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THE Last of Us Part 2 is out today, and it promises to be one of the biggest blockbuster games of the year.
The title has players shoot and hack their way through a post-apocalyptic Earth – here's everything you need to know.
Unsurprisingly, the Last of Us Part 2 (LOUP2) is the followup to 2013's smash-hit game, The Last of Us.
The original title followed the story of Joel, a bereaved father who helps escort teenager Ellie across a post-apocalyptic America.
They're forced to contend with zombie-style cannibal humans that have been taken over by a mutant fungus, as well as hostile people, too.
The new game is set five years after the original story ended, but you'll now play as a 19-year-old Ellie, rather than an older and less sprightly Joel.
Joel and Ellie have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming, but a "violent event" disrupts that peace, according to Naughty Dog, the game's developer.
"Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors," Naughty Dog writes on its website.
"When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure.
"As she hunts those responsible one by one, she is confronted with the devastating physical and emotional repercussions of her actions."
Like the original, there's a heavy focus on stealth, with players encouraged to sneak up on enemies before quietly dispatching them.
Animations for these take-downs are brutal, with Ellie desperately wrestling with her foes before stabbing or bludgeoning them to death.
You'll also engage in more open combat, using guns, Molotov cocktails, a bow and arrow and more to see off waves of on-rushing enemies.
According to Naughty Dog, you'll feel every punch and bullet thanks to the game's gritty and realistic gameplay.
"New and evolved gameplay systems deliver upon the life-or-death stakes of Ellie’s journey through the hostile world," the firm says.
"Feel her desperate struggle for survival through improved features such as high-intensity melee combat, fluid movement and dynamic stealth.
"A broad variety of weapons, crafting items, skills and updates allows you to personalise Ellie’s capabilities to your play style."
The Last of Us Part 2 was originally scheduled for release on May 29, 2020.
However, the game was hit by multiple delays and setbacks as a result of the current global health crisis.
The hotly-anticipated title finally launched on the PlayStation 4 on June 19.
It's going for around £54.99 / $69.99 online, though that price varies between retailers.
You can order the game on the or over at , Amazon and many other online retailers.
TLOUP2 will also almost certainly come out on the PS5 when the new console hits shelves later this year.
Sony recently confirmed the PS5 was on track to launch in time for Christmas 2020.
Unfortunately, parts of the game's story leaked online last month – but don't panic, we won't be sharing any of that here.
Out-of-context scenes from the game spread like wildfire across social media, leaving game director Neil Druckman "heartbroken".
Druckman wrote on Twitter: “Heartbroken for the team. Heartbroken for our fans. We’re still incredibly excited to get the game into your hands.”
Naughty Dog urged fans not to spoil the release for others.
“No matter what you see and hear, the final experience will be worth it," the company wrote on Twitter.
In other news, the PlayStation 5 is on track for a Christmas 2020 release – but the console won’t come cheap.
Microsoft showed off its first Xbox Series X gameplay clips last month.
And, You can check your Xbox addiction over the past 10 years with the new 'My Decade on Xbox' tool.
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