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

Universal acclaim- based on 14422 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jun 23, 2013
    10
    The last of us is something very special delivered in videogame form that has to be experienced, no matter what. The moment you start the game you know why. I have played quite a few games in my 35 years of existence, and this one is by far the best experience i have had in games. Everything in game just screams seriously high production values. The animation, the voice actors, storyline,The last of us is something very special delivered in videogame form that has to be experienced, no matter what. The moment you start the game you know why. I have played quite a few games in my 35 years of existence, and this one is by far the best experience i have had in games. Everything in game just screams seriously high production values. The animation, the voice actors, storyline, everything is just way beyond and above of what one would expect of a game. Lets take the voice actors for example. Joel, voiced by Troy Baker, and Ellie, voiced by Ashley Johnson are simply amazing. They take their trade very serious, and you can hear it in every line they speak. The chemistry between the two is also something you rarely see in games. The way they grow and bond with each other is simply beautiful. Also, the "infected" are done in way you rarely, if at all hear in games. They don't go with the stereotypical zombie cow moans, but instead sound like real sick people in complete pain and agony.
    All this doesn't mean nothing of course if the rest of the game doesn't deliver, and rest assured, it does. The animations in this game are so lifelike it is crazy. Little things such as a little nod when Joel agrees with something, or when Ellie looks away in a dreamlike trance (the world as we know it is just an abstract idea to her, what little she knows comes from books, stories etc) when talking about how things were before the world went to crap really ad up.
    Graphics are outstanding, and probably the finest you see on the PS3, but then again this beast of a game from Naughty Dog, so it was to be expected. Everything, from the ruined cities, to the characters is done in amazing, lifelike detail.
    Story is done very well. It is a little cliche at times, but despite that it is a story well worth experiencing.
    and last, but not least, game play.
    Game play is a delight in this game. Bullets feel like they really hit a enemy. It has this heavy feel to it when they find their target. Another small detail in the gunplay is that when you go out of bullets against bandits or soldiers and continue to pull the trigger your gun makes this empty clicking sound. Nothing special about that, but the enemy hears this too. I was stunned to see a guy behind cover slightly rise from behind cover and surveying the situation and then said to another guy "he's out, lets f him up". That was crazy realistic and even though my behind was served to me on a silver platter, i could not help myself smiling. Only small problem in my opinion is that some guys can take a few too many bullets and that can distract from the illusion.Small problem mind you, but a problem nonetheless. Hand to hand and melee is also something not for those with a weak heart. It feels brutal and animalistic. Really the primal him or me feeling. And when Ellie comments after a fight with something like "geez Joel, what the F?" you wonder exactly who the monster was in this fight.
    So yea, this game is most certainly worth playing, even if you don't own a PS3. Borrow it from a friend or something, but make sure you experience it. There is nothing out there quite like it. It makes you smile, it makes you cry, it makes you despair and it makes you hope. 10/10
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  2. Jul 27, 2013
    10
    Aside from the AI issue with making noise when silence is necessary, this game is pretty much perfect, the story is incredible, the characters are believable, and the gameplay is enjoyable. No other game has ever drawn me in and made me care like this game did
  3. Jun 23, 2013
    10
    I rarely pre-order any game, but after seeing trailers of this game, I just had to pre-order it. I must say, I was not disappointed with my decision at all. The game is extremely immersive and drew me in right from the very start. I finished it in one day as I could not put the controller down.

    I find the environment design in the game very ground-breaking. The post-apocalyptic world in
    I rarely pre-order any game, but after seeing trailers of this game, I just had to pre-order it. I must say, I was not disappointed with my decision at all. The game is extremely immersive and drew me in right from the very start. I finished it in one day as I could not put the controller down.

    I find the environment design in the game very ground-breaking. The post-apocalyptic world in the game is so beautiful and realistic. What is the most exceptional though is the facial expressions of all characters, particularly Joel and Ellie's. Add exceptional voice-acting to that and I began to care about these characters a lot.

    The gameplay mechanic is very well implemented. No 'encounter' with enemies is the same given that there are three main types of enemies: the soldiers, the survivors (who are either part of the Hunters or the Fireflies) and of course the mutated. The layout in each encounter is different and makes me think hard about how to best approach these enemies (of course given the amount of resources I have left).

    Now, the ending (spoiler-free) is what really left a lasting impression on me. I have been thinking for days about the ending... The way the game has allowed the relationship between Joel and Ellie to develop strongly reinforced the ending, which has also sparked quite a bit of debate on the Internet.

