The Last of Us

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2013
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 14422 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13,138 out of 14422
  2. Mixed: 523 out of 14422
  3. Negative: 761 out of 14422
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  1. lordphynix
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    It is rare that a game can hit a note so fast and make you care for its characters. From the opening to the ending, the story grabs you and compels you to keep on playing to see what happens next. The character interactions were fluid without the voice actors sounding like they were reading a script. The environments were gorgeous and well done. The combat was everything that Naughty DogIt is rare that a game can hit a note so fast and make you care for its characters. From the opening to the ending, the story grabs you and compels you to keep on playing to see what happens next. The character interactions were fluid without the voice actors sounding like they were reading a script. The environments were gorgeous and well done. The combat was everything that Naughty Dog promised with a choice on stealth mechanics or open combat, unlike other games the AI companion was not hampering or detrimental to the gameplay or those mechanics.

    The Last of Us has set a new bar in game-based storytelling and should set the standard for video game storytelling in the years to come.    … Expand
  2. Ershin
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This game blew my mind! It is the game I hoped it to be, with a story that is among the best in video games. The presentation is peerless and must look good even to those preferring PC gaming. On consoles, the characters and animation, along with the incredible detail of the environments, is the best I have seen this generation. Naughty Dog's incredible talent as directors/storytellersThis game blew my mind! It is the game I hoped it to be, with a story that is among the best in video games. The presentation is peerless and must look good even to those preferring PC gaming. On consoles, the characters and animation, along with the incredible detail of the environments, is the best I have seen this generation. Naughty Dog's incredible talent as directors/storytellers surpasses even that of theirs of game designing. The less one says of the story the better, for fear of giving anything away of this most exciting and heart-wrenching tale. It is true: the game is very dark and brutal and bloody. But this is merely consequential, considering the game's extraordinarily realistic and adult take on a post-apocalyptic world. Surviving is harsh in the world of "the last of us", and the white-knuckel skirmishes demonstrate this. The combat in this game is some of the best I have experienced in games, with its lack of resources, such as bullets, emphasizing skill and tactics. Stealth is a big part of the game; indeed, a number of areas allow for play through without confrontation. A note to pacifists: your characters Joel and Ellie will at times have to kill, there is no way around it. None of the characters are innocent. The world they live in simply does not allow it. Of course, as is standard with Naughty Dog productions, the soundtrack and design is terrific. The soundscape is at times evocative, scary, sad and haunting. In short: there is really nothing I can level against this masterpiece and whole heartedly recommend this title to all (mature!) gamers. Aside from being one of the finest games of this whole generation, it is probably the most important in regard to the art of the craft of video games.… Expand
  3. Zenloki
    Jun 19, 2013
    9
    Great cinematic, fun game overall movement is kinda clunky but forgivable. weapon use is not the smoothest but the game gives you the feel that this is on purpose. overall i love it
  4. Bellis
    Jun 19, 2013
    9
    Although the game has some flaws (just like any other game) I can stand behind my 10/10 score 100%. Anyone who says this game is overrated either thinks they are mr. Video game 2013 or are nit-picking every little thing just to be different. Sure, if you are playing it on easy your going to kill the enemy within the first 2 minutes of walking into a building, then you will be walkimgAlthough the game has some flaws (just like any other game) I can stand behind my 10/10 score 100%. Anyone who says this game is overrated either thinks they are mr. Video game 2013 or are nit-picking every little thing just to be different. Sure, if you are playing it on easy your going to kill the enemy within the first 2 minutes of walking into a building, then you will be walkimg around for 30 minutes collecting stuff. But, if you play it on hard you (like its meant to be) you will be sneaking around for 30 minutes finding a solution to killing or avoiding your enemys while getting to your next objective while collecting materials and collectables looking over your shoulder. The graphics are great, if you can thread fibers from a seam on joelsshirt and thats not good enough for you then im sorry people, start inventing. This is the only game to water my eyes, more then once. Usually im being yelled at by my girlfriend for playing a game at 2am, but not this one, I caught her sitting up in bed telling me what to do next staring at the tv saying "Why dont you pick up a brick and distract that zombie?"

