Released June 14, 2013
Rated M for Mature
Genre Action/Adventure, Survival Horror
Developed by Naughty Dog
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Playstation 3 exclusive
The Last of Us was one of the most hyped games of 2013 and after a solid week of playing at every free moment, I can report that the hype was most certainly deserved. I actually bought a PS3 just so I could play The Last of Us and it is well worth it. Even though I finished the game yesterday I already started a second play through, which I don't think I've ever done with a game.
Game Play
The game play of The Last of Us is simple yet efficient, with every weapon and skill usable throughout the entirety of the game. I never found myself only using one weapon or tactic (which I often do as I get further into a game); I was constantly switching it up to best fit the situation. There are many different ways of approaching a situation, and while the game is linear it still feels expansive. I also really appreciated the NPCs in this game. They never were a burden and I never felt like I was doing a painful escort mission. Much like Elizabeth in Bioshock Infinite, they were an asset, alerting me to danger and hidden supplies.
The pacing of the game was great. There would be a scene of intense action or drama followed by a more mellow scene that allowed you to appreciate the beautiful world building and connect with Ellie. I loved exploring the world because there was no compass showing you which way to go, I had to just pick a direction and start walking. This type of free form exploration lead me to discovering a lot of wonderful hidden details in the game. The collectibles are also really well done, they aren't just hidden items throughout the game, they are little bits of story that add to the ambiance.
Another aspect that really adds to the overall feel of the game is the sound and music. They knew exactly when to use background music to add emotional effect and when to strip it away. Also the sounds the infected made were absolutely terrifying. More so than the infected that were screaming and moaning, it was the infected standing in a corner just sobbing that would really get to me.
Story
To put it simply, the story of The Last of Us is amazing. I won't post any spoilers, don't worry, but all I can say is wow. I don't think a video game has ever made me question my own morals and ethics as much as The Last of Us. None of the characters are all good or all evil, they're a mix of the two and that makes it feel so real. Ellie and Joel are great characters and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
In addition to the more personal relationships of the game I really enjoyed the apocalyptic scenario. I thought it was a very interesting play on the zombie genre. In The Last of Us the zombies are actually people infected with a parasite-like spore that takes over all motor functions (which is based on a real life fungus which is terrifying). So the idea that the zombies you are fighting still have some amount of human consciousness is pretty horrific. I also really liked how the government reacted to the infection and the resulting rebellion against the marshal law. Whenever I read apocalyptic fiction I really want a firm world building, even if the focus is on the personal relationships between a few people, and The Last of Us really delivers on both fronts.
In conclusion, The Last of Us is one of the strongest video games to come out in the past five years. The story, graphics, and game play all lend to an immersive and emotionally impacting experience. The characters are all relatable, the world building on point, and an overall message that will stick with you long after you put the controller down.
10/10 - A standout game that will last the test of time.