    If you have a PS3 (even if you don't), I highly recommend this game to you. I believe this is the best game I have ever played in my fifteen years of gaming experience.
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  4. Jun 24, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I cannot even to describe The Last of Us without spoiling the story but I'll try my best. The Last of Us isn't a pretty game nor is it fun. It is brutal and realistic when it comes to an apocalyptic world. This just propelled the story even further by giving an insight to what a true apocalypse is. The story is charged with emotional moments that become more meaningful as the story progresses. The ethical and moral dilemmas are heartbreaking and will put yours beliefs to the test. Naughty Dog truly is a company worth applauding and The Last of Us just further compliments their ability to not only deliver a gaming experience that will dictate the story-telling standards of games to come but also for breaking that boundary. From the prologue to the ending of the game, I bonded with the characters in this apocalypse. The characters that stood out, however, were Ellie and Joel. Ellie is amazing character and even though she has committed some bad deeds she still depicts the one thing that is lost in the game's apocalyptic setting, humanity (other characters show this as well but Ellie holds the most humanity out of them all). Joel, the next main character, is somewhat the opposite but in many moments also shows his angelic side. After suffering an extremely sad and tear-jerking loss, Joel is engulfed in the post-disaster scenario. He continues to survive not live in game; the fact that Joel is older than Ellie clearly indicates that he will be much more violent and ruthless but will survive another day. The game's box art foreshadows the relationship that Joel and Ellie will have. Joel is the most outstanding character when it comes to the mental, ethical, and moral effects that such an apocalypse could have on most people. The graphics are top notch and the environment is very realistic which made me feel like was truly viewing the apocalyptic world through the character's perspective. The gameplay is incredible and terrifying, specially when the Survivor difficulty is unlocked. The only way to stop the gameplay is via the start button. The AI (both friendly and hostile) is superb. The reaction of enemy NPCs depends on your playing style. For example, if an enemy knows you have a loaded gun they will attempt to flank you and become more passive/aggressive. If they don't know you have a weapon than they will most likely charge you (meaning they will be more aggressive) depending on certain factors. The Infected are astonishing is the sense that they truly have one purpose which is to kill you but they aren't your average zombie either. The story as you can tell is beautifully crafted and immersive. The game also offers multiplayer which is an interesting feature but I will not ruin it for you. Overall the game is a masterpiece in aspect that is possible and it undoubtedly deserves a perfect score in my opinion. Naughty Dog thank you for ending the PS3's era with a game that will be the role model of survival games that have yet to come. Thank you to the readers of this review as well and may you enjoy The Last of Us and its many messages as much as I did. Expand
  5. Jun 24, 2013
    10
    Amazing game from start to finish! Edge of the seat Story that leaves you wanting more with an amazing ending. To me the story was like a cross between The Walking Dead and I Am Legend. Perfect combination of Free World and Story Play. The graphics and story are by far the best I have seen ever!!!! Definitely anticipating a part two.
  6. Jun 24, 2013
    10
    The Last Of Us is an "epic" game with the whole meaning of the word. The storyline is pretty interesting, the enviroment is completely attached to the game story and the graphics are enchanting. But what makes the big difference to this game is the emotions that it provides you with while playing. The rare emotional relation between the two characters as well as between YOU and theThe Last Of Us is an "epic" game with the whole meaning of the word. The storyline is pretty interesting, the enviroment is completely attached to the game story and the graphics are enchanting. But what makes the big difference to this game is the emotions that it provides you with while playing. The rare emotional relation between the two characters as well as between YOU and the characters is pretty unique.Finally, in this apocalyptic enviroment, the existence of many different choices to make to survive is making this game "perfect". Good job NaughtyDog.... a MUST game to have in your collection! Expand
  7. Jun 24, 2013
    10
    What can i say about The Last of Us? Well for one it was beautiful, it was engaging, it was well paced and just outstanding. This game deserves the praise it got, because it worked hard to get there and I'm so happy to see it get all these amazing scores. The story will keep you on your toes, it may even make you cry. The one thing it will do for sure is keep you wanting more, and in theWhat can i say about The Last of Us? Well for one it was beautiful, it was engaging, it was well paced and just outstanding. This game deserves the praise it got, because it worked hard to get there and I'm so happy to see it get all these amazing scores. The story will keep you on your toes, it may even make you cry. The one thing it will do for sure is keep you wanting more, and in the end you will be hungry for more. This is the last BEST exclusive before we move on to the next generation consoles and I'm glad to have it go out with The Last of Us. Congrats Naughty Dog and thank you for this amazing game. Expand
  8. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    IMO best PS3 experience hands down. Amazing graphics, down to the shading, environments, and character models. The gameplay isn't anything too innovative, but the hand to hand combat is fluid and plays out like a movie scene. One thing that really impressed me is the voice acting. I usually could care less about voiceovers because they typically suck, but in this game the voice work is soIMO best PS3 experience hands down. Amazing graphics, down to the shading, environments, and character models. The gameplay isn't anything too innovative, but the hand to hand combat is fluid and plays out like a movie scene. One thing that really impressed me is the voice acting. I usually could care less about voiceovers because they typically suck, but in this game the voice work is so stellar it adds an entirely new sense of immersion. I found myself actually caring about characters in a videogame!.. BUY THIS GAME. Expand
  9. Jun 24, 2013
    10
    This game is definitely GOTY. It has everything you want in a survival horror game. First off, it makes you feel scared of everything around the corner. You have limited supplies and you must use good judgement in order to advance to the next level. You can't just rush through this game-you have to think and decide: Do I want to shoot these enemies and risk getting overwhelmed or take myThis game is definitely GOTY. It has everything you want in a survival horror game. First off, it makes you feel scared of everything around the corner. You have limited supplies and you must use good judgement in order to advance to the next level. You can't just rush through this game-you have to think and decide: Do I want to shoot these enemies and risk getting overwhelmed or take my time and use stealth to get through the next section. The graphics are amazing and the storyline is well written. If you are mainly a FPS fan, you may not like this game. But, if you love a great storyline and taking your time to enjoy the scenery and collecting items while figuring how to survive each level from tough and smart enemies-then this is the game for you. It also has a lot of gore. If you have a weak stomach then you will probably not make it through. I love the gore in this game!...It makes it seem realistic and believable. I'm excited for the DLC coming out soon. The MP is different than other MP games. You actually have to work together as a team and survive together. Naughty Dog just delivers another great game. They are in my opinion the best game developer company in the industry right now. Great work Sony! You make exclusives like no one else. TLOU has my vote as GOTY. Expand
  10. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    The Last of Us does not reinvent the genre but it does however breathe new life and grit into it, (think ...The Road meets No Country for Old Men) along with some of the best console art direction and acting we've ever seen to date.

