The Last Of Us Review

Believable stories told through excellent narrative are two of the strongest features in the gaming medium. They are also the two things that usually get the least attention--or coin--from the budget makers.

Excitedly I retort, The Last of Us is a game crafted on the backbone of original story and character growth presented through a strong narrative. Naughty Dog went all in with their new sensuous post-apocalyptic tale.   

The story takes place in the U.S. in 2033, 20 years after a spore-like infection spread throughout the world. Most of the civilization has been destroyed by the infection, only a small number of human inhabitants remain inside army-controlled quarantine zones.

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Those who did not turn into frenzied predators are struggling to survive. Amongst the survivors are Joel a stout smuggler who has lost his daughter to the initial infection, and Ellie a fourteen-year-old orphaned girl. After a deal went sour, Joel gets stuck escorting Ellie through apocalyptic lands filled with the raging infected and warring tribal fractions.

The story, and its captivating characters is what pulls you into The Last of Us. And it's all due to the game's amazing narrative. As time progresses, the bonds that slowly begin to form between Joel and Ellie become like the spores: highly infectious. You will take part in many gut-wrenching moments in this game; moments made special by the quality of the dialogue, and conviction behind the character's actions and choices.

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Unlike the extensive dialogue, the music is scarce, and only plays at specific intervals in the story: when being chased down and surrounded by maddened foes, or when experiencing the elusive moments that come from the simple and peaceful surroundings devoid of living inhabitants. It's not uncanny for an emotional acoustic guitar riff to put your mind at ease, especially after a more intense encounter.

Let me assure you, there are a lot of intense moments in this game. The enemies attack in swarms, give chase, and are prone to mutilate when given the chance. Using the environment to your advantage is a skill you'll rely on often to survive. Sneaking around and hiding out of sight, only to approach an unaware foe, is often the only way of making it through the ruined landscape.

Malevolent foes are always shuffling around ready to pounce on you. Therefore, to make silent take-downs easier Joel can focus his hearing to pick out enemy position and state of alertness. I found the need to inflict harm onto anything that prevents Joel from proceeding quite irresistible. Which is a testament to believable survival scenarios that can really strain your nerves. Beware the click... and hide well!

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While skulking about, numerous weapons can be found and upgraded. You're also able to craft med-kits, shivs, or Molotov cocktails using found parts that are scattered around the environment. Because this game is all about quick pace and smooth progression, every time you craft or use an item you're vulnerable to an attack. There's no pausing while browsing the menu, it's all happening real-time. When being attacked, you can usually brawl your way out using found bricks, bottles and pipes. Or just handle foes with some brutal face-crushing take-downs. 

The encompassing atmosphere created by the wasted city-scape, is what truly sells the tense realism of this title. Graphically, this is the best looking PS3 game to date. The level of detail in the backdrops and character models is incredibly intricate and realistic. The textures are sharp and varied in every location you'll traverse through. Every part of the game is bustling with painstaking detail. Effects such as water, rain, fire and mist, feel and sound so real you'll often feel shivers for the characters and the dire situation their lost world forced on them. Get this game before the last of us fade. 

Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: SCE
Platform: PS3
Released: 2013
Genre: Action-adventure, horror