The Last of Us: A Game Ahead of Its Time

The release of The Last of Us on June 14, 2013 marked a significant turning point for the video game industry. At the time, there was still debate about whether video games could be considered art in the same way as music or movies. However, with the release of this post-apocalyptic masterpiece from Naughty Dog, video games began to be viewed in a new light. Even non-gamers took notice of the game's emotionally impactful narrative, and the industry as a whole began to place a greater emphasis on delivering strong performances and realistic characters. Today, The Last of Us remains a classic example of the power of excellent storytelling in video games, and its influence can still be felt in the industry a decade later.

The Last of Us’ Recent Highs and Lows Do Not Detract from the Original’s Greatness

The Last of Us, a game that was considered a masterpiece on the PlayStation 3, is now a decade old and its gameplay and graphics have started to become outdated. To address this issue, Naughty Dog and Sony developed a ground-up version of the game for PlayStation 5, taking full advantage of the console's power. The result was a remarkable high-quality remake of The Last of Us Part 1, with improved AI that made the gameplay more engaging, and new character models that made key moments like The Ranch scene more impactful. However, the PC port failed to showcase these strengths. The game was heavily criticized for its price point and there were debates about whether it was worth remaking in the first place. The PC port also had a disastrous launch, with broken character models, repeated crashes, and regular freezing that frustrated fans. Although Naughty Dog has released patches to address these issues, bugs like Joel fighting invisible enemies still remain. These challenges, combined with the recent delay of The Last of Us' multiplayer spin-off, mark a rough period for the franchise, although the past year did bring a big win for the property.

The Last of Us on HBO surpassed expectations, offering fans a near-perfect retelling of the beloved story. Despite concerns about video game adaptations, the involvement of Neil Druckmann and support from HBO proved successful, culminating in unforgettable new additions to the cast and stunning visuals. While pacing issues were present, the dialogue remained true to the original, and the performances were outstanding. The show and remake have introduced a new audience to the tragic yet beautiful story of Joel and Ellie, boosting sales and proving the continued relevance of The Last of Us. For non-gamers, the TV series provides an opportunity to appreciate the complex characters and storyline, while the PS5 remake and PC port offer a modern version of the classic title.

Despite the passage of time, The Last of Us' narrative and performances remain as impactful and powerful as ever. While the original character models, level design, and enemy AI may show their age, the story has only grown in significance, as evidenced by the ongoing discussions surrounding it. The game's influence on the video game industry and popular culture at large cannot be understated, and it is more than deserving of recognition on its tenth anniversary. The Last of Us Part 1 is currently available on both PC and PS5 platforms.