The Naughty Dog team is back, and this time they’re exploring the gameplay in The Last of Us Part II.

There is so much that will be different about the second game in the series. Players now control Ellie rather than Joel and that presents new challenges and opportunities as the young woman handles the environment differently. She’s smaller than Joel, which can be a disadvantage during combat, but it also means she’s more nimble and able to explore her surroundings in unique ways.

Jumping and crawling is now possible, and this will increase the verticality of the gameplay. And Naughty Dog has also developed mechanics that factor in when Ellie is prone, so players will be able to use weapons while she’s laying on the ground, in the cover of grass or underneath obstacles in the environment.

Dodging is also a big element. When you’re one of the smaller combatants, it’s a comfort to know that you can also leap out of the way of attacks, run away and recover, and flank your enemies when necessary.

The Naughty Dog team has really expanded the scope of what’s possible in the post-apocalyptic world.

And I, for one, can’t wait to play it and revisit the award-winning world of the PS4 exclusive series.

The Last of Us Part II launches on June 19th, 2020 for the PlayStation 4.

Are you ready?