nearly all its basic gameplay ( confrontations marauders , zombies, animals ) were well segmented, dynamic (constant dange from freakers) and perfect mechanically (gun play , basic AI as you say but functional , items managments usage etc) ....

LoUS2 felt like the movie ND always (basically its director) wanted to make ...battles are good but were almost so linear-ed to the point of scripted and be lets be honest AI wasnt that superior to DG (in small spaces ... also following the bad direction of cutting the infected battles to minimum and sci fi lore to 0 didnt help at all...for a player that wasnt interested in its basic story

[Christopher]

TLoUP2 AI is not at all linear and is dynamic. 100% false on your part there. It's like you're describing some of the area designs with the AI.

AI will track you and communicate with each other (they even all have their own names), AI will adjust to detecting you, to seeing you, to finding dead bodies, and more.

Sorry, you're just 100% wrong about the dynamic of battle in TLoUP2. It's one of the best use of AI out there for creating a realistic element of combat while not being "unfair" to the player.

Perhaps if you just run and gunned your way through it on easy you missed it? Otherwise, just not at all the truth.

[Aussieguy]

Is there a patch definitely coming? I hope so as well, but havent heard anything yet.

[PrinceOfAnger]

Microsoft's review of last 2 before the release of Microsoft Flight Sim and Cyberpunk 2077, after which they took it's place and Digital foundry came and clarified everything and chose Cyberpunk 2077 (1)
Most impressive looking game "
The most impressive visulas of 2020.

Digital foundry
Best Game Graphics of 2020:
1. Cyberpunk (on pc)
2. Spiderman Miles Morales
3. Microsoft flight simulator
4. Half life Alyx
5. The last of us part 2
6. Demons souls
7. Doom eternal

[Rude-ro]

Funny how you would list cyberpunk (pc)
Yet leave our flight simulator (pc)

[generic-user-name]

Some PC folks won't like to hear this but it's true, it might not have the highest resolution or the highest framerates that graphic cards can produce, but it has the most believable animations in a super detailed world. Blood soaking through bandages over time, squinting when aiming, splattered chunks of brains sliding down the wall slowly, glass embedded in enemies faces, paper notes getting wet if you read them in water, the rope physics, pools of blood melting the snow, etc etc etc.

[buffig]

Exactly this. Couldn't agree more. Too many people consider "best graphics" to mean, highest level of anisotropic filtering or TAA or any number of other setting ramped up to the extreme. However, that's just image quality. When God of War was released, to me it was the best graphic of any game I'd played, and I play on a decent gaming PC too. Because graphics to me are the things which are created by artists. I'm still wowed by driving in the rain in Driveclub. This is part of the reason why I'm always drawn to PlayStation. The artists and developers at their studios are at the very peak of the industry, which is something they've spent decades cultivating.

[cyhm3112]

Truth spoken

[kayoss]

@OneGreenMRAJ
Im not saying your interpretation of the game is wrong. Its a different perspective.
But what i got from the story is that this game is about vengeance and when you seek vengeance instead of forgiving. You end up losing more than what you started.
Abby wasnt meant to mirror joel. If anything Abby was opposite of Joel.

[ibrake4naps]

While I didn't care for the story, technically it's a masterpiece!

[kayoss]

I mean, people need to consider the context of things as well. PC will always have the advantage and ceiling over console in terms of power. However, for naughty dog to optimize TLOU2 for the PS4 is nothing less than outstanding.

[MWH]

I won't say a true gamer but i'll say an honest person will give credit were it's due, and Naughty Dog's visual quality is among the industry's finest. However, i think it's a mistake mixing games with bad politics.

[generic-user-name]

One lesbian couple simply existing, one woman who trained her body for revenge for years and one single character who was born in a female body but feels they are male, is not "bad politics".

[jBlakeeper]

The level of polish is unmatched and the graphics are akin to games we will be seeing in the mid of the PS5 life cycle. Only wish it was 60 FPS because once you play a 60 FPS game 30 FPS feels slow.

[InUrFoxHole]

You're absolutely drunk if you think Mid gen will produce TLOU2 graphics. I think we'll get better than that this gen

[iplay1up2]

Red Dead 2s world felt much more alive than TLOU2. Honestly, not that impressed with the first 3 hours I have put into TLOU2. I had to force myself to finish TLOU Remastered, before TLOU2 came out. The story is great, but the actual gameplay, not great.

Playing Gears 5 on Series X, is very impressive. 4K 60/120fps options(not 4K 120fps). I certainly think by mid current gen, we will see much more impressive graphics, on all systems. With TLOU2 Releasing not that long ago, Sony should have a free day one patch for PS5.

[cd1]

@iplay

You had to force yourself to finish the first and you don't like the 2nd...ever considered TLOU just isn't your type of game? Let others enjoy it and just go back to Gears.

[InUrFoxHole]

I agree with rd2 feeling more alive. Both companies are great

[Bruh]

@Darkborn

Considering Microsoft has also put out gorgeous visuals such as those from FH4 and Gears 5. Tells me that when you aim for a 30 FPS threshold you tend to put out much better graphics than those aiming for a 60 FPS target. But ima let you tell me more world class engineer

[tombfan]

At first yes, you notice... But after a few minutes your eyes start to adapt and it's not that noticable anymore.

