Joel and Ellie Reunite in No Return Mode

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In a more simplified and expressive manner, here’s how we can rephrase the given text:

The Last of Us Part 2 is like a rich, well-prepared meal that leaves you pondering long after you’ve finished. While the main conflict revolves around Ellie chasing Abby and the repercussions of their actions, what truly stands out are the gradual revelations about why Joel and Ellie’s bond was tense in the present, which unfold through flashbacks. These insights aren’t immediately clear until later in the story, and the somber resolution isn’t disclosed until the game’s finale. Interestingly, it’s only during these flashbacks that we get to experience Joel and Ellie interacting within the game, beyond the non-playable cutscenes featured in The Last of Us Part 2.

Since Joel and Ellie spent most of the game “The Last of Us Part 1” together, the sudden change in “Part 2” is quite shocking, even before Joel gets brutally killed with a golf club. Their journey across the country in “Part 1” shows how they gradually remove each other’s protective barriers and develop a genuine bond. The ending of “Part 1” reveals a deception born from their newfound affection, which means they can never be together again. Ellie’s connection to Joel through the guitar he gave her, symbolized by the pinky and ring fingers on her left hand, is now broken. It might provide some comfort, then, that they can team up in “The Last of Us Part 2“‘s roguelike mode called “No Return.

The Last of Us Part 2: How the Loss of Joel is Felt by Ellie

In The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie frequently recalls memories of Joel. One of the first pleasant memories is when Joel takes her to a museum filled with dinosaurs and space exhibits. What’s charming here is that Joel appears as an NPC (Non-Player Character) whom Ellie interacts with in various ways. This could range from playfully pushing him into a creek, mimicking an earlier prank he played on her, to giving him a hat so they both coordinate in their attire.

This situation ultimately takes a turn for the worse when Ellie has an altercation with a boar, causing her to come across graffiti expressing doubt about the Fireflies, piquing her interest. A second flashback ensues where Ellie and Joel nearly meet their end at the hands of a bloater, but Joel bravely rescues her. They stumble upon familiar remains, which stir memories in Ellie of how her life might have been given up for the greater good as she wished, only to receive a chilly and unfeeling response from Joel.

In the third, dramatic flashback sequence, it’s shown that Ellie returned to the hospital in Salt Lake City to search for additional information herself. After Ellie had already discovered a voice recording from a Firefly, Joel arrives and, by hinting at leaving Jackson, she manages to get him to confess the truth.

In simpler terms, a troubled Ellie reluctantly keeps her word by going back to Jackson as planned, but their bond becomes strained from then on until the winter dance, where Ellie expresses her willingness to attempt forgiveness towards Joel – a conversation that would be their last before Joel’s demise.

The Last of Us Part 2’s No Return Lets Ellie See Joel in Roguelike Runs

In the alternate scenario of “The Last of Us Part 2” called “No Return,” Ellie could potentially have Joel as a non-player character (NPC) ally. This fictional twist might symbolize a renewal of their bond and an imagined ending where they face off against wolves, rattlers, Seraphites, and the infected together. Since this interaction isn’t part of the main storyline, it differs from their interactions in the original game. However, the mere possibility that Ellie and Joel might reunite is a heartwarming touch that adds a poignant layer to the game.

Unfortunately, Joel won’t be able to count on Ellie as an ally, but the bond between Joel and Tommy as allies brings just as much satisfaction. In a similar vein, Dina and Jesse could make strong partners, while Abby might find a partner in Manny.

In the game No Return, NPC companions might not be beneficial for players aiming for extremely high scores during daily runs, as they can sometimes hinder progress. However, those who deeply value the relationships between the characters in The Last of Us will likely appreciate seeing their favorites team up in various encounters within No Return.

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2025-04-26 16:07