The Last of Us is, in my opinion, one of gaming's greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time. It has some obvious shortcomings in terms of shooting game play, but that's just as obviously not what you play it for. If you're just meeting Bill then rest assured that it only gets more compelling from there, especially in the final chapters. The game's conclusion ranks among the most memorable in this medium. You will be torn, but probably without regrets (if you're human). That's all I can say.

As you're sensing already, the power of it all isn't just in what events transpire, it's in how they're revealed to you; the little details of camera angles and facial features and movements and lighting and music (where applicable)...those are the things that make the experience truly come to life. TLOU defines cinematic gaming.

Had it on PS3, but not my cup of tea - from my POV, mediocre gameplay with very mediocre storytelling.

It is probably THE showcase for what I don't want from games, but to each their own.

After a few hours, I was happy to delete it off my PS4. Never touch it again with the typical ND average at best gameplay. Production value over gameplay. Typical AAA way. A story that felt like a worse Walking Dead. Felt similar when Uncharted 3 came with my PS3. Sold it after getting past the airport. Dull.

More or less my experience. Played it 3 times on ps3, which is not normal for me at all. Played part 2 once (without buying it, did not want to give them money for that, so borrowed it from a friend).

Part 2 is as bad as part 1 is good. I am hating it with a passion. I wish I never played part 2. But it is hard to recommend not playing it, because a lot of people really liked it.

Glad you're enjoying it. Only hint I can think of that worked on PS3 and PS4 is to throw an object at a Clicker and immediately follow up with a melee with a plank or something (not hands): should be an instant kill on any difficulty iirc!  Been a while since I last played TloU1.

and please ignore these TLoU2 hate posts: TLoU2 is a better game in every conceivable way to TLoU1. 

Great game but the story is overrated

You are not supposed to let enemies near you, especially the more mutated ones. That's the whole thing. If a clicker is on you, you have done something wrong and the shiv is just a last resort to escape that situation.
Use melee to kill the weaker enemies and conserve ammo for the stronger ones.

(did you mean to quote me here?)

Indeed. And playing part 1 again after completing part 2 gives a whole new dimension to part 1.

I played TloU on PS3 twice, then the DLC, then the remaster on PS4, then part 2, then part 1 remake and now part 2 remaster on PS5.
Every experience is great. The games stand above every other game going for cinematic game play.

Btw if you have trouble with stealth, there are tons of accessibility options, some specifically to make stealth easier. (And in part 2 you don't need to make shivs anymore, knife is permanent)

Photo mode was also great. This is from the remastered version on PS4. 50s horror style. Should be non spoilery by where you are :)

The animations, facial expressions, sound design, it's all top notch. Still is today.

I think I'll play part 1 again after finishing part 2 again :)

You said always want to relive. I could not wait to forget it