    Needless to say this game is gorgeous and there will be more than one occasion when you might not realize you’re in control, still thinking the cut scene is
    The Last of Us does not reinvent the genre but it does however breathe new life and grit into it, (think ...The Road meets No Country for Old Men) along with some of the best console art direction and acting we've ever seen to date.

    Needless to say this game is gorgeous and there will be more than one occasion when you might not realize you’re in control, still thinking the cut scene is playing.

    The game play is similar to Uncharted but has more weight to movement and smoother animation. The level of detail Naughty Dog has added to the game is a marvel. From the way Ellie and Joel can hide together in the same spot behind cover, to the impact of a bullet to Joel, throwing him from cover.
    The story and two lead characters is the main driving force behind the experience, you will need to see out they’re journey. But take your time, enjoy the world, explore they empty suburban houses, interact with Ellie.

    Over the course of the 14-18hr campaign you will feel the harrowing stress of their journey through the various, sometimes shocking plot points and also the brutal encounters which can flip from sneaking to all out panic beatings with a brick!.

    Aside from the graphics, brutal and intense atmosphere and encounters and the best mo-cap animation acting I've personally ever experienced, you are also graced with a deeper experience than most, and the conviction in which they story drives to its conclusion will leave you thinking about it and no doubt debating it for a long time to come.

    If you own a PS3, you really need to play likely its best game ever.
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  11. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    What can I say? The game is a masterpiece in story telling and and a brilliant exhibition of gameplay.

    The controls are tight and intuitive, whether shooting the infected, strangling hunters or traversing the world. The game itself is well paced, enough action and down time to keep up excitement as well as time to immerse oneself in the world, the environments of post pandemic America.
    What can I say? The game is a masterpiece in story telling and and a brilliant exhibition of gameplay.

    The controls are tight and intuitive, whether shooting the infected, strangling hunters or traversing the world. The game itself is well paced, enough action and down time to keep up excitement as well as time to immerse oneself in the world, the environments of post pandemic America.

    The dialogue is well scripted and acted, while avoiding Cliches masterfully.

