Just beat it. What an incredible journey.
Absolutely incredible story coupled with characters that you genuinely care for. When Ellie got into trouble with some baddies I was like "hell f*cking no" and rushed to her aid immediately. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. She's like the awesome little sister that I never had.
Gameplay was very good. Not like OMG the best ever but the mechanics worked very well. This is much more stealth/survival horror than it is action. Kind of the opposite of Uncharted. I felt the stealth worked very well. Sneaking around clickers that are ready to rip your jugular out should you make even the slightest sound was very satisfying.
The death animations were truly horrifying. As I said, think close ups of horribly disfigured creatures ripping your jugular out as you scream in gut wrenching terror. They made similar death animations for Ellie too. Very brutal watching a little girl die that way.
The melee combat is where it's at. Smashing faces into the sharp edges of walls, head stomps, shivs to the throat, you name it. This game is the definition of the mature rating.
I can go on and on but I won't because I know most of you won't even play this since you are PS3-racists.
Bottom line, I do think it's deserving of the masterpiece status. And yes, a lot of that is because of the story and the way it just sucks you in and makes you feel for the characters. But the gameplay is very good as well!
For the few who have played it, what do you think?