this game was great, even when i had already been spoiled on probably every single major plot point in it. the crafting mechanics added a certain depth and flair to the game that i often find lacking or to be subpar in most other post apocalyptic survival games. the combat was amazing; intense, quick firefights ending in either your death or a slow, methodical death for your enemies. the story, though, is really where this game shines. probably the best one that naughty dog has ever and will ever make -- it flips the cliche zombie apocalypse setting on its head by focusing on the development of its characters and the humanization of their emotional states and ideas rather than the idea of the apocalypse itself, creating a sense of realness that is, once again, often lacking in other survival games of the post apocalyptic genre. truly a fantastic experience.

Endure and Survive.

This is now my 5th time playing through this masterpiece. The story and characters are relentlessly captivating, and the weaving narrative always keeps you on your toes to see what happens next. I think despite what some say, the gameplay is good too, with an extra focus on stealth-based combat.

The only gripe I have (and this is a nitpick) is that when you're sneaking around, the A.I. of your companions always run straight into the enemies without getting caught which kills the immersion sometimes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7YVnHFKR8U&t=167s

A great game? Yes. One of the "best games of all time"? I don't really think so. In my opinion, it's not as fun as its sister series, Uncharted - not to say they're super similar - and I don't find Joel and Ellie as compelling as Sony's other major father-and-child-traveling-dangerous-lands series. Still, though, stealthing around is quite fun, and I'm a sucker for scrounging up any small resource one can find.

I also respect the ending for going a much darker route than you'd expect the entire time.