Although it seems these days the zombie genre is over saturated, Naughty Dog - the creators of fantastic PS3 title Uncharted, have created what is widely being hailed as one of the greatest games ever. While it's a brave boast, it's not far from the truth. Set in a near future apocalyptic wasteland, you take on the role of Joel, a world weary survivor jaded by events in his past. 10 years previously an outbreak spread throughout the world. It decimated the population turning those infected into mindless, rabid creatures. While in the early stages the plague seems to resemble something of a zombie outbreak..as the infection worsens , victims develop spore like growths from their body turning them into something far deadlier - not to mention a whole lot creepier. It's a neat approach to a tired subject and handled very well.
These creatures aren't the only resistance Joel faces however as much of America has turned into a government controlled war zone with militia and ruthless groups of survivors who attack without provocation or mercy. As Joel's journey progresses he encounters Ellie, a young girl who he needs to escort across the country to deliver to the Fireflies, an independent faction of freedom fighters who aim to rid the world of the plague at all costs. Their adventure takes them across a beautifully broken wasteland filled with danger at every turn..all building up to a frantic and emotional ending.
The game play in Last Of Us is immensely fluid. Joel moves around the world naturally and cut scenes and encounters are handled very well. He soon develops a vast arsenal of weaponry which is critical for progressing through the game. Scavenging is important too as ammo is very limited and weapons can be upgraded. Joel can take a direct frontal attack approach or opt for subtlety and stealth. It's nice to have the option and immensely satisfying either way. The graphics are probably about the best you'll see too - incredibly detailed and with a stunning palette of colours. But the real beauty in this game comes from the story, characterisation and relationship between Ellie and Joel. This is epic stuff. A tale of redemption and survival as Ellie and Joel discover themselves and their place in the world. They begin the adventure as partners through necessity but through a life and death struggle they learn to trust and rely on each other and care for each other as a family. It's wonderfully handled and develops slowly throughout the game through great scripting and great voice acting by Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker.
The pace of the story is practically flawless and although at it's core, this could be counted as just another gritty zombie survival adventure, Naughty Dog have gone out of their way to craft something with real heart and made something truly special exciting, intelligent storytelling with wonderful characters that you actually care about. If this is the future of gaming then count me on board.
These creatures aren't the only resistance Joel faces however as much of America has turned into a government controlled war zone with militia and ruthless groups of survivors who attack without provocation or mercy. As Joel's journey progresses he encounters Ellie, a young girl who he needs to escort across the country to deliver to the Fireflies, an independent faction of freedom fighters who aim to rid the world of the plague at all costs. Their adventure takes them across a beautifully broken wasteland filled with danger at every turn..all building up to a frantic and emotional ending.
The game play in Last Of Us is immensely fluid. Joel moves around the world naturally and cut scenes and encounters are handled very well. He soon develops a vast arsenal of weaponry which is critical for progressing through the game. Scavenging is important too as ammo is very limited and weapons can be upgraded. Joel can take a direct frontal attack approach or opt for subtlety and stealth. It's nice to have the option and immensely satisfying either way. The graphics are probably about the best you'll see too - incredibly detailed and with a stunning palette of colours. But the real beauty in this game comes from the story, characterisation and relationship between Ellie and Joel. This is epic stuff. A tale of redemption and survival as Ellie and Joel discover themselves and their place in the world. They begin the adventure as partners through necessity but through a life and death struggle they learn to trust and rely on each other and care for each other as a family. It's wonderfully handled and develops slowly throughout the game through great scripting and great voice acting by Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker.
The pace of the story is practically flawless and although at it's core, this could be counted as just another gritty zombie survival adventure, Naughty Dog have gone out of their way to craft something with real heart and made something truly special exciting, intelligent storytelling with wonderful characters that you actually care about. If this is the future of gaming then count me on board.