The Last Of Us
Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic survival-horror opus is a legit masterpiece.
Not only is it an explorative character study that sheds light on what being a human is really like, warts and all, but it’s also a narrative brimming with exemplary storytelling and poignant relationships, which ultimately makes the tragedy at the heart of this tale all the more impactful and meaningful.
On paper, a game that centers on a zombie outbreak may seem trite and unoriginal. However, The Last Of Us breathes life into this very tired trope thanks to its hordes of carnivorous Cordyceps-inspired foes. I mean, the fact that this fungal parasite is a real-life affliction – that fortunately only preys on mostly insects, for now – helps add a layer of believability to the overall experience.
Further still, add in some nail-biting edge-of-your-seat survival gameplay that doesn’t merely rely on jump scares, and frame the action in one of the most beautifully bleak worlds ever realized and you have all the makings of one of the most iconic franchises in modern gaming history. No small feat, indeed.
Admittedly, The Last Of Us may be a pretty hardcore horror experience for some. But it’s simply a must-play, even if you’re not a fan of horror.
