The first game is regarded as one of the greatest games of all time. It also ended in a way that leaves it open for a sequel, while still standing on its own. With something like that, a sequel was always going to be an issue.

But I do have to say the game isn't as polarizing as people think. Outside of angry message board whining, it's pretty highly regarded. This game is still winning awards a year after release. You know, unlike something like Cyberpunk that was getting its farts sniffed years before release and we all know how that game turned out.

I'm not saying it's perfect because I have some issues with things, but overall I do think it was a worthy sequel. I like that it changed my perception of Ellie. I like what they did with Joel. I even like Abby. If this game was just another backpacking adventure, it would have been boring. It needed to push the envelope and truly shake things up after what happened at the end of the first.