The 2013 action-adventure game ‘The Last of Us’, developed by Naughty Dog, has become the highest selling game on the Playstation 3. The game follows Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a fungal virus which has mutated humanity. Throughout their journey across the United States, they encounter a variety of infected individuals, as well as other survivors, as they search for a way to save humanity from extinction.
‘The Last of Us’ is notable for being a different kind of zombie story, blending elements of survival horror, action-adventure, and even a little romance. The game’s narrative is rich with character development and the relationships between Joel and Ellie and their companions are genuinely touching and powerful. In particular, the bond between Joel and Ellie is especially poignant, as their story plays out like a father-daughter relationship.
The game’s visuals evoke a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, evoking a sense of loss and sorrow as you explore its large and detailed open-world environments. While ‘The Last of Us’ contains many of the traditional elements of a zombie story, such as plenty of action-packed shootouts and gruesome scenes of violence and horror, it also manages to inject its story with a surprisingly high amount of heart. This is evident in moments of tenderness between characters as well as the thoughtfully designed puzzle-solving segments which often require tense conversations and careful negotiation.
What makes ‘The Last of Us’ a truly great zombie story is how it manages to blend all of its elements together. The game never shies away from depicting humanity at its darkest, but it also manages to inject moments of hope and optimism. It’s these moments of tenderness and humanity amidst all the despair and violence which make ‘The Last of Us’ an unforgettable experience. It’s a tremendous example of what a zombie story should be, featuring captivating storytelling, impressive visuals, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
Simply put, ‘The Last of Us’ is a zombie story with heart. It’s more than just another zombie game, its an emotionally-charged journey about survival and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The game is a testament to Naughty Dog’s ability to craft captivating stories, and its a must-play for anyone looking for a stunning and emotionally intense adventure.
