While the media market might be overly saturated with zombies, there are still new and gripping tales to be told in the post-apocalyptic/quasi-zombie genre. If there’s anything The Walking Dead TV show and game have revealed, it’s that a gripping narrative can be told during the zombie apocalypse. The Last of Us not only carries on that tradition, but it also surpasses the tale in The Walking Dead. The Last of Us chronicles the journey of hardened survivor Joel and young, naïve Ellie as they travel to find a rebel group to make a cure for the cordyceps virus: a fungal infection that overtakes the victim’s brain and essentially turns them into zombies.Naughty Dog, the developers of games like Crash Bandicoot (1996) and the Uncharted series (2007), created what ... MoreWhile the media market might be overly saturated with zombies, there are still new and gripping tales to be told in the post-apocalyptic/quasi-zombie genre. If there’s anything The Walking Dead TV show and game have revealed, it’s that a gripping narrative can be told during the zombie apocalypse. The Last of Us not only carries on that tradition, but it also surpasses the tale in The Walking Dead. The Last of Us chronicles the journey of hardened survivor Joel and young, naïve Ellie as they travel to find a rebel group to make a cure for the cordyceps virus: a fungal infection that overtakes the victim’s brain and essentially turns them into zombies.Naughty Dog, the developers of games like Crash Bandicoot (1996) and the Uncharted series (2007), created what might be their best game yet. While the Uncharted franchise treated fans to a fun action-adventure romp in the same vein as the Indiana Jones movies, their newest creation is an intense, survival-horror, third-person shooter game. However, unlike classic survival horror games such as Resident Evil 4, the story and character interaction, not the scariness, is the main focus of this game.Not only is The Last of Us arguably the best looking game on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, it is one of the best looking games period. This is partly because of performance capture, which copies actors’ movements and digitally puts them into the game. The facial animations also move realistically and make the characters come alive. Ho.

For those familiar with Naughty Dog's previous entry on the PS3, Uncharted series, you will know that the company goes big in its action and set pieces. With The Last of Us (TLOU), Naughty Dog dials it back rather than throwing you in, creating a tantalizing world that invites you with its gorgeous graphics and attention to detail. And what a world it is. Naughty Dog's reputation for stunning presentation returns in top form, as we are given a glimpse of post-apocalyptic Americana, which reaches a strange beauty in mingling the decaying world of mankind with the slow overgrowth of nature. Paired with solid sound work and a stellar soundtrack, TLOU tugs on the intangible strings of your emotions.Joel is quite the departure from Nathan Drake, a somber pragmatic in ... MoreFor those familiar with Naughty Dog's previous entry on the PS3, Uncharted series, you will know that the company goes big in its action and set pieces. With The Last of Us (TLOU), Naughty Dog dials it back rather than throwing you in, creating a tantalizing world that invites you with its gorgeous graphics and attention to detail. And what a world it is. Naughty Dog's reputation for stunning presentation returns in top form, as we are given a glimpse of post-apocalyptic Americana, which reaches a strange beauty in mingling the decaying world of mankind with the slow overgrowth of nature. Paired with solid sound work and a stellar soundtrack, TLOU tugs on the intangible strings of your emotions.Joel is quite the departure from Nathan Drake, a somber pragmatic in contrast to Drake's almost naive optimism. Ellie is a quick-witted teen, whose innocence to the outside world is put to the test. Arguably, despite being only one game, the growth of these two protagonists far surpasses what 3 titles for the Uncharted series' cast had undergone. The story is fairly straight-forward as Joel and Ellie cross the country on their travels, and as always the writing is superb. The banter between the various characters is both revealing and entertaining. These soundbites are great, but the majority of the game's major plot points are played out in cut-scenes. While these moments are well-animated and acted, the line between game and movie is blurred, and in some ways takes control away.

