Top 10 Things You Missed in Last of Us 2
#10: Sam’s Robot
One of the most tragic sequences in “The Last of Us” are the deaths of Sam and Henry. One of the game’s cuter moments sees Ellie giving Sam the toy robot that he wanted back in the store. But then he throws it on the ground in frustration, turns into a zombie, and gets killed by his older brother - who in turn commits suicide. It seems like Ellie found time to collect the disposed robot, because it can be found sitting on top of a shelf in her bedroom. It’s a tragic reminder of the only true friend she made on her original journey.
#9: “Smash Brandi’s Cootch”
“The Last of Us Part II” is relentlessly depressing, but at least Naughty Dog found time to work “Crash Bandicoot” into a funny porno title! Yes, you heard us right. Ellie and Dina find a stash of porno tapes belonging to Eugene - one of which is hilariously titled “Smash Brandi’s Cootch.” This is an obvious reference to Naughty Dog’s breakout hit, “Crash Bandicoot.” Never in a million years would we have imagined seeing “Crash Bandicoot” made into a pun-ny porno title, but hey, life is full of surprises.
#8: “Jax X: Combat Racing” Arcade Machine
So wait, is Naughty Dog a real company within “The Last of Us” universe? It’s either that, or in this alternate universe, some other company made “Jax X: Combat Racing.” This was a vehicular combat game and the fourth entry of Naughty Dog’s popular “Jak and Daxter” series, released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2005. An arcade version of the game can be found in the...arcade, right next to a game called “Nitro Race Boost.” Unfortunately, there was never an arcade version of the game in real life. That’s a “Last of Us” universe exclusive. Maybe we can open a portal and bring it through to our world, “BioShock” style.
#7: PlayStation Vitas
PlayStation 3 consoles are littered throughout “The Last of Us” universe. But various characters can also be spotted playing on Vitas. At the start of Abby’s campaign, you can talk to Jordan in the stadium who is playing Naughty Dog’s “Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy” (so yes, Naughty Dog does exist in this universe). But perhaps the most notable inclusion is Whitney playing “Hotline Miami.” She can be spotted in both campaigns - you can speak to her in Abby’s (where she’ll comment on the game’s difficulty and music), and you interrogate her in Ellie’s before plunging a knife through her throat.
#6: Dr. Uckmann Card
This card is very easy to miss, but it proves to be one of the most interesting and meta Easter eggs in the game. In the open world section of Seattle Day One, you can make your way to the top floor of a blown out building. Found in a cabinet is a trading card of one Dr. Uckmann. On it is a drawing of a bearded man with long, wavy black hair. This is an obvious reference to the game’s lead director and Vice President of Naughty Dog, Neil Druckmann. It’s also interesting to note that his affiliation is with The New Dogs, which itself is a likely reference to Naughty Dog.
#5: 0451
One of the notes found on Seattle Day 1 is a list of checkpoint gate codes. While some a required to progress, most of these numbers don’t mean anything - that is, except the code to West 2, which is 0451. This is a friendly nod to Looking Glass Studios, which is known for making games like “System Shock” and “Thief.” The numbers 0451 quickly became their MO, as it continuously appeared in many of their titles. The sequence eventually made its way into the gaming lexicon, appearing in the likes of the “BioShock” trilogy, “Deus Ex,” “Dishonored,” “Firewatch,” and “Prey.” It’s nice to see “The Last of Us Part II” continuing the tradition.
#4: Drake’s Ring
Seems like Nathan Drake is a part of the “Last of Us” universe as well, and he has a safety deposit box in Seattle! You can enter a bank in the open world section of Seattle, and if you successfully unlock the giant vault, you will enter a room full of safety deposit boxes. On the right hand wall is an open box, and inside the box is a silver ring reading “Sic Parvis Magna” - or “greatness from small beginnings.” This fictional ring belonged to famed explorer Sir Francis Drake, which in turn was “inherited” (or stolen, if you want to get technical) by Nathan Drake of the “Uncharted” series.
#3: The Precursor Orb
Naughty Dog clearly loves dropping “Jak and Daxter” Easter eggs, as another one can be found in Abby’s Seattle playthrough. While making your way through the abandoned buildings of Chinatown, you will come across a wooden table tucked into a dusty corner. Sitting on the table is a fan and the Precursor Orb from the “Jak and Daxter” series. You can even interact with the orb, to which Abby will vocally enquire about its nature. Precursor orbs were collectibles found throughout the “Jak and Daxter” series, serving as the franchise’s primary form of currency. Jeez, how did she not know that?
#2: Gustavo Santaolalla
If you love the morose, twangy music of “The Last of Us,” then you have composer Gustavo Santaolalla to thank. Santaolalla is a two-time Academy Award-winning composer, having won for both “Brokeback Mountain” and “Babel.” He has also done the music for television shows like “Making a Murderer” and “Narcos: Mexico.” Like Neil Druckmann, players can actually find Santaolalla within the game itself. He can be found sitting in front of the Copper Peak Inn in Jackson, twangin’ away on his signature banjo. Unfortunately, you cannot interact with him. It’s nice to see the developers and animators paying tribute to the series’ composer. The music is a very important aspect to “The Last of Us,” after all.
#1: Take On Me
Turns out that Ellie is quite the A-ha fan. Then again, who isn’t? It seems like “Take On Me” was meme-worthy enough to survive the apocalypse, as a hidden cutscene sees Ellie playing it for Dina. The cutscene can be triggered by entering the music shop and interacting with the guitar located on the upper floor. The game lets you play some notes on the guitar before Dina steps in and Ellie sings a sullen rendition of “Take On Me.” It’s a far cry from the original’s boppy, synth-fuelled energy, but it perfectly suits the game’s dour tone. Plus, it serves as a wonderful bonding moment between Ellie and Dina. We never thought a song so thoroughly 80s as “Take On Me” could be so beautiful!