    Thoroughly enjoyed the game. 10/10.
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  12. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    Best of generation. The story is amazing and tense. Is Naughty Dog/God in your best form. The journey of Joel and Ellie is epic, after all...
    Waiting for the second!
  13. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    This is truly one of the best games iv'e ever played. It's really the only game i think deserves a 10/10. The story, the characters, the graphics, the game play, the multiplayer. Everything in this game is damn near flawless, minus some few cliches in the single player. But the game uses those cliches so well. If you haven't played this game i HIGHLY recommend that you do.
  14. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    This game is unmissable. It has a few problems, but the game is so great that you can dismiss them completely. The story is great and you should experience it for yourself. Combat is satisfying, but sneaking through an area gives you a sense of accomplishment.

    Go buy it.
  15. Mar 28, 2014
    10
    Better than Uncharted series that Naughty Dog created. The gameplay mechanic was really kicking for horror theme and survival. The "in-House" and "Havok Psychic" engine was the best way to running the game system and really kicking!
  16. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    There's only one word that really describes this game. Perfection. Everything about this game is perfect. Gorgeous graphics, amazing voice acting, and the fact that they used real actors and motion captured them makes the characters so much more real than then already are. The storyline is phenomenal, truly Hollywood worthy, it really is a one in all package. 15 minutes into the gameThere's only one word that really describes this game. Perfection. Everything about this game is perfect. Gorgeous graphics, amazing voice acting, and the fact that they used real actors and motion captured them makes the characters so much more real than then already are. The storyline is phenomenal, truly Hollywood worthy, it really is a one in all package. 15 minutes into the game people are fighting off tears (including myself). The relationship between Joel and Ellie really strengthens once advancing into the game. The way that Naughty Dog wrote the story line really makes you care about the characters, and you are always wondering what will happen to them next. Once playing, I'd doubt you'd be able to put the Dualshock down, it keeps you on the edge of your seat as it has a very gripping and compelling storyline that really, really affects you emotionally. Naughty Dog really pushed the PS3 to it's very limits. Very impressed how well the developers created this astonishing looking game will a very limited 256mbs of RAM. I've never been so affected by a video game, but The Last of Us sure changed that. If you have a PS3 then this is a MUST have. If you're considering buying this, then buy it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the best, if not the best game I have ever played. Period. Expand
  17. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    There was no limit to my amazement throughout the game, the character development was astonishing, Joel evolving from the heartless smuggler to the compassionate yet still strong father figure in Ellie’s live. Now Ellie, there is hardly any words to describe how she transformed throughout the game!!! She starts as the naive 14 year old with no real knowledge of the world before theThere was no limit to my amazement throughout the game, the character development was astonishing, Joel evolving from the heartless smuggler to the compassionate yet still strong father figure in Ellie’s live. Now Ellie, there is hardly any words to describe how she transformed throughout the game!!! She starts as the naive 14 year old with no real knowledge of the world before the infected, while traversing the world beyond the QZ, she learns, experiences miracles and grows; closer to the end of her journey we she how she has changed to the strong and steadfast character we have grown to love!
    The story has amazing twists and turn, graphics are phenomenal and the enemies can instill fear into the greatest of men. The story is original and mind blowing with no real relation to prior “end of the world games” The Last of Us has found its way on its own two feet!
    I haven’t been so frightened in a game since the first time I attempted alone in the dark on playstation 1 when I was a whopping 7 years old.

    Put simply it is the greatest game developed for the past century!
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  18. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    The Last Of US is one of those rare games that come out every now and then. It is a game so immersive and emotional it will actually make you care about the protagonists. The emotion this game can bring out in the player is astonishing. The Last Of Us is excellent in every major way. All the minor details really add to the amazing atmosphere that the game accomplishes. I found myself neverThe Last Of US is one of those rare games that come out every now and then. It is a game so immersive and emotional it will actually make you care about the protagonists. The emotion this game can bring out in the player is astonishing. The Last Of Us is excellent in every major way. All the minor details really add to the amazing atmosphere that the game accomplishes. I found myself never wanting to put it down and really investing myself in the main characters. The game does have minuscule issues, but the fantastic storyline more then makes up for any negatives. Expand
  19. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    Very rarely do books, movies or video games alike leave you feeling empty, tense and heartfelt all at the same time; the Last of Us did just that.

    The Last of Us is set in a typical post-apocalyptic world which makes players vulnerable to subjecting the game to the clichés and the tropes it is founded on. As a result, Naughty Dog actively plays with these clichés to create a fresh and
    Very rarely do books, movies or video games alike leave you feeling empty, tense and heartfelt all at the same time; the Last of Us did just that.

