With The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered now available, many resilient survivors are likely reliving the game’s most heart-wrenching cutscene. However, one modder has taken it a step further by making that scene playable in a clip that’s both cathartic and even more intense. (Spoilers ahead.)
Modder Speclizer uploaded the YouTube video below on January 19, titled “TLOU 2 but you can save Joel,” showcasing a playable version of the brutal scene where Ellie exacts her revenge much earlier.
The name may be somewhat misleading, as Joel’s golf club incident remains unchanged throughout, but players can now at least attempt to alter the outcome.
The dual storyline of The Last of Us Part 2 can span up to 32 hours for full completion as Ellie traverses the apocalyptic country to seek revenge.
In a more expedient twist for the character, the fan fiction above envisions a future where she avenges Joel in about two minutes. Despite its gruesome nature, the remixed scene actually results in less bloodshed than the full game.
The modded level provided some much-needed catharsis for commenters still grappling with the emotional impact of the original scene.
It’s interesting to note how it highlights the contrast between the human, vulnerable Ellie portrayed in cutscenes and the John Wick-type action heroine she becomes when stalking through levels.
This quirk has been a consistent feature in Naughty Dog’s catalog, as these games strive to present dramatic, grounded stories while also delivering a satisfying gameplay experience.
Turning to alternate scenarios, the recently-released remastered edition includes cut content from the original, including a particularly harrowing flashback for Ellie. For those looking to avoid additional in-game trauma, the new No Return mode introduces a fun roguelike structure to the tense combat.
