The Last of Us Part II

The endurance of archaic random encounters suggests that game design has largely not evolved to complement the sleeker technology.

The sequel is much more ambitious than the first game. It fully utilizes the PlayStation 4’s upgraded hardware to render beautiful and meticulously crafted environments that immerse the player in a gritty, infection-ravaged Seattle. 

With master assassins scoping out ruins and zombies overrunning the post-apocalyptic wasteland, video games as a genre have diversified without restraint.

As the turbulent politics of 2017 continue into the new year, we will inevitably look to art once again for some measure of solace and healing.