When Does The Last Of Us Get Good?
Fans of The Last Of Us will likely tell a new player they’ll know within the first hour or two whether or not TLOU is going to be a game they’ll enjoy. The intro pulls no emotional punches, and while the overall story can take a few hours to understand, the pacing is fantastic and a new player will have a feel for the game fairly quickly.
The game is gritty, graphic and dark, so if that’s not the type of game you normally enjoy, while you might want to stick around for the story, fans will tell you the game doesn’t get any less grim the longer you play.
What Fans Say:
Fans of The Last of Us have consistently praised the game for its emotionally charged storytelling, unforgettable characters, and cinematic presentation. Joel and Ellie’s relationship is at the heart of the narrative, providing players with a deeply personal experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. Players frequently commend the game’s ability to make them care about its characters and the morally complex choices they face.
The gameplay—a mix of stealth, action, and resource management—is also celebrated for its tension and realism. The immersive world-building, filled with harrowing post-apocalyptic environments, adds to the game’s atmosphere. Naughty Dog’s attention to detail in crafting the decayed beauty of a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic is frequently mentioned as a standout feature.
Additionally, the game’s soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla receives near-universal acclaim for enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Fans also appreciate the seamless blending of gameplay and narrative, making The Last of Us a landmark achievement in storytelling.
—
—
What Haters Say:
Criticism of The Last of Us often revolves around its linearity. Some players feel that the game’s emphasis on storytelling comes at the expense of player agency, limiting exploration and choice. The reliance on cutscenes and scripted sequences has been described as overly restrictive, detracting from the gaming experience.
Another common complaint is the pacing. Some detractors argue that the game’s slower sections can feel like a slog, particularly during segments that focus more on exploration than action. A few critics also note that the gameplay mechanics, while effective, do not innovate significantly within the survival-action genre.
Additionally, the game’s darker tone and bleak narrative are not for everyone. Some players find the unrelenting emotional weight and violence overwhelming or excessive, describing it as emotionally manipulative at times.
Aggregated Critic Commentary:
Critics have overwhelmingly lauded The Last of Us as a masterpiece. It is frequently hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time, with praise centered on its narrative depth, character development, and technical achievements. The game’s ability to merge cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay is often highlighted as a groundbreaking accomplishment.
Reviews frequently point to the performances of voice actors Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie) as exceptional, with their nuanced portrayals adding layers of complexity to the characters. Critics also commend the game’s exploration of themes such as survival, morality, and the human condition.
On the technical front, the game’s graphics, environmental design, and sound design set new benchmarks for the industry. While some critics echo the concerns about linearity and pacing, these issues are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise stellar experience.
Overview of the Game:
The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3, is a narrative-driven action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. A fungal infection caused by the Cordyceps virus has decimated humanity, turning the infected into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. Society has collapsed, leaving small pockets of survivors in a world filled with danger, both human and otherwise.
The story follows Joel, a smuggler who has experienced profound loss, and Ellie, a teenage girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Tasked with escorting Ellie across the country to a group called the Fireflies, Joel and Ellie form a bond that is central to the game’s emotional impact. Their journey is fraught with danger, betrayal, and moments of quiet humanity, offering players a deeply immersive experience.
Gameplay combines stealth, combat, and exploration, with players scavenging for resources to craft weapons and items. The tension of managing limited supplies adds to the game’s realism. Meanwhile, the richly detailed environments—from overgrown urban ruins to desolate winter landscapes—enhance the narrative’s immersion.
The game’s success spawned a remastered edition for the PlayStation 4, a sequel (The Last of Us Part II), and a critically acclaimed HBO adaptation. The Last of Us remains a benchmark for storytelling in video games, showcasing the medium’s potential to deliver emotionally resonant and thought-provoking experiences.
Similar Games:
- Uncharted Series – Also developed by Naughty Dog, these games feature cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and action-packed gameplay.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – Offers an emotional narrative, open-world exploration, and a focus on character development.
- The Walking Dead (Telltale Series) – A choice-driven narrative that explores themes of survival and morality in a zombie apocalypse.
- Horizon Zero Dawn – Combines a post-apocalyptic setting with stealth and action gameplay, featuring a strong protagonist and immersive world-building.
- Bioshock Infinite – A narrative-focused shooter with rich world-building and moral ambiguity.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Game:
- God of War (2018) – Shares a focus on character relationships, emotional storytelling, and seamless integration of gameplay and narrative.
- Days Gone – A survival-action game set in a zombie-infested world, emphasizing resource management and emotional stakes.
- Metro Exodus – A post-apocalyptic shooter with a heavy emphasis on narrative, atmosphere, and resource management.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Combines action, exploration, and character-driven storytelling in a richly detailed world.