HOLY SHIT!
This game! THIS GAME!
It's more than a game, it's an experience. I had never felt so moved within the first 20 minutes of any game and it's held up, so far. Everything is top notch and has excellent standards (animation, gameplay, sound design, voice acting, cutscenes, art direction)....
I nearly jumped on finally buying a PS3 last year, solely for The Last of Us and passed on it for PS4 (new gen was more important). I regret not taking the opportunity (having been a 360 gamer all last gen) to give Sony credit for green lighting experiences like this. I'm happy to finally play this, in its best incarnation - on PS4 - even if I'm late to the party.
I implore more people who haven't played this - PLAY IT. EXPERIENCE IT.
I managed to avoid all spoilers and come in fresh. Naughty Dog, Naughty Gods indeed. This is a culmination of a studio firing on all cylinders, in their prime.
Can't wait to see this game through to its close.