The Last of Us: Exploring a Classic Mechanic Inspired by Resident Evil

Highlights

The Last of Us could benefit from incorporating Resident Evil's inventory management system to make looting more engaging and add a level of strategy to the gameplay.

The Last of Us, although a survival horror game like Resident Evil, does not currently offer the same level of detail in inventory management. By incorporating certain aspects of Resident Evil's inventory system, different play styles can be introduced and players who thoughtfully choose their resources can be rewarded.

The Last of Us is currently without any new single-player content, but if and when the series returns, it could benefit from incorporating a classic mechanic found in the Resident Evil franchise. This addition of gameplay could enhance the tension, fear, and overall engagement of The Last of Us.

Although they may not appear too similar at first glance, Resident Evil and The Last of Us actually have significant similarities. Both games fall under the survival horror genre, focusing on slow and strategic gameplay, resource gathering, and uncovering story elements through in-game collectibles such as notes. They both revolve around combat and facing hordes of enemies, but players often have the option to avoid many of these encounters if they wish. The core elements of survival horror play vital roles in both games, and The Last of Us could potentially refresh its gameplay by experimenting with one fundamental feature from the Resident Evil franchise.

The Last of Us Should Incorporate Resident Evil's Inventory and Resource Management

Inventory management is a notable characteristic of the Resident Evil series. It is a feature that some players love and others hate due to its intricate and detailed nature. Similar to The Last of Us, Resident Evil emphasizes the collection and crafting of resources, especially healing materials and ammunition, which are critical for survival. However, in contrast to The Last of Us, Resident Evil imposes limitations on inventory space, requiring players to carefully select and manage their items. This aspect of inventory management has been incorporated into various survival horror games, except for The Last of Us, surprisingly.

In both The Last of Us games, resources play a significant role, but the approach to inventory management differs from Resident Evil. While there are limits on how much of each resource can be carried, leading to intense moments in The Last of Us, the limitations do not allow for much interaction from the player. In theory, players can reach the maximum capacity for medical kits, explosives, traps, crafting supplies, and ammunition, while simultaneously carrying all the game's weapons. This is a stark contrast to Resident Evil's inventory system, where players must make choices about which resources and items hold the highest value. As items are not organized into specific categories, players are compelled to prioritize their selections throughout the game. For example, a player might opt to carry a wide range of weapons, sacrificing space that could have been used for ammunition and healing supplies.

Incorporating certain elements of a Resident Evil-style inventory management system into a potential sequel to The Last of Us 2 could offer numerous benefits. Firstly, it would enhance the experience of looting by requiring players to carefully consider each item they pick up, fostering a more engaging gameplay. Moreover, it would introduce diversity in play styles, allowing players to naturally adopt different strategies based on the items they possess and vice versa. Additionally, it would add an extra layer of challenge to the game, as strategic planning would be rewarded, particularly for those who prepare for various situations.

Naturally, if Naughty Dog is already working on the next installment of The Last of Us, they would not need to replicate Resident Evil's inventory system completely. On the contrary, they should maintain the game's distinct identity and preserve the underlying resource economy framework. However, Naughty Dog could certainly draw inspiration from select elements of the Resident Evil inventory system, focusing on what successfully contributes to Resident Evil's context and then adapting it to suit The Last of Us.