    There is so much to say about this game im not even going to try and write anymore then I have. Its like a 15 hour movie that keeps you interested the whole time, Ive only watched a few 3 hour long hollywood movies that I could get through to the end. Just pick it up ASAP and see for yourself. The multiplayer is just an added bonus ill be playing for the next 4 months.    … Expand
  5. SuperZero2814
    Jun 19, 2013
    7
    Last of Us is a good game, probably a great game but not a perfect game. I found the support AI to be extremely frustrating especially early on when Tess just opens up gunfire on a room full of other survivors as I was trying to stealthily avoid/kill if necessary, not engage in bloody, dehumanizing gunfights. Which also brings up the nature of killing, how the game totes this aura ofLast of Us is a good game, probably a great game but not a perfect game. I found the support AI to be extremely frustrating especially early on when Tess just opens up gunfire on a room full of other survivors as I was trying to stealthily avoid/kill if necessary, not engage in bloody, dehumanizing gunfights. Which also brings up the nature of killing, how the game totes this aura of realism that intends to make you question whether or not it is a good idea to kill someone, which isn't evident when forced into gun-blazing scenarios where you end up punching rednecks so as to save ammo for the monsters. The concept attempted to be fresh, which I enjoyed but it ultimately came down to a post-apocalyptic zombie-survival scenario where the zombies (which act like zombies) aren't actually zombies, but in all senses still are.

    Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this game wholly, it felt like I was playing the best Resident Evil game since 4 (which is still one of the best horror games of all time). It didn't strike me as a perfect 10 but it was a well polished, interesting story with great characters but a few gameplay and enemy flaws that would stop me from giving it a higher score.    … Expand
  6. HaydenRussell
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This game is very detailed it's outstanding. You have to play the game correctly (something Tom Chick at quarter to three obviously didn't do) which means intelligently. Sometimes you will have no choice but to stealth around the enemy with a solid stealth system and at other times stealth isn't an option and you have to smartly use every resource available to survive encounters. The gameThis game is very detailed it's outstanding. You have to play the game correctly (something Tom Chick at quarter to three obviously didn't do) which means intelligently. Sometimes you will have no choice but to stealth around the enemy with a solid stealth system and at other times stealth isn't an option and you have to smartly use every resource available to survive encounters. The game isn't hard if your smart about encounters with enemys, it can be repetitive but it firmly sets it in reality. One section of the game see's you getting a car, another see's you escaping a city, they're all sensible goals which ground the last of us in reality. The story is sweet and touching but the ending took me a while of thinking to properly appreciate it.

    But I would be lying if I didn't say the highlights of the last of us are in the story and fighting. The true highlight is exploring the world, some people say the last of us is very linear but the areas you can explore are big and full of hidden rooms and areas with loads of detail. At one point you have to walk down a street but you can enter two of the houses with multiple floors and rooms that feel lived in. I found a note from a 12 year old who over heard his parents speaking about family deaths and had to release his dog into the wild. it was sweet and when I walked downstairs I found Ellie and one of our companions playing darts and talking. It was a touching moment and the game is full of loads of moments like this as long as you look for it. If you run straight through you'll run out of ammo, die regulary, and finish the game to soon and call the game overhyped.

