The Last of Us is the latest game from Naughty Dog and one of the last big exclusive releases on the PS3 before the next set of consoles are upon us. The Last of Us seeks to avail Naughty Dog of one key criticism of their previous series Uncharted, that of the inordinate amount of enemy deaths with no consequences. But the acclaimed developer wasn't satisfied with simply quelling a few gripes, they felt it necessary to end their development on the PS3 by exponentially raising the bar in every conceivable facet. They have always been master storytellers but The Last of Us is incomparable and impeccably designed, from its graphical prowess, impressive sound design, nuanced mechanics, beautiful score, and outstanding performances and writing. The Last of Us is the absolute height of video game story telling and design, a breathtaking experience that will leave you terrified through its uncompromising brutality and depiction of human depravity.
The world of The Last of Us has been ravaged by a fungal infection that takes control of its human hosts and transforms them into savage monsters. The world has been reclaimed by nature and humanity as on the brink of extinction. The game follows Joel, a man warped by the decayed remnants of civilization, and Ellie who despite being born amid this unrelenting world stands tall and strives to carve her place in it. The relationship between these two characters is one of the games many resounding accomplishments. What begins as a testy and distrusting partnership slowly builds and grows throughout the game, small moments of conversation between Joel and Ellie about the world before its now fractured existence build the fiction while simultaneously strengthening their bond. The two undergo profound character arcs throughout the story. Joel's jaded perspective is chipped away while struggling to course correct his moral compass and Ellie's innocence is shattered as the harsh realities of this world are laid bare. This is not a traditionally enjoyable story in fact I couldn't play for more than a few hours at a time because it was so draining. But the depths to which this game explores the human condition is staggering and fulfilling in ways games typically are not. Naughty Dog deserves immense praise for their depiction of their characters never undervaluing the importance of a grounded portrayal over stereotypes and cliches.
The Last of Us gameplay is hard to categorize, not strictly stealth nor action but a seamless merger of the two. Conflict with enemies is tense and even a small patrol of two or three enemies will have you scurrying for cover, cursing under your breath and hoping they don't spot you. The AI is unpredictable keeping every encounter tense and enjoyable. The mechanics are integrated into the story in way that drives home the heart-rending journey these two characters are on. You scavenge for materials to craft into items oftentimes choosing between a powerful weapon or a health boost. Bullets are few and guns are a last resort reserved for moments of extreme desperation. Describing this as a stealth game is a disservice as Joel doesn't display any proficiency in sneaking around instead hiding from enemies is born out of necessity as you find yourself struggling to escape without using any essential items or losing health. Each of the games enemies are terrifying in their own way, from the savage uninfected Hunters to the frightening Clickers whose advanced mutation has replaced their sense of sight with improved hearing. This game elicits a genuine sense of fear in me, exploring an abandoned college campus filled me with dread the moment the spine chilling sound of Clickers came from the other side of the door, this tense atmosphere is intense and exhausting and all the more impressive for it.
The Last of Us is truly unlike any gaming experience. From storytelling to game design its unflinching depiction of humanity and society on the brink of extinction is unnerving. Yet despite this grim apocalyptic reality filled with brutal violence the game is stunningly beautiful. Not just graphically but emotionally, the lengths Naughty Dog goes to realistically portray these characters is astonishing. These are people you truly care about and the small moments of levity, while rare, serve as a reminder of what's at stake. The realities of survival are a prevailing theme that will have you questioning the lengths to which you would go to survive and the consequences of that singular drive both psychologically and physically. The Last of Us is a profound and harrowing experience with a riveting story that is unfathomably poignant for the medium.
(5 out of 5)