I recall The Last of Us being the game that really kickstarted the shift in the way developers view games. Going from the dull, gray first person shooter themes during the seventh generation of gaming, to the vibrant, well-performed narrative driven single player games. I’m pretty disappointed about this too, because I’m a massive fan of other games regarded in such high standards.
The biggest issue here is undoubtedly the enemy AI (humans). It’s almost as if they’re babies. They have zero object permanence in relation to where you hide. You’ll be getting shot at from every direction and when you duck behind something it’s as if you disappeared. Ellie is a pain to work around too, getting in your way almost the entire game. Whether it’s trying to climb, shoot, run, you name it.
Also, these characters, excluding Joel and Ellie, are so bland. Naughty Dog throws two brothers in the same position as the protagonists and expects us to have some mental breakdown about a pretty disturbing way for them to go out. When, in reality, we never even get a chance to feel connected. It’s the same for all other side characters as well.
Now, I will say, that this game is stunningly beautiful. Even the PS3 version holds its own against modern AAA titles. The hand-to-hand combat is extremely fun, and the various assortment of weapons (bombs, bats, molotovs, etc.) is a joy to pick and choose from. The crafting doesn’t feel too tedious, and I feel makes you connect closer with Joel than you would have if you were just picking these objects up randomly fully prepared.
But, this story, is most certainly not the pinnacle of gaming. Often referred to as “The Citizen Kane” of games, this game is more like Will Smith’s “Collateral Beauty.” It’s fine, it’s serviceable, but there’s nothing here that stands out from the rest of this type of media. If it weren’t for the chemistry of Ellie and Joel, I’m not sure this game would even be worth a thought.
4/10.
The biggest issue here is undoubtedly the enemy AI (humans). It’s almost as if they’re babies. They have zero object permanence in relation to where you hide. You’ll be getting shot at from every direction and when you duck behind something it’s as if you disappeared. Ellie is a pain to work around too, getting in your way almost the entire game. Whether it’s trying to climb, shoot, run, you name it.
Also, these characters, excluding Joel and Ellie, are so bland. Naughty Dog throws two brothers in the same position as the protagonists and expects us to have some mental breakdown about a pretty disturbing way for them to go out. When, in reality, we never even get a chance to feel connected. It’s the same for all other side characters as well.
Now, I will say, that this game is stunningly beautiful. Even the PS3 version holds its own against modern AAA titles. The hand-to-hand combat is extremely fun, and the various assortment of weapons (bombs, bats, molotovs, etc.) is a joy to pick and choose from. The crafting doesn’t feel too tedious, and I feel makes you connect closer with Joel than you would have if you were just picking these objects up randomly fully prepared.
But, this story, is most certainly not the pinnacle of gaming. Often referred to as “The Citizen Kane” of games, this game is more like Will Smith’s “Collateral Beauty.” It’s fine, it’s serviceable, but there’s nothing here that stands out from the rest of this type of media. If it weren’t for the chemistry of Ellie and Joel, I’m not sure this game would even be worth a thought.
4/10.