Naughty Dog Details New Gameplay Mechanics for The Last of Us Part II

During “Inside the Gameplay”, the latest entry in The Last of Us Part II video series, Naughty Dog detailed some of the new systems and gameplay mechanics that players can expect when the game releases in June.

The three, major new mechanics include the options to jump, dodge, and prone. In the video, Neil Druckmann mentioned that since we’ll be playing as Ellie, the team had to take into consideration that she’s a lot more nimble than a character like Joel, and they designed systems and mechanics to reflect that. Druckmann also mentioned that although enemies may be larger or stronger than Ellie, players are more than capable of rising to the challenge, and using these mechanics to their advantage. These added options also provide players to make as many decisions in combat as possible.

With the new prone mechanic, players will be able to take cover in grass or under cars; and while in that position, your weapons and crafting system will still be accessible. Keep in mind, though, that while you’re hidden in the grass, enemies may not be able to see you from a distance but closer enemies will eventually make their way over to you. We see an example of this in the Inside the Gameplay video, when an enemy remarks that Ellie, “went into the grass,” and comes to look for her.

Enemies are also a lot smarter in The Last of Us Part II. Since the devs have given Ellie the ability to hide under cars, enemies have the ability to look under them; and if they spot Ellie hiding, she’ll be dragged out and potentially killed.

Co-game director Kurt Margenau also spoke to the level design in the game, and how it’s a lot more open than the first game. It’s so open, in fact, that “there are entire story moments, entire combat encounters, fully-scripted sequences that you may completely miss.”

The Last of Us Part II will be released on June 19th exclusively for PlayStation 4.