The Mind-Boggling Twist That Could Change Everything in The Last of Us 3
The Last of Us series has utilized time jumps to enable fascinating character development, exemplified