    The Last of Us is set in a typical post-apocalyptic world which makes players vulnerable to subjecting the game to the clichés and the tropes it is founded on. As a result, Naughty Dog actively plays with these clichés to create a fresh and innovative world. Where the standard dark shades of brown in typical zombie environments usually dominate, the Last of Us opts for a rich, green environment which poetically demonstrates nature reclaiming the urban environment. Furthermore, we have the artefacts not only give pockets of information about the lost world but also document the lives of off-screen characters and how they coped with society’s decay. It is these small details that give the Last of Us a believable and enjoyable setting, whilst keeping with the overall sombre and broken tone.

    Beyond the collectables and the environment, the storytelling in the Last of Us is where the game truly shines. In opting for a linear narrative, the game gets likened to that of a novel which allows it to effectively tell a story. Throughout the game, players are never actually given choice as to how the storyline proceeds which sets it apart from other apocalyptic games. Right from the prologue, we get the sombre and hopeless world, whilst caring and rooting for the characters, often to no avail.

    That is where the focus of the game lies character interaction. Throughout the game you play as Joel, a middle-aged man hardened by the events of the outbreak who is accompanied by Ellie, a highly convincing, snark 14-year old girl. Their interactions serve to be one of the most endearing and realistic conversations in this generation’s games. Even secondary characters are given great depth which is very refreshing, with amazing voice acting complementing this remarkable cast of characters.

    Where the Last of Us differs from its conventional gaming counterparts is its realism. The violence never feels gratuitous; rather it feels necessary in order to survive. Instead of opting for psychedelic drugs a la Far Cry, the game sticks to traditional human tactics such as stealth, crafting, and conventional weaponry.

    As a result, the gameplay may feel lacklustre compared to those used to games such as Uncharted or Red Dead Redemption however that calculating gameplay only serves to add to that tense atmosphere. Everything from crafting and interacting are all done in real time which makes every action deliberate and urgent. Scavenging can be time consuming but is quite necessary to survive in this harsh world. This is especially true for harder game modes such as “Hard” and “Survivor” modes where supplies are scarce. From bullets, to alcohol, to rags and tape, everything you collect has purpose and how you use these tools is how Naughty Dog gives its players freedom. What was slightly disappointing was the lack of variety the crafting can be used for late game but that is a small complaint compared to the realistic gameplay the Last of Us offers.

    Overall the game seems designed for older players, but as a teenager myself, I can recommend The Last of Us to any players looking for a good narrative, so long as they are mature enough to handle the dark themes the Last of Us deals with. Don’t go in a slave to expectations and I can guarantee you will go out with your emotional strings tugged, and a gaming experience unforgettable.