There are a few games that I consider true masterpieces. Such games excel in both storytelling and gameplay. Two games that for me reach that level of perfection are The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Uncharted 2. The Last of Us earned a spot right up there with these two. From beginning to end, I greatly enjoyed the journey Naughty Dog masterfully crafted for me. The game is beautiful to look at. It's so realistic and detailed that if you are like me it might take it you up to 20 hours to play through it all just because there's so much to explore and discover, and did I mention it's so freaking pretty to look at?! You will want to stop and stare at every set piece. There are so many stories hidden for you to find. From notes detailing a survivor's quest, to ... MoreThere are a few games that I consider true masterpieces. Such games excel in both storytelling and gameplay. Two games that for me reach that level of perfection are The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Uncharted 2. The Last of Us earned a spot right up there with these two. From beginning to end, I greatly enjoyed the journey Naughty Dog masterfully crafted for me. The game is beautiful to look at. It's so realistic and detailed that if you are like me it might take it you up to 20 hours to play through it all just because there's so much to explore and discover, and did I mention it's so freaking pretty to look at?! You will want to stop and stare at every set piece. There are so many stories hidden for you to find. From notes detailing a survivor's quest, to the heart breaking room in the sewers that is the last resting place of a family. It all contributes to creating an environment that is bursting with with life yet depicts the bleak reality of this wasteland. But at the heart of all these amazing production values it is Joel and Ellie's story what steals the show. The bond that develops between them as they make their way through this post apocalyptic version of America makes you care about the characters. I specially love how much they stand apart from your typical pop culture heroes. These guys are there to survive, not to save the day and I love them for that. Ellie's character is so endearing and funny. Joel's ruthlessness and seemingly lack of emotion are just.

I can't give this game enough praise. Beautiful visuals, strong characterization and story, fun gameplay, the list goes on.If you're looking for straight survival horror, The Last of Us is not for you. There are definitely plenty of action elements in this game that prevent it from falling into that category. That said, it is still scary and tense throughout the single player campaign, some parts more than others. There's everything from outdoor, in broad daylight enemy confrontations, to hiding or sneaking by enemies in tight, confined, creepy spaces.Item management is a very important part of the game, but not in a frustrating way. There are also options throughout to upgrade your weapons, but not in a way that is complicated or confusing (I am not a huge fan of ... MoreI can't give this game enough praise. Beautiful visuals, strong characterization and story, fun gameplay, the list goes on.If you're looking for straight survival horror, The Last of Us is not for you. There are definitely plenty of action elements in this game that prevent it from falling into that category. That said, it is still scary and tense throughout the single player campaign, some parts more than others. There's everything from outdoor, in broad daylight enemy confrontations, to hiding or sneaking by enemies in tight, confined, creepy spaces.Item management is a very important part of the game, but not in a frustrating way. There are also options throughout to upgrade your weapons, but not in a way that is complicated or confusing (I am not a huge fan of customizing/ crafting, so the fact that this element was kept simple was great for me).The visuals of this game are unbelievable. One of my hobbies is researching urban decay, and the artists who designed the environments in this game did their homework. The settings alone pulled me into the game right away.The story is fantastic. Naughty Dog deserves all the appreciation in the world for exploring a male/ female relationship that isn't a romantic one, and doing it well. The ending may leave you stumped or unfulfilled but I felt it was very fitting for the story that was set up.Overall I think this is a must-have for PS3 owners. As a side note, if you were as enthralled with the visuals as me, The Art of The Last of.

