Revolutionizing Single-Player Storytelling: The Last of Us vs Red Dead Redemption

Plenty of highly anticipated games have yet to be formally announced, including two series that are almost guaranteed to excite fans: The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption. These franchises have set the bar for single-player, story-driven games, with recent offerings that have been nothing short of exceptional. All eyes are on developers Naughty Dog and Rockstar to once again establish the benchmark when they launch their next projects.

For those who love deep character development and high-quality storytelling, The Last of Us 3 and Red Dead Redemption 3 are undoubtedly the main events. The second games in each series raised the bar to a new level, a feat that their successors will undoubtedly struggle to surpass. However, one of the biggest challenges facing each game is its respective protagonist. While both IPs have strong personalities capable of driving a great narrative, the lack of consistency in past iterations may prove to be a stumbling block in the years ahead.

The Last of Us 2's Dual Protagonists Could be Problematic

The Last of Us captivated its audience by placing Joel and Ellie's relationship at the heart of its story. Their journey across a post-apocalyptic America was both beautiful and heart-wrenching, and it's this dynamic that made the game such a success. However, Joel's actions in the Fireflies' hospital divided fans, making it difficult for him to return as a hero in the second game. Instead, The Last of Us 2 uses his death as a catalyst for Ellie's revenge-driven storyline.

The game takes a bold turn halfway through, putting players in the shoes of Abby, the character who killed Joel. While this narrative choice is an interesting one, it also leaves the series in a precarious position for the third game. With no clear indication of which character Naughty Dog will utilize next, the story's lack of consistency may prove to be a weakness rather than a strength. The Last of Us 3 could introduce an entirely new character, but as Infamous: Second Son demonstrated, capturing the charm of the original is no easy feat.

Red Dead Redemption 2's Commitment to John Marston Sets Expectations

On the other hand, Red Dead Redemption heavily relies on John Marston, featuring him as the protagonist in the first game and in the epilogue of the second. Fans have followed his journey from being a member of the Van der Linde Gang to his eventual demise. While it has provided fans with more insight into his character, the issue now arises as to who will be the next protagonist in the series.

One potential option is to revisit Arthur Morgan in a prequel, but this would continue the trend of relying on existing characters. The gang has a plethora of other characters to choose from, similar to The Last of Us 3, and it may be more enticing to introduce a fresh new protagonist instead.

It is difficult to imagine The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption coming to a halt when they are performing at their peak. However, if these franchises are to progress, they need a distinct protagonist to lead the way in future installments. Each game introduces new perspectives for players to experience, but it is important not to abandon the beloved characters that came before. With so many exceptional characters at their disposal, the developers hold a precious gift. But, if not utilized properly, it could turn into a curse.

Rumors suggest that The Last of Us 3 is currently in the works.