    And the game ended perfectly.
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  20. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing, I have only ever played a game with this much depth in story wise since the Metal Gear Solid Franchise. Everything from the story to the interaction with characters is top-notch. This game is 10/10 for me as I feel that this game has had a huge impact at me. Since working in a game shop i get bored with games easy, I rarely buy games but this is just wow, I do notThis game is amazing, I have only ever played a game with this much depth in story wise since the Metal Gear Solid Franchise. Everything from the story to the interaction with characters is top-notch. This game is 10/10 for me as I feel that this game has had a huge impact at me. Since working in a game shop i get bored with games easy, I rarely buy games but this is just wow, I do not regret buying this game at all. Pure fun all the time with this. Suspense at the right time, laughter at the right time and sadness at the right time. Naughty Dog has done exceptional work this time. If you need an awesome game please buy this one!
    I will recommend this to anyone!
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  21. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    OMG not only is this game amazing but it leaves a weird feeling in your stomach when you complete it, almost like your sad because the amazing time you have been having playing it comes to an end. The graphics are great and the storyline is just amazing, will there be a sequel? we will just need to wait and see. This is a great and happy ending for the ps3's life and now with naughty dogOMG not only is this game amazing but it leaves a weird feeling in your stomach when you complete it, almost like your sad because the amazing time you have been having playing it comes to an end. The graphics are great and the storyline is just amazing, will there be a sequel? we will just need to wait and see. This is a great and happy ending for the ps3's life and now with naughty dog bringing games like this out i just cant wait to see what they do with the ps4 Expand
  22. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    When I started playing this game, I was blown away immediately. The graphics, songs, voice acting and story are fantastic. You feel the characters' feelings so well because their facial expressions are extremely well made. This is probably the best game ever made. This game is absolutely a must for every Playstation 3 gamer. Good job, Naughty Dog.
  23. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played, the graphics are beautiful, the soundtrack is amazing and the story is one of the best I've ever experience in an post apocalyptic setting. The gameplay is just plain genius, I'm a huge fan of stealth, action games and survival games, and The Last of Us just blend them all together to create the perfect package, people who complain about enemies notOne of the best games I've ever played, the graphics are beautiful, the soundtrack is amazing and the story is one of the best I've ever experience in an post apocalyptic setting. The gameplay is just plain genius, I'm a huge fan of stealth, action games and survival games, and The Last of Us just blend them all together to create the perfect package, people who complain about enemies not detecting allies must understand this is necessary so the gameplay can stay as good as it is. Naughty Dog made it again, Sony is lucky have one of the best studios on the gaming industry. Expand
  24. Jun 26, 2013
    10
    I went into this this game thinking it was kind of overhyped and overrated, however when I started playing I was almost immediately hooked. This title offers one of the greatest stories told in gaming, a cast of very well developed characters, and amazing graphics. Gameplay is pretty good too, although there have been a lot of complaints about the "clunky" shooting/ fighting mechanics, iI went into this this game thinking it was kind of overhyped and overrated, however when I started playing I was almost immediately hooked. This title offers one of the greatest stories told in gaming, a cast of very well developed characters, and amazing graphics. Gameplay is pretty good too, although there have been a lot of complaints about the "clunky" shooting/ fighting mechanics, i personally think that it makes the game more realistic. I was completely interested from start to finish as the suspense in this game is constant. At some points in the game, you will die many times and it is frustrating, but it never feels unfair as it makes you think of new ways to approach the situation at hand. The only negative thing I have to say is very minor and that is that the AI can't detect Ellie during stealth moments so she'll be doing something stupid like whistling, telling jokes, or sometimes even walking into enemy while you're trying to quietly sneak by. All in all, this is an amazing game, possibly the best PS3 exclusive available, and I would highly recommend it to anyone Expand
  25. Jun 27, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Last of us, argubably the greatest gaming experience one can and will have on a now soon to be defunct ps3 system. I for one believe that this game 'does' have features that don't amaze me and one maybe the lack of choice or decision making, because i believe that a game based so much on survival should give options and now you could say you are nearly always given the option of sneaking around a group of bandits or infected, but i mean more than that, i mean you always seemed to be climbing over a truck and jumping down the other side revolver in hand awaiting your next possible foe,in my opinion, you should be made to take risks outside the norm of being insta-killed by the same clicker for 10 minutes straight, after an hour into the game. i think you should in a survival game that you should be rewarded and punished bearing on the things you do,i believe there could have mixed it up a tiny bit more, maybe had two paths and you had to choose one or you could split up, which could then mean that either Joel or Ellie are put in a dire position and that you would need to rescue them(maybe not my greatest idea).And at the end,(i know on thin ice for spoilers) i think that ND could have let you decide the fate of our loved protagonists, (MEGA SPOILERS)--> Also at the very death of the game when Ellie questions Joel on the whole cured humanity lies, and Joel swears by his lies, this to me described how attitude and human nature change in a time of crisis and in this post-apocalyptic world is built on deceit and there is little or no form of an 'honest living' earned by anyone, even the main characters constantly screw people over(and get screwed). But this game is superb and with out a doubt is one of the best that the ps3 has seen, the story is phenomenal, the voice acting makes every other game look brutal, the visuals are truly astounding and to create a kind of awe, and the game will give you plenty of comics, alcohol, rags and ammo if you explore the world. The trophies are intelligent, they are long term and difficult and can only be obtained by a very shrewd and hardworking person, they take effort and thats something i think is great because it reflects on the whole game, basically life isn't easy. Games such as COD award you too easily, you shot a plane out of the air heres a bronze trophy(not great example) and other menial and trivial tasks are performed just for trophies sake. But not in The last of us, this is a thriller an emotional journey with gore and gruesomeness, that aides the stealthy and gives the Rambo types a chance. The only easy trophy this game has other than completing the game(which isn't easy) is the bronze for crafting every item.
    The characters of Joel and Ellie are personified in a way that no other game can live up to, the characters are very relatable to the 14 year old girls and 50+ year old men that played this game(of which there is few). They help the emotional journey, they make it feel worthwhile and on completing this game you feel quite relieved and maybe a bit emotional(ya big girls). It pulls and our heart strings it makes us want to shout at the TV, it makes us want to burn the crap out of some crazy zombie-like people, with a ridiculous flamethrower that you just pick up at a college dorm(sum crazy parties they must have). The workbench is gaming genius, it helps us feel like we are doing something useful that will eventually help us blast runners to bits. I think a lot of people have said its just perfect but I don't think that, it is definitely fantastic but nothing is perfect, everything has flaws but the last of us has quite few and i only believe it can be equaled by others as it has set the bar very high. People say that they actual gameplay, shooting parts aren't great and the running around of your allies at all kinds of times can make it a small bit confusing to whether your actually still in some sort of incognito or if you should start running or firing.
    Another thing this game shows as it develops how humans push themselves to the limits if they believe the cause is just and the game portrays the characters hardships,emotional devastation and losses in a very real and smart way. A game which i wish this could have been slightly more like would be Spec Ops: the line, with its insanity which is already quite similar but spec ops' alternate endings and much decision making really gives the gamer a sense that they are unique and actually trawling through Dubai's sands. That is the only thing this game is missing a tiny extra little bit of individuality to make you feel like you really just stood on that guys face. If your still reading this I'm impressed, 4700 characters ago i didn't think id be writing 500 characters but here i am, the greatest game ever made maybe, some of the most fun I've ever had, definitely.
    I hope you like this, and agree with some of my points, this is my first review and I did it cause the last of us gave me such pleasure.
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  26. Jun 27, 2013
    10
    Naughty Dog does it again. As much as I loved Uncharted 3, The Last of Us brings it up to the next level.