    Overall 10/10 this game is special and extremly well made, you need to play this game to experience it    … Expand
  7. RezzaDee
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    I have always said that my favourite games of all time are Zelda OoT, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy (8&10) as they are great childhood memories, however this game is now in my top 5 games I have played... Ever! I prefer Playstation however I have been more of a 360 gamer apart from PS3 exclusives (although PS4 seems to have sorted things out for online chat etc) but noI have always said that my favourite games of all time are Zelda OoT, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy (8&10) as they are great childhood memories, however this game is now in my top 5 games I have played... Ever! I prefer Playstation however I have been more of a 360 gamer apart from PS3 exclusives (although PS4 seems to have sorted things out for online chat etc) but no matter what your preferred console is ANY bad review for this game is just retarded and a joke on you for wasting your time. Naughty Dog amazed me with Uncharted but TLOU is better, honestly this game is just pure epic and is better then ANY game I have played in the last 10 years. Some people on here say Bioshock was better, I was a massive fan of Bioshock 1 but I actually sold Bioshock Infinite without even getting half way through the game. Anyway if you still reading reviews on this (I know I'm a bit late to write a review but I've been playing the game) just go out and buy it! I rate MGS incredibly high in my best games ever list and TLOU I actually prefer over MGS4. Don't know what else to say but a massive thank you to the whole team at Naughty Dog, I will be playing this game for years to come and buying old consoles in 10 years time to play it again. Masterpiece and its up there with the best games of all time for me. Brilliant Game!!… Expand
  8. bilsantu
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    I am speechless, absolutely flawless. What an experience! This is some milestone type of game for the video game industry right there. Naughty Dog really over got over themselves. Imagine what they can do with the Playstation 4, can't wait!
  9. Bucs65
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    One word, MATERPIECE! This is the most beautiful game that I have played in a long time. The gameplay, graphics, voice acting, and overall flow of the game are spot on which is typical for the best developers in the business Naughty Dog. They truly outdid themselves with this one and I cant wait to see what they will do next for the ps4! Any gamer owes it to themselves to experience one ofOne word, MATERPIECE! This is the most beautiful game that I have played in a long time. The gameplay, graphics, voice acting, and overall flow of the game are spot on which is typical for the best developers in the business Naughty Dog. They truly outdid themselves with this one and I cant wait to see what they will do next for the ps4! Any gamer owes it to themselves to experience one of if not the best game of this console genration.… Expand
  10. amirandhossein
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    this game has a excellent scene and very good sound and gameplay and the best graphic i have ever seen. i think Naughty Dog makes the best games in all over the over
  11. frosthound
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This game pulls on the heart strings!!!! If your looking for anther uncharted this is not it. But IMHO it blows uncharted out of the water as well as adding a new IP to dev naughty dog's gold line up hell I made this account just to say how good this game is! Naughty dog if you pick up and run with this IP you will get my money every time!
  12. marcoag2
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Para mim o melhor jogo deste ano até agora, ótima história unido a um gráfico exelente. Parabéns Naughty Dog. Pena não ter mais jogos deste nível no mercado atualmente.
  13. Lavidessa
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    one of the best games ever made,spectacular graphics,breathtaking gameplay,definitely the best game of this generation.Naughty Dog is always worth,expect gta in deciding the game of the year
  14. Adthelad96
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    The best game of the generation hands down!!
    Naughty dog created an outstanding game which any PS3 owner should get. Naughty dog created uncharted which is the one of the best adventure games out there however it limited them to what emotionally they can show. this game shows that emotional side.
    BUY IT!!!!
  15. XeonWithAnX
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    There are so many zombie esque games out there, but I figured Naughty Dog would have a good take on it. I wasn't wrong. So many different survival games focus on the monsters when in reality, I've always wanted to see a focus on not only interpersonal stories but how humanity as a species would handle the fall of modern society. it wasn't exactly about the outbreak and for that they getThere are so many zombie esque games out there, but I figured Naughty Dog would have a good take on it. I wasn't wrong. So many different survival games focus on the monsters when in reality, I've always wanted to see a focus on not only interpersonal stories but how humanity as a species would handle the fall of modern society. it wasn't exactly about the outbreak and for that they get one of the few things games get from me, a solid 10 points. The story is immersing, the world in dark, and there's a really good take on human interaction that I've only really seen in a few things, movies included. I can't help but just love the game for that. The banter of the characters, how they interact with everything juxtaposed with the bad hands they're dealt. There's a good character arc and deeper meanings behind what you see. It's definitely worth a buy.… Expand
  16. mastesers
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Seriously i'm not a fanboy or whatever, but this is the best game i've ever played. I don't find any weaknesses at all (maybe the multiplayer, but this isn't that type of game). Sincerely can't find a game that I was excited and involved more. Ps. Ellie's character is outstanding.
  17. Leamister95
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    I love the fact it feels so realistic and believable every decision I make I feel like it is me doing it!!

