The Last of Us Part 2: The Bold, Bleak Stealth Masterpiece That Redefines PS5 Gaming
Now Playing | The Last of Us Part 2 is a true PlayStation 5 must-play thanks to a gritty story and tense encounters that never let up
Considering I've been to jollier funerals, it's a little odd to call The Last of Us Part 2 a victory lap. But for PlayStation 4, that's exactly what it was. The PS4 had smashed it, with constant great first-party games like Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Bloodborne, along with excellent third party support. The Last of Us Part 2 was clearly intended as one last hurrah before the PS5 arrived later that same year.
So why is its remaster one of the defining games of PS5? Well, that PS4 victory lap never really ended. We've had slightly conservative sequels to Horizon, Spider-Man, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. Some good, some great, but none of them as brave a roll of the dice as The Last of Us 2.
Head to the next paragraph if you don't want spoilers – seriously, off you go – but this game kills its co-lead in the opening hours. It's easy to forget just how ridiculously audacious that move was. Imagine if Donkey Kong Bananza explained you had to play as DK because Diddy Kong had succumbed to bronchitis. I hope whoever opens the feedback mail at Naughty Dog got a steep raise that month.
After that merry opening, the stage is set for a violent stealth adventure that makes the first game look about as grisly as an episode of Bluey. A grimdark indictment of human nature where horses get shot in the head, supporting characters get picked off more ruthlessly than in a Game of Thrones finale, and someone can't even enjoy a spot of Hotline Miami on PS Vita without getting their throat slit. It's a
Naughty Dog… You OK, hun?
At least The Last of Us Part 2 doesn't shy away from the horrors of what you're doing. I've racked up psychotic kill counts in hundreds of games, but this is one of the few where every character has a name. Plenty mocked the feature where surviving NPCs will sometimes yell one of your victims' names out when you kill them. I think it's brilliant. An upsettingly effective way of reminding you that, oh yeah, that was a
But the game isn't just good for giving you more reasons to hate yourself for perpetuating cycles of violence. This revenge quest simply feels great to play as a game. It's the best stealth adventure since Metal Gear Solid 5. Except all your lovely toys from Metal Gear haven't bothered showing up, forcing you to think on your feet in a game where simply trying to wait the enemy out is suicide. They're far too smart for such tired stealth tricks. Instead of sticking to rigid patrol routes like clockwork automatrons, the people you're up against actually communicate with each other, make smart decisions, flank you, and – oh boy – occasionally drop to their knees and beg for mercy. Sorry, bud. Not in this game.
Slowly creeping up on someone who could suddenly turn around at any moment never stops getting the pulse racing, especially with several of their friends in the wings ready to shout "Kevin!" if they witness you shanking poor Kev. It never lets you get comfortable, constantly escalating and adding nasty new complications, or a swarm of clickers just for kicks.
“The Jason Weems Trouble”: Monique Samuels’ freedom is THREATENED as sources reveal new man Jason Weems is STILL LEGALLY MARRIED and facing a BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE, confirming her escape is now MIRED IN LEGAL CHAOS
The alleged escape of former RHOP star Monique Samuels from her complicated marriage to Chris Samuels has reportedly led her straight into a new storm of legal drama. Sources reveal that her rumored new man, Jason Weems, a former radio co-host, is allegedly STILL LEGALLY MARRIED, confirming that Monique's new relationship is MIRED IN LEGAL CHAOS and threatening to shatter her hopes for a drama-free future.
While Monique has been open about "choosing herself" and moving on, the alleged circumstances surrounding Jason Weems' marital status threaten her public image and expose her to severe scrutiny.
The Allegation: Still Legally Married
The most damaging rumor currently swirling around Monique and Jason Weems is the allegation that he is not yet legally divorced from his wife. This would place Monique in the deeply controversial position of allegedly being involved with a married man.
Social Media Scrutiny: Discussions across social media platforms like Reddit highlight this allegation, with users pointing out that while Monique is the famous one, the legal and moral blame is shared if Weems is indeed still married.
The "Lie" Defense: The speculation includes common defenses used by men in such situations, such as claiming to be "separated" or "getting a divorce," but the legal fact remains: If he is still married, his divorce is a massive ongoing liability.
Bitter Custody Battle and Legal Chaos
While there are no confirmed court records detailing a "BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE" directly involving Jason Weems and his estranged wife, the combination of an alleged ongoing marriage and children automatically leads to a high-stakes, protracted legal custody dispute.
Monique’s Exposure: Any bitter family court dispute involving Weems means that Monique’s "freedom" and new relationship are constantly under the legal microscope. Her involvement with him could potentially be used by his ex-wife's legal team in the custody battle to question Weems' stability or judgment.
MIRED IN LEGAL CHAOS: Monique sought a new life free from the drama of her previous marriage and reality TV, yet her new relationship is allegedly entrenched in the messiest type of legal proceeding—a high-asset, high-emotion divorce and custody fight.
Monique has chosen to be open and transparent about her personal life on platforms like her YouTube channel, but the alleged legal status of her new partner's marriage ensures that her escape from one drama has simply led her straight into another, potentially much larger, scandal.