    I really enjoyed the game. The 'backpack' mechanic as I like to call it is pretty well thought out, and you will be spending some time there, crafting medical kits, molotovs, and checking your collectibles. Joel & Ellie goes far beyond what my expectations were before I played the
    Naughty Dog does it again. As much as I loved Uncharted 3, The Last of Us brings it up to the next level.

    I really enjoyed the game. The 'backpack' mechanic as I like to call it is pretty well thought out, and you will be spending some time there, crafting medical kits, molotovs, and checking your collectibles. Joel & Ellie goes far beyond what my expectations were before I played the game for myself. The interaction between the two is awesome, the idle talk they have about the surroundings they're in. Ellie will also find some ammo/supplies for you to use from time to time, kinda like Elizabeth in the amazing BioShock Infinite. The emotion you will have throughout the game with these characters is strong, you will feel a bond and care about the characters.

    I also have to mention the soundtrack in this game, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, really makes you feel like you are in a Post-Apocalyptic scenario

    The graphics are stunning with skyscrapers that are destroyed in the background, the dark skies, and the gritty environment that Joel and Ellie is in. I also got to mention that the ambiance is spot on.

    Multiplayer is a very nice addition and kept me going after the storyline was over. The multiplayer is called 'Factions' and have you in charge of your own 'clan' that you need to feed. To gather food and supplies you need to go into online matches and pick up supplies off dead bodies or boxes scattered over the map, which i really like. You'll also be spending time in stealth mode while in a match, which I haven't really used in a game with PvP matches.

    The Last of Us is a must buy. Naughty Dog nailed this game, and I did not find anything wrong with it at all.
    It is definitely a Game of the Year contender, and I can't wait for what Naughty Dog will bring us next.
    I am looking forward to this year, when the Playstation 4 is coming out and all the awesome looking new games.

    This game deserves my full 10 out of 10.

    - Custer
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  27. Jun 27, 2013
    10
    This game is hands down the best thing I have played in a long time. It had me more emotionally invested than I thought i could ever be in a game. You really feel the characters. Stories in games can sometimes be overdone or not realistic. And sometimes the animation doesn't live up to standards. But this game has everything. Literally, everything.
  28. Jun 27, 2013
    10
    This game is almost immediately evocative of works such as The Road, and the lesser-known Earth Abides, with strong hints of "I Am Legend". It plays like Uncharted, meets Fallout, meets the original Resident Evil.

    What I'm going to cover first is the centerpiece of the game, the characters. The highly detailed character graphics, intricate facial animations, and sincere voice acting set
    This game is almost immediately evocative of works such as The Road, and the lesser-known Earth Abides, with strong hints of "I Am Legend". It plays like Uncharted, meets Fallout, meets the original Resident Evil.