[Aussiesummer]

The detail is pretty astonishing but some of it is faked, like teeth being sprayed out when hitting an enemy in the face with a bat, they don't lose their teeth at all, they just appear out off nowhere.

[jznrpg]

Well it was made to run on a PS4 that’s 1.8tb or something ?? They did an amazing job

[Atticus_finch]

??? Well yeah. Their clothing isn't real either it's flat textures.

[yeahokwhatever]

lol

[buffig]

Yeah, and Thanos didn't really click his fingers and make everybody disappear, that was all faked too. Same with the lightsabers in star wars. They're added afterwards!

Every game you've ever played has optical tricks like this. It's how games are made. From baked lighting to pre calculated physics, to swapping out textures and shaders on the same geometry. Are you suggesting any thing less than physically knocking out a characters teeth with deforming jaw geometry and flying teeth, with convincing physics, isn't good enough?

[Father__Merrin]

Show me anything on NY other platform that matches or beats it? Once naughty dog are on ps5 the visuals will be god tier

[DarXyde]

I think that assumes that will be the focus. Knowing their games look and run astonishingly well within strict hardware limitations, I'm thinking they'll polish the visuals more than PS4 Pro for sure, but leave headroom for ray tracing or higher frame rate.

Then again, options are popular this generation.

[SullysCigar]

It's great they can recognise quality and I hope they can come close some day soon. Their games lack Polish of late, for me.

[XxSPIDEYxX]

Animations, Graphics, Sound Design, the list goes on. We already knew how talented Naughty Dog was. Glad Microsoft acknowledges as well, even if they tried to keep it private.

[Futureshark]

That's actually one of the most well written reviews of any game I've read in a long time.
If only more reviews were so comprehensive.

[Destiny1080]

they started doing playstation reviews, when phil took over

[Aarontk]

They’re right. Save for maybe RDR2. I hope it pushes them to create something better, we need good storytelling, an experience that whisks us away.

[Silly gameAr]

Yeah, I don't believe the sincerity there. Wonder what they're planning.

[Christopher]

*hands Silly their tin foil hat*

[Bigman4k]

Oh please

[AnnaDea]

Man, I remember getting so many down votes when I said that The Last of US 2 is the game that is pushing the most at the time. People being angry and shitty about it because it was on 7 year old hardware.

Game Engines are usually made around the current generations hardware and then pc get's the better out of it. Cyberpunk 2077 is a good example when you make a game next-gen and tries to port it to the last generation of consoles *looks at you ps4 and xbx".

[Yui_Suzumiya]

But development for that started during the PS3 / 360 Era .. imagine if it was on those consoles

[chiefJohn117]

They're talking about its graphics and attention to detail.
From a technical standpoint it's definitely top notch best thing about the game imo was the animations.
They lowkey took a shot at it calling it a walking Sim at times

[yeahokwhatever]

yep. they basically say that while not any fun as a game, its nice and the technical detail is great.

[RazzerRedux]

So blatantly lying that the review said the game is "not any fun" is fine, but quoting the review where it says the opposite is inappropriate?

[talocaca]

I remember playing the game and being blown away specially by the animations. The way they connect is so seamless!

For example: jumping from the top of a car and landing a physical attack on a clicker.

Easily a generation ahead any other game I've played.

[Paleblood]

It looks like the Xbox community doesn't agree with Xbox management review.

I would say that most of Sony game studios are ahead of anything out on console or PC. Look at Spiderman, Ratched and Clank, Days Gone, Ghost of T, God of War and now Returnal!!!

I can't wait to see what those studios are doing now.

[Father__Merrin]

Even when you look at graphics some of sonys games are even way ahead of pc

[Jericho1337]

People are delusional to think the graphics are anything other than spectacular. Sony undoubtedly has more talented studios than Microsoft, that are more au fait with the technology they are working with. I definitely think Microsoft are on the right track to competing with them though.

[hiawa23]

I agree, MS. TLOU2 is my game GOTY of last gen. I am nearly 150 hours into it with multiple play throughs. ❤Abby.

[yeahokwhatever]

this title is fake news. the article says that the "presentation is significantly ahead of anything on console & PC". Presentation. fake fake fake.

[S2Killinit]

Q is that you

[jznrpg]

I pictured you as a man boy with his fingers in his ears saying “it’s all fake” while crying and screaming . Close??

[yeahokwhatever]

i dont bother picturing you because im not a psychopath. get bent, scrub.

[Ausbo]

I know some people have issue with the story to the game, but there’s no doubt that naughty dog make the most polished video games in the industry. They are stunning

[Tetsdah]

Haha, so Microsoft own teams had to admit it lol. The game is technical marvel objectively, and subjectively I loved the story. Naughty Dog, where the hell is the upgrade for TLOU2 incorporating the haptics, triggers, 3d audio, and enhanced resolution.

