The Last of Us Video Game Review

The Last of Us has been one of the most hyped games for 2013. After the success of the Uncharted series, Naughty Dog could do no wrong in launching a new RPG game. This time instead of doing an Indiana Jones type game, the game focuses on the rise of the zombie apocalypse in modern day. In all honesty, I don't care much for zombies. Maybe that's a shock to most gamers, but I don't think that the undead is typically exciting. It's been done over and over in movies and video games in general its lost it essence for a long time. But story writers tie the zombie-survivor game into something deeper nowadays. Zombies have a way of being politically symbolic in so examples. In most games, the plot surfaces around government control leading the public to go against them and break the system.

Zombies are involved within the story because it falls into the system of control. Modern day civilians live normal lives, than one day there is an outburst of infection and mayhem happens. It makes sense in some way. What the Last Of Us does in comparison to other zombie games is far more compelling and meaningful. The characters go far more into their own journey and really show a sense of vulnerability that really elopes the sense of being alone. In this game, a lot of sad and horrible things happen to the characters. But in juxtaposition, there lies so much beauty and fascinating layers to the characters and their meaning of life. Joel, the protagonist, lost his daughter 20 years after the zombie outbreak and sees no worth in doing anything to break out of his depression. He is sarcastic and impatient, but when he is introduced to Ellie (an Ellen Page look alike if you ask me) you see his comfort ability grow on her as he starts to realize how similar Ellie is to his daughter. Ellie is a firecracker, full of personality in comparison her stern mentor, Joel. Ellie is a natural born survivor, she can hold a gun on her own and handle herself around scary situations. She may seem to be all grown up at first, but the more you pay attention to her jokes and commentary, she is just a child. She looks up to Joel as a teacher and they challenge one another to get through the other side.

 With the brilliant voice acting, you are experiencing a whole new form of entertainment. The dialogue is seamless and every line is authentic and real and portrays the right emotion at the right time. If only video games could get Oscars for their brilliant voice acting.

The graphics are the best the ps3 platform has to offer. Everything is detailed to every patch. The settings really show off the color palettes and destruction and decay after the zombie apocalypse. The atmosphere of the isolated towns are somewhat creepy and you feel the need to turn around every few seconds to watch out for any clickers or running zombies. The game offers so many sceneries' to explore like lush green forests, urban streets, factories, museums, and suburban neighborhoods. You want to explore and search all crevices and corners to find any interesting collectables.

The gameplay is tasteful as always with the top notch gun play and shooting experience. You have the option to use a variety of weapons such as pistols, shotguns, bow & arrow, bombs, bricks and even the infamous flamethrower. Upgrading is essential to gameplay and supplies are scarce so every bullet counts. You never know when you will run out of bullets or health packs so it is key to pay attention to your supplies.

 

The overall story really captivates the actions of humans affected by such tragedies in life. Every character is tested and pushed to their limits in a search for a better life. It goes against the basic hero story and really captures the gritty and vulnerable position of how far you would go to kill and leave behind so many loved ones. Playability varies depending on how many more collectables you need in order to earn trophies, but its best to play once and leave it as one of the greatest stories ever told.

 

-KIKA