    Best Zombie/Survival game I've ever played **Joel is the man**
  18. EzzOmen
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Indeed, a game worthy of the hype.

    with amazing visuals, brilliant character development and emotional depth, great voice acting and a lengthy story, the game can keep you playing for ages, not to mention if you really let yourself go in videogames like myself, this game can have you in tears over the simplest of choices.
  19. Disydor
    Jun 19, 2013
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Seriously? 10/10?
    Ok, here we go:
    Brilliant storyline? Yeah, right, old and grumpy ex-dad who lost his kid and young girl who suddenly is the only hope because she is immune to infection... well, that's something new... oh wait. NOT!
    Awesome game-play? But of course. Walk->Dialog->Fight clicker soldier bandit Smalltalk Walk Move trashcan plank ladder Repeat (also, linear, linear, linear)
    Crafting? Awesome again. Use binding and blade to create a one-use knife. Is this blade made of paper? And the best of all... use rag and alcohol to create molotov or... HEALTH KIT! :D
    Unpredictable plot? After 30 minutes in game I made a bet with my friend that Tess will be bitten and she will die in "heroic" AND that Ellie will be immune to infection... guess what, winning beer was delicious.
    Character development... right. Collect 30 pills to increase reloading.
    Weapon modifications... right again. Collect 25 "PARTS" to expand clip size. COME ON, Dead Island had way better crafting.
    Ok, environment is quite nice, graphics is not the best I've ever seen.
    And last but not least. There was PLENTY of ammo and I've finished the game with a lot of bullet still in my backpack.
    P.S. I don't have XBOX, and I don't like XBOX
    P.S2 I was playing on the highest difficulty
    P.S3 I like Uncharted series    … Expand
  20. penemue
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This game is truly fantastic. It deserves every bit of praise that it gets but unlike other reviews I'm going to try and simply break down why. Firstly it's an action game, so it's a 1010 action game, not the greatest game of all time, out of every genre. So what's important in an action game? Action right? The gunning feels more realistic than any other TPS I've experienced so far, andThis game is truly fantastic. It deserves every bit of praise that it gets but unlike other reviews I'm going to try and simply break down why. Firstly it's an action game, so it's a 1010 action game, not the greatest game of all time, out of every genre. So what's important in an action game? Action right? The gunning feels more realistic than any other TPS I've experienced so far, and every weapon is so unique to handle it actually feels like you're carrying a real assortment. What about AI? Humans will come up behind you in a matter of seconds to shoot you from behind, if they can't get behind you, they will throw a molotov at you with pensive precision. What about stealth? Clickers must be dealt with by crouching and not walking but creeping, if they hear a loud footstep they will come charging, and on contact you will die instantly. Not only is the challenge there but it feels so nerve-racking no matter where you go. Humans can also be dealt with stealthily, choking them to do, wasting no resources, or if you choose, move past everything, like something out of MGS. Combat it's there as well, numerous objects can be used as melee weapons, a bat will take a few hits down someone with a combo, whereas a blade might take just one to kill. You can even reinforce weapons with blades to cause one hit kills on Clickers. hear you asking about the rest... Graphics? It's Naughty Dog, so check. Music? Does the perfect job of building atmosphere instead of sounding like a Hollywood movie check. Story there is nothing I can say here that won't spoil things but as soon as it gets moving there is no pointless banter, just one breathtaking moment after the next. Longevity? Yes, there are comics, artefacts and firefly dog-tags to find, numerous difficulty levels and the ability to upgrade Joel in a slightly-action RPG fashion to your liking.

    What I'm trying to say is that as an action game, it has it all and then some. It improves on almost all facets of an action game. Whereas others are becoming more casualized and more scripted and shorter and shorter, ND takes us in the opposite direction, with a challenging, punishing, absolutely enthralling experience that does not let up until it is over. With an original multiplayer element to boot.
    I hope I have given a little more insight into why this game is so praised. Also kudos to Sony for letting ND do what they want it has paid in spades and so it should.    … Expand
  21. boodyx
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    OMG its been like sooo long since i have played a true survival horror game with great story and great characters its just the game of my dreams an absolute masterpiece 10/10 and one of the best gaming experience ever made you have to play this amazing game what are you waiting for go right now and buy it
  22. dorkwraith
    Jun 19, 2013
    6
    This is a tough one. It's worth the price simply for the multiplayer. But that's it.