I can't wait to see their next project alongside the alleged TLOU remake. So much more power and tech at their fingertips. Jesus man

[Father__Merrin]

A next gen uncharted will melt faces

[Tetsdah]

Indeed it will

[Orchard]

Competitor analysis. This isn’t surprising - the same thing happens at Sony, Nintendo, EA, Activision etc.

[Atticus_finch]

I imagine almost all devs and publisher will be trying to emulate what TLOU2 accomplished just like they did after part1.

[CantThinkOfAUsername]

No logic here, mate. Only hyperbole and Sony praise, got it?

[The_Sage]

Aww... Don't be like that.

[Bathyj]

Damn I bet Microsoft never wanted this to see the light of day. Makes sense one of the times they are genuinely honest and it's kept secret.

[Darkborn]

Yeah it's one of the only honest things they've said for a while.

[S2Killinit]

Well anyone that didnt see how it was head and shoulders above anything we had seen, was well, I dont even know. It was a technical leap for gaming.

[anast]

What ND can do with consoles is almost magic. No other company finds ways to solve problems and make things work like ND.

[hiawa23]

Rockstar is pretty amazing too..

[anast]

True. I played RDR2 for close to two years or more. That game is def. up there.

[MrCrimson]

Seems made up. Review reads like something written on N4G.

[Elda]

Of course darling!!

[neomahi]

Its politics. Microsoft kissing up to Naughty Dog staff so when they leave Naughty Dog, theyll go to Microsofts Initiative Studio, Microsoft wants what they cant have, they want Playstation's talent because they lack the ability to recognize and recruit, cultivate, and maintain that. Like Jaffe says "Phil Spencer is a pathetic manager".

[thejigisup]

Now imagine Apple saying Samsung has a product that is superior in every way compated to their own. I think this speaks very clearly about MS current position trying to push the envelope with that AAAA stuff they are trying to pull off with the initiative.

[jznrpg]

Let them make a good AAA game first before this AAAA shit . Come on

[Saijahn]

Visually the game was a masterpiece. I don't think anyone could seriously deny that.

MS agrees, now story wise etc, that's where the wars break out

[Einhander1971]

Yes, and imagine when Naughty dog push the PS5 to its limits.

[Magog]

In this one thing Microsoft is 100% correct.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Looks great no surprise

[foker]

animation work alone is next next gen

[Binarycode]

I'm a PC and console gamer, of course if a game is Multiplat you'll always be able to push higher rez and fps on a PC if your PC permits.

But for what the PS4 has tech wise, TLOU2,UC4 are amazing, as is horizon zero dawn and many other titles, Heck even Killzone Shadow fall holds up graphically.

Demon Souls, Spiderman, and other titles coming out are just starting to warm up on the PS5.

Ratchet and Clank looks crazy good on PS5.

Rez isn't everything. It's the Final Image that matters.

[Woodrowe]

TLoU2 was an outstanding game in my opinion. Visually I have yet to see many games on PC / Xbox / Switch etc look as polished and well directed as TLoU2. While some may have issues with the narrative decisions that were made, and claim the game fell victim to today's political culture, I think the experience was well crafted and took some risks in its narrative that did exactly what it was supposed to do... Cause an emotional reaction from the fans (for good or bad). This is one of the few games that I've achieved a platinum trophy for, which to me, says a lot about the quality of it's experience.

[Dandizzle]

While Last of us 2 is amazing and deserves recognition. It is rather arrogant to state such a thing when your game is not running 60fps on the PS5. Being "ahead" is subjective. If they where "ahead they would have a ps5 patch out already"

[FPS_D3TH]

Regardless of the plot, this game is the highest fidelity when it comes to animations, world detail and immersion

[jznrpg]

It’s a technical marvel considering this ran well on a base PS4 , I can’t wait for what they do on PS5 . I really hope they do a sci fi game and if it’s a rpg I will wet my pants

[GamingSinceForever]

This is just pouring fuel on the already pointless console war. Almost everyone likes the game so not sure why people working at XBox would feel any different. A good game is a good game regardless of who made it.

[nitroxhotshot]

Actually completed lou2 last night, 30 plus hours. Think the story was amazing, played with emotions and and enjoyed playing as abbie. Awesome game for me, 2 was better than the first

[BlaqMagiq1]

Even Microsoft knows Sony is blowing them out of the water with quality exclusives. Anyone that thinks otherwise would be fooling themselves.

[Half13yte]

What Microsoft/PC exclusive would they be praising over at Sony?

[Flewid638]

I mean The Order runs at 900p and is still one of the best looking games to date, in-spite of it not being that good of a game.

Detroit's way up there too.

[gleepot]

TLOU1/2 have fantastic tech and storytelling, but both have super mediocre gameplay.

[Master of Unlocking]

It's good that MS are doing that and giving credit where credit is due. GG Microsoft. I wonder if they do that for each PS exclusive and if that's why they decided to go on a buying spree, though. I can imagine how testing each and every PS exclusive would leave them traumatized for life and have them proceed with signing cheques left and right to buy studios and publishers and media groups without realizing they would never recoup all that money.

Also, I wonder if any, and which XBox exclusive is currently being reviewed at SIE.