After seeing rave reviews for this game I had to give it a try and am I glad I did. Simply the best overall experience Ive had with a game. If your in to constant intense action and dont care much for the story, this probably isnt your game. Its like your playing a movie. As far as gameplay goes, this game comes out about avg.The first thing that makes this game a masterpiece is that it has the best storyline in any game Ive ever played. So much thought went into it and its characters that its hard not to get emotionally attached to them or the story. It never brought me to tears but it gave me goosebumps quite a bit and I dont doubt it brought some hardcore gamers to tears.The next thing that made this game so good is the graphics and facial expressions. Never have ... MoreAfter seeing rave reviews for this game I had to give it a try and am I glad I did. Simply the best overall experience Ive had with a game. If your in to constant intense action and dont care much for the story, this probably isnt your game. Its like your playing a movie. As far as gameplay goes, this game comes out about avg.The first thing that makes this game a masterpiece is that it has the best storyline in any game Ive ever played. So much thought went into it and its characters that its hard not to get emotionally attached to them or the story. It never brought me to tears but it gave me goosebumps quite a bit and I dont doubt it brought some hardcore gamers to tears.The next thing that made this game so good is the graphics and facial expressions. Never have I seen characters become so alive. Their emotions were so well portrayed in their facial expressions, especially thier eyes. Mouth movements are top notch and matched perfectly with voices.And lastely, the voice acting and personallity of all characters were without a doubt top of the line. And not just the main characters but especially the secondary ones who I think pushed the story line over the top.You can tell Naughty Dog put so much time and thought into this game. I have now become a big fan of theirs and will be playing most their games because it is obvious they dont just care about money but also delivering the best possible experience they can.I cant get enough of this game and am currently.

Gamers are generally a very entitled lot and the more hardcore they are the more likely to nitpick every last detail and nuance that doesn't cater to their personal preference or loftiest desire.I've been playing computer and video games since I was a wee lad, so I have a healthy gamer streak in me. I know of what I speak.So, quickly, the things you will find a bit off-putting about The Last of Us; AI partners that wander around in full view of the enemy, sometimes brushing up past them, and the enemy remains blissfully unaware of their presence.Actually, I think that's really about it. And even that is only noticeable the first few times it happens.In every other way, The Last of Us is a major leap forward and a total masterpiece of gaming. The unprecedented ... MoreGamers are generally a very entitled lot and the more hardcore they are the more likely to nitpick every last detail and nuance that doesn't cater to their personal preference or loftiest desire.I've been playing computer and video games since I was a wee lad, so I have a healthy gamer streak in me. I know of what I speak.So, quickly, the things you will find a bit off-putting about The Last of Us; AI partners that wander around in full view of the enemy, sometimes brushing up past them, and the enemy remains blissfully unaware of their presence.Actually, I think that's really about it. And even that is only noticeable the first few times it happens.In every other way, The Last of Us is a major leap forward and a total masterpiece of gaming. The unprecedented emotional connection that the game manages to forge with the player is astounding and when the characters were supposed to feel sadness, I felt sadness. When the characters were supposed to feel rage, I felt rage. I have never teared-up as much while playing a video game and The Last of Us hits such melancholy and bittersweet emotional highs and lows that at times it feels all too real.The gameplay itself is visceral and profoundly satisfying, alternately exhilarating and downright horrifying. Moments emerge naturally from the gameplay that will have you on the edge of your seat. The presentation is beyond anything I've ever seen, with environments and character models that clearly push the PS3's hardware to its a.

I had a hard time believing this game was really as good as all the reviews were claiming. As far as pure mechanics and gaming objectives are concerned, it's merely a very competent game. But as an overall experience, this game stays with you long after you have finished it (much like a great film).The thing that really makes this game work is how you alternate between both characters. In other games that have a "sidekick" type character, you more often than not end up hating your partner and viewing them as a hinderance. "Last of us" alternates between putting you in control of both characters, making you really care about both. You are always worried about the whereabouts of Ellie, and feel a need to protect her, not just because you will have to start over from a ... MoreI had a hard time believing this game was really as good as all the reviews were claiming. As far as pure mechanics and gaming objectives are concerned, it's merely a very competent game. But as an overall experience, this game stays with you long after you have finished it (much like a great film).The thing that really makes this game work is how you alternate between both characters. In other games that have a "sidekick" type character, you more often than not end up hating your partner and viewing them as a hinderance. "Last of us" alternates between putting you in control of both characters, making you really care about both. You are always worried about the whereabouts of Ellie, and feel a need to protect her, not just because you will have to start over from a checkpoint, but because of how great the game is at making you emotionally invested.This game is slow paced and brutally difficult. It truly is a survival game. If you try running and gunning without exploring absolutely every nook and cranny in every building, you will be completely unarmed and helpless in a very dangerous world. Characterization and voice acting are superb, control is tight and intuitive, and graphics are stunning.You leave this game questioning yourself, because you agree with the actions of your character, but realize that from the point of view of any other person in the world, your character is undoubtedly a villain. It's a great study in humanity.I love this game, a.