    It's like Tomb Raider (2013) but doesn't look as good or control as smoothly. It's like Spec Ops: The Line but without the precision or mind-bending plot twists and paranoia. It's like Uncharted but without the wit, humor or action. It's like Bioshock Infinite but your NPC companion(s) aren't    This is a tough one. It's worth the price simply for the multiplayer. But that's it.

    It's like Tomb Raider (2013) but doesn't look as good or control as smoothly.

    It's like Spec Ops: The Line but without the precision or mind-bending plot twists and paranoia.

    It's like Uncharted but without the wit, humor or action.

    It's like Bioshock Infinite but your NPC companion(s) aren't as engaging or useful.

    The Last of Us is a very mediocre game wrapped up in some jaw-dropping production values. The graphics, music and acting are of the highest quality...

    ...but when the gameplay is as repetitive as it is in the single player it simply doesn't matter.

    But the multiplayer just about saves it but only just, and it may well not appeal to a generation raised on COD:MW and BlOPS. For once a shooter has a multiplayer mode that requires teamwork, preparation and planning. It's generally slow-paced, punctuated with moments of panic and extreme brutality. Tough and compelling. Great stuff.

    Single player: dull, repetitive and boring eye candy.

    Multiplayer: a mixture of careful planning and crowbar-to-the-face brutality. Great fun.    … Expand
  23. hollowfication
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    i had just finished this game and i have say this... this game is epic mind blowing character design is awesome chemistry between Joel and Ellie cool cinematic cut screen epic way capture the emotion action all of plants type zombie where really cool the gun fight between other survivor and bandits where not to bad my personally favorite was Ellie she love to swear a lot lol

    to see    i had just finished this game and i have say this... this game is epic mind blowing character design is awesome chemistry between Joel and Ellie cool cinematic cut screen epic way capture the emotion action all of plants type zombie where really cool the gun fight between other survivor and bandits where not to bad my personally favorite was Ellie she love to swear a lot lol

    to see drama go thru this horror apocalyptic setting was intense and really capture the thrill
    i give this game 10 out of 10    … Expand
  24. MrThehammer171
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This game was perfect nothing wrong with it at all I love the story the gameplay the online multiplayer and the story is one of the best stories I have been told in gaming if not the best in gaming just get this game you will find everything perfect that you wanted
  25. Toffenuff
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Great story. Amazing graphics/effects add to the sensational immersion. Fantastic characters who you (at least I did) actually feel for and become invested in, particularly since there really is character development. Voice acting is superb. The opening scene, with what happens to Joel and... well, wow. That hit me hard and was totally unexpected. I may or may not have teared up, and thatGreat story. Amazing graphics/effects add to the sensational immersion. Fantastic characters who you (at least I did) actually feel for and become invested in, particularly since there really is character development. Voice acting is superb. The opening scene, with what happens to Joel and... well, wow. That hit me hard and was totally unexpected. I may or may not have teared up, and that was within ten minutes after starting the game. Lots of great heart-pumping action and unexpected twists of varying sizes that help to really spice things up, because just when you think it's going one way it goes another.

    My cons/gripes: shooting in this game could use some improvement. Gameplay is still rough around the edges too.. And the AI in terms of enemies and your allies, while often great, is sometimes erratic and unrealistic in that sometimes while sneaking around my ally would be all up in the enemy's face and neither one would do anything as if they didn't see each other even though they were right in front of one another.

