‘The Last of Us’ is set 20 years after a devastating fungal infection causes a zombie apocalypse, bringing humanity to the brink of extinction. The player controls Joel, an aging smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie to a safe zone across the country. Along the way, the duo must battle both the mutated monsters and the few healthy humans left fighting for resources. These story beats may seem familiar, but they are simply the enticing hooks of an incredibly deep game.
‘The Last of Us’ is a very different experience. In a medium populated with narratives that amount to little more than an excuse for “Press R1 to shoot enemy number 45 in the face,” Naughty Dog’s latest dares to be challenging. The characters feel like real people drawn into a world of chaos, confusion and profound loss. Even as the protagonist beats someone’s face in with a crowbar, the story illuminates the emotionally wounded man behind the violence. The players must also confront the idea that maybe--just maybe--the game’s star is not a virtuous hero. Perhaps, he is selfish and cruel, driven to extremes by the overriding need of self-preservation.
The PlayStation 3 exclusive also delivers an engaging gameplay system, emphasizing a variety of options with limited supplies. Almost every enemy encounter allows for three basic approaches: attack, stealth and avoidance. Joel can take his chances with his precious ammo and fire away, hoping to end the fight with direct aggression. He’s likely to run out well before the job is done, however. In an interesting twist on typical game design, the player won’t find huge caches of bullets available around every corner. Each shot must truly count, as inaccuracy can lead to an empty inventory and a quick death. If stealth is chosen, equal consideration must be payed to the intricacies of silent takedowns. Bottles and bricks can be thrown to distract enemies, but the noise will often trigger a high alert. Additionally, the objects will no longer be available for melee attacks, which are an effective way to deal with a certain type of infected. Strangling foes takes longer than stabbing them with a shiv, and Joel will be exposed to detection while the animation plays out. On the other hand, the blade is noisier and will break after repeated use. As such, one must observe enemy types and patrol patterns, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Running away is not always viable, but the smuggler can circumvent confrontation entirely in most situations.
Included in this three-pronged dynamic is a crafting mechanic that requires deft decision making according to immediate versus longterm needs. A health pack demands the same resources as a Molotov cocktail, for instance, and the the decision cannot be undone. Recovery is sacrificed for offensive capability, or vice versa. Given that making items takes time and the action does not pause while crafting is in progress, knowledge of the terrain and points of cover affords a distinct advantage. The player dictates the intensity and flow of each hard-won scrap, making ‘The Last of Us’ as much about strategy as survival. Infused with a palpable sense of apprehension, each combat environment evolves into a dangerous game of cat and mouse as Joel seeks to outmaneuver the AI in dark, dilapidated buildings and ruined cityscapes.
Naughty Dog’s visual affinity shines through, even on aging hardware. Lighting is pitch-perfect, accentuating a brooding atmosphere and the perverse beauty of a world overtaken by vegetation. From wading through murky swamps to the realistic recoil of a powerful weapon, the superb animation provides immersive detail to even the subtlest actions. As a contrast to the bright, sometimes campy style of the Uncharted series, the art direction of Joel and Ellie’s adventure underscores the maturity and intimacy of the subject matter. This fallen world tells the story of deterioration and decay in every scene, with crumbled architecture and broken down cars among the desolation. All the blood spilled feels very real, even personal. No element of design is insignificant or overdone, and the game remains self-serious without slipping into grating indulgence. It does not insist on a single emotion or interpretation, encouraging myriad reactions and play styles.
'The Last of Us’ is a work of art, never offering easy answers to difficult moral issues. The complex themes ripple throughout every aspect of the production, particularly in the intense, open-ended gameplay and the wonderfully realized characters. The tale will inspire contemplation--through active participation and expertly crafted cutscenes--long after the screen goes black. Joel and Ellie form the most touching relationship ever presented in a game, taking the player on an incredibly fulfilling journey in the process. Naughty Dog has signaled the dawn of a new era in interactive entertainment.
Cannon’s Rating: 10/10