    What I'm going to cover first is the centerpiece of the game, the characters. The highly detailed character graphics, intricate facial animations, and sincere voice acting set a new high standard for the video game medium all by themselves. These technical aspects, combined with excellent characters that simply ooze verisimilitude, form something truly special. The end of the game in particular made me think that the voice actors must have done a minimum of 1,000 takes to achieve the perfect subtlety they deliver their lines with.

    The controls and gunplay are realistic, but not as realistic as the brutal depiction of violence which is so realistic that it's not even fun in the "wee!" sense. This seems to be the entire theme of the game. It is the opposite of a bullet hell shooter but even more frantic. It is, in turns, nerve-wracking and heart-wrenching (if you have any semblance of a soul residing in the dying coals of your heart) the fresh take on "zombies" as presented by the Fungus-controlled Infected such as Clickers, delivers an apt sense of dread and tension. If you think that's a negative, you might want to stick to Zen Pinball 3D. In giving you pleasure while not being pleasant, The Last of Us elevates the medium to new heights; even making me pause and wonder if "game" is the correct word for it, despite the fact that you are given full control and are able to tackle any given situation with great freedom.

    From a design perspective, The Last of Us is a well-oiled machine. It makes great strides in eliminating the disconnect between gameplay and story, known as ludonarrative dissonance, almost universally present in any action game that tries to present an unique story. The rules work almost the same in a cutscene as they do when you have control of the characters. Joel cannot be shot in the eye 20 times during the course of playing and be totally fine, and then need a trip to the E.R. when he stubs his toe in a cutscene.

    Both my wife and I completed the story in about 18 hours. To give perspective, we don't rush through things, we explore and experiment quite a bit. I was obsessed with what the length of the game would be before I played it, and I now see that this was folly. I like to get a lot of playtime for my 60 dollars, but it would have been a huge disservice to us for Naughty Dog to artificially extend the playtime just for that reason (although you can argue that's what multiplayer is). The game is as long as the story, and any significant changes to what we ended up with would have ruined it. Do not wish for this to be a longer or shorter game. What value The Last of Us does not deliver in Skyrim-esque length, it delivers in sheer quality.

    Speaking of multiplayer, I haven't even redeemed my online code yet and there's a chance that I may never (honestly, the story isn't "Campaign Mode", "Story Mode", or "Singleplayer Mode, it's just the game), so all I can say is that I'm intrigued by the playmode where there are no respawns; as it has the potential to alter the ubiquitous "LEEEROOY JENKINS" enthusiasm plaguing most online multiplayer games. Nobody's going to want to do that if it means they have to wait until the next match. The multiplayer mode also includes elements from the actual game, such as crafting, and the current modes center around the concept of survival but do not feature non-human enemies from the game, such as Clickers, or those things that are more deadly than Clickers.

    And that, Dear Reader, is the best and most accurate spoiler-free review that you will read for The Last of Us. You need not read any other, especially not those that risibly pan the game just for attention. In fact, you shouldn't even be reading what I'm typing right now, because you should be buying or playing the game.
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  29. Jun 30, 2013
    10
    Before I wrote this review, I made sure to get my facts straight regarding the argument that somehow The Last of Us is a ripoff of Bioshock: Infinite. I have decided (from going over it for awhile) that even though they have similarities, The Last of Us is in no way a ripoff given the fact that many games have a female sidekick. Elizabeth does a lot less for the main character than Ellie.Before I wrote this review, I made sure to get my facts straight regarding the argument that somehow The Last of Us is a ripoff of Bioshock: Infinite. I have decided (from going over it for awhile) that even though they have similarities, The Last of Us is in no way a ripoff given the fact that many games have a female sidekick. Elizabeth does a lot less for the main character than Ellie. They both give you health packs and ammo, but Ellie also helps you fight. I digress; the game is amazing-no less than what I would expect from Naughty Dog. The scenery is perfect and really brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. After finishing the game for the first time I had to stop and think about all of the issues portrayed in this game. This is not some game that you can just run through and just go in with guns blazing. This is a game that really takes a lot of thinking. The story line just as much so. Once again Naughty Dog has made a game that is enjoyable, thought provoking. It leaves you with a new point of view. Expand
  30. Jun 27, 2013
    10
    Epic, just epic, but not perfect.
    Some people said its linear or the AI is bad, but the really is linear is perfect for that game, the focus not get out the game and the AI make you think before attack!
    Masterpiece of Playstation 3
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 98 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 98
  2. Negative: 0 out of 98
  1. Sep 16, 2013
    97
    Flawless in its ambition and almost perfect in its execution. A brave and remarkable game quite unlike any other.
  2. 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.
  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]