    All in all, no ifs, ands, or buts about it, YOU MUST PLAY THIS GAME.    … Expand
  26. holdfasthope87
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    From someone who has been a hardcore gamer for 20 years, and who is also a HUGE film buff: This is, for me, the best game I have ever played. Why? First, the story is MASTERFUL. If this was a movie, I really believe it would have blown the critics away, and would have most likely gone down as an enduring classic. Incredible atmosphere of tension (definitely reminded me of a Coen brothersFrom someone who has been a hardcore gamer for 20 years, and who is also a HUGE film buff: This is, for me, the best game I have ever played. Why? First, the story is MASTERFUL. If this was a movie, I really believe it would have blown the critics away, and would have most likely gone down as an enduring classic. Incredible atmosphere of tension (definitely reminded me of a Coen brothers film), heartbreaking emotion (and I am almost never moved by video games stories), great "cinematography", and a script that in my opinion surpasses Cormac McCarthy's novels. Naughty Dog has drawn from a wealth of influences, and has created a story that is better than them all (in my opinion).
    Second, the gameplay is TENSE and very fun. If you didn't feel tension while playing this game, then you need to switch to hard difficulty (and listening mode turned off), because normal mode is for average gamers. I started on the hardest difficulty possible, with no listening mode, and man was this game incredibly tense. (I felt more tension throughout this than No Country For Old Men...I actually had to take breaks to give my stomach a rest). While the combat is not perfect (no game is), its VERY good, and not worth nitpicking due to how it services the phenomenal story.
    Third, this is the most immersive experience I think I have ever had, in gaming or in film. While there are occasional bugs due to the ambitious nature of the game, they are quite rare, and in the course of my 20 hour playthrough, I took my time stealthily in order to conserve the limited ammo I had, and explored the world thoroughly), I actually experienced tension, fear, disgust, hatred, hope, love, joy, peace, brokenness, sorrow. There are moments in this game that I will never forget.
    Lastly, the game is deeply philosophical. What at first glance appears to be a cliched "zombie" (although the infected are nothing like zombies, and are much more believable in my opinion) story is slowly revealed to actually be a fascinating study on humanity, morality, and love. This becomes apparent after the conclusion of the game. The game is so profound and well constructed that I could analyze its meaning (through mise en scene and use of motifs) in the same way I would a movie like "Moonrise Kingdom," "The Godfather," or "Pans Labyrinth."
    To sum it up, this game in a masterpiece. I honestly believe (in my opinion) that those who didn't like the game are either: 1) shallow gamers who enjoy mindlessly repetitive "Call of Duty" games rather than meaningful stories, 2) bad gamers, who thought that the gameplay was "broken" due to their lack of skill, and 3) People who don't understand how to interpret and understand masterful works of literature and film. IMO this game's meaning went over some people's heads. If you appreciate powerful films from geniuses like Martin Scorcese, Stanley Kubrick, Guillermo del Toro, and especially the Coen Brothers, you will love the artistry of this game.
    This game dethroned the masterpiece The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time from the top spot in my favorite games of all time. IT'S THAT GOOD. Gameplay wise, I think Zelda is a bit better, but the story of The Last of Us is one of my favorite stories ever (whether game, film, or book). No other game comes close. Gameplay is created to serve the story, so if you are into games only for the sake of mindless Call of Duty action rather than deep story and intelligent strategic combat, or if you are a fan of Micheal Bay style movies, don't play this game, its art will be wasted on you. To those with (in my opinion) good taste, GET THIS GAME!!!    … Expand
  27. AyHy
    Jun 19, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Last of Us is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's gritty and heartfelt and perfectly acted and eerily beautiful and all the other stuff all the 10/10 reviews say.

    But why is it being sold as a game?? I'm not sure you can call it a game at all.

    The one (and only) thing a game can offer, that a movie can't, is choice. It can put you in situations you've never been in before to let you explore your own psychology. It can offer you power, or joy, or terror, with the illusion that you are actually inhabiting, not just watching, a character.

    Joel makes the choice of a lifetime in the last act of the game. The entire world is broken. People are dying and suffering. It's not clear whether humanity is looking at an extinction level event. And he can personally fix it all. He can go down as humanity's Messiah. But to do that, he has to sacrifice the person he loves most in the world, the girl who's become a daughter to him. The little girl who loves him and trusts him unconditionally, he has to betray her and sign off on her murder.

    If this were a Bioware game or a Bethesda game, we'd be forced to make that agonizing choice. There would be consequences to our decisions; there would be multiple endings; there would be different ways the story could unfold, based on how we shape it.

    In The Last of Us, we just watch passively, helplessly, as Joel makes his decision. The game tells us "And then Joel shot the guard in the balls. Here's a hallway full of soldiers. Clear it."