This is currently my favorite game of all time and has been for several years now. I absolutely love it and still find myself coming back to it. The story is an incredible journey filled with emotion, suspense, horror, and even beauty. Additionally, the characters are amazing and have so much depth to them. You really see how much Joel and Ellie change and grow over the course of their journey. I don't think I've been quite as invested in a story or characters since The Last of Us. The game just pulls you in immediately and makes you want to learn more about the world, story, and characters. Furthermore, the graphics are great and still hold up well today. They help make cutscenes even more impactful, while also adding to the world building. Traversing through each ... MoreThis is currently my favorite game of all time and has been for several years now. I absolutely love it and still find myself coming back to it. The story is an incredible journey filled with emotion, suspense, horror, and even beauty. Additionally, the characters are amazing and have so much depth to them. You really see how much Joel and Ellie change and grow over the course of their journey. I don't think I've been quite as invested in a story or characters since The Last of Us. The game just pulls you in immediately and makes you want to learn more about the world, story, and characters. Furthermore, the graphics are great and still hold up well today. They help make cutscenes even more impactful, while also adding to the world building. Traversing through each environment, you see just how bleak, desolate, and harrowing the world of The Last of Us is. The gameplay is also fairly smooth and works well. It provides a good challenge as well, always keeping you on guard. Overall, I truly consider The Last of Us to be a masterpiece. It's a video game I'd absolutely recommend and should be a must play for gamers.

From a guy who has been a die-hard XBOX, Halo, Gears of War, COD fanboy who went out his way to buy a PS3 just to play this game.There are already numerous reviews singing praises of the masterpiece that is The Last Of Us, but I felt it necessary to give my own account. Naughty Dog has, yet again, failed to disappoint with what is probably their best installment in the PS3's seven-year reign. When you STILL CONSTANTLY THINK about a video game FOR DAYS well after completing it, you know the GAME IS THAT GOOD! The Last of Us is a breath of fresh air in a time where video games seem to be depreciating. We are bombarded with so many titles each year that quality becomes overlooked. Gaming industries continuously shell out numerous sequels and spin-offs just to maximize ... MoreFrom a guy who has been a die-hard XBOX, Halo, Gears of War, COD fanboy who went out his way to buy a PS3 just to play this game.There are already numerous reviews singing praises of the masterpiece that is The Last Of Us, but I felt it necessary to give my own account. Naughty Dog has, yet again, failed to disappoint with what is probably their best installment in the PS3's seven-year reign. When you STILL CONSTANTLY THINK about a video game FOR DAYS well after completing it, you know the GAME IS THAT GOOD! The Last of Us is a breath of fresh air in a time where video games seem to be depreciating. We are bombarded with so many titles each year that quality becomes overlooked. Gaming industries continuously shell out numerous sequels and spin-offs just to maximize profits and to "play it safe". This ideology dwarfs the ability to explore new ideas and concepts, hinders potential growth by taking risks, and just the overall enjoyment that comes with creating a video game. Naughty Dog challenged the status quo, dared to pursue ideas that were sensitive and controversial, and held true to their motto of developing great quality video games.Onto the review. The story line (and I know I'm about to get a lot of heat for this) is pretty lackluster. It is essentially the cliche plot line of most zombie apocalypse depictions out there (The Walking Dead, Dead Island, Resident Evil take your pick). Even though it is a fungal infection that decimates the human race, the premise is STILL.