    That is not a game. That's like... being in a Skinner Box, where your reward is cutscenes rather than cheese. This is a movie that keeps putting itself on pause and saying "Want to see more? Well, then, go swim underwater and find a pallet and shove it over to Ellie and shove it against the wall!" It's no fun at all to do that, but we dutifully perform the task because we want to see the rest of the movie.

    So... why not just make it a movie? Why make a digital Ellen Page in the first place? Was the real one just not available?

    Sure, there are Skinner Box sections that are actually kind of fun to clear. The infected are really no fun at all to deal with, but the fights with the hunters, with the cannibals, those are fun. But they're not groundbreaking in any way. As a hybrid stealth/action shooter, I'm going to say that I think Metal Gear Solid 3 plays significantly better. Joel always feels heavy, clumsy, sluggish. Snake's more fun to play with. And MGS3 was nine years ago.

    You know, I think that picking the right media for your art is important. If a movie came out in theaters that's just an hour of watching a masterpiece of a painting while an incredible concept album played in the background critics would universally pan it. They'd say "This is a painting and an album. One star."

    So why is it that when a game comes out that's actually just a movie, critics respond with universal acclaim?? I don't get it.    … Expand
  28. pyrofire95
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Right out of the starting gate the game looks amazing, surprising that gaphics can still impress me this late in the console cycle. The game starts in a calm way and gets the player connected to the characters so you care for them throughout the entire game. Within the first 10 of gameplay it starts to set up the mood giving you fear of the unknown followed by the death, destruction, theRight out of the starting gate the game looks amazing, surprising that gaphics can still impress me this late in the console cycle. The game starts in a calm way and gets the player connected to the characters so you care for them throughout the entire game. Within the first 10 of gameplay it starts to set up the mood giving you fear of the unknown followed by the death, destruction, the infected, and lastly the people. The game has a great supporting cast that you get to know while you travel with fighting opponents developing a trust and friendship, letting the player adapt the feeling the characters give. One part i particularly like is through all the fear and terror the girl Joel travels with, Eli, sometime makes drumming or guitar noises suddenly illuminating the mood giving a light to the ugly yet beautiful world. Gameplay always keep you trying to come up with different ways of passing an obstacle, gradually giving the player more weapons to play with. A breathtaking and emotional journey and an absolute must play.… Expand
  29. stanleynbloom
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    It only takes about 5 minutes into the game for you to be completely sucked into Naughty Dog's brilliant yet horrifying world. The game invites players to journey across a destroyed America as Joel and Ellie, two lost survivors brought together by chance. After about 17 hours of the single player campaign, you will never want to let them go. This game is a testament to the power ofIt only takes about 5 minutes into the game for you to be completely sucked into Naughty Dog's brilliant yet horrifying world. The game invites players to journey across a destroyed America as Joel and Ellie, two lost survivors brought together by chance. After about 17 hours of the single player campaign, you will never want to let them go. This game is a testament to the power of hope, love, and desperation. Another stunning performance by team Naughty Dog. 10 out of 10.… Expand
  30. jthompson
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Gun play is kind of iffy, but otherwise this is the best game i have ever played. The story is beautifully told. This game is an absolute masterpiece.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS3 Game of 2013
1
#1 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 98 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 98
  3. Negative: 0 out of 98
  1. GamingXP
    Sep 16, 2013
    97
    Flawless in its ambition and almost perfect in its execution. A brave and remarkable game quite unlike any other.
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  2. Level7.nu
    Sep 10, 2013
    80
    The Last of Us is a great action-adventure game that manages to capture the feeling of post-apocalypse and survival. The story is alright but way too manipulative and borrows heavily from other, better, material. Still the segmented survival gameplay and the amazing audiovisual production makes the game an experience everybody should check out.
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  3. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Sep 4, 2013
    90
    Despite the breakneck pace of the prologue, it takes quite a while for The Last of Us to pick up some speed again. However, once the cold harsh winter arrives, the action (and story) ramps up. So much so, it puts most Hollywood productions to shame. [July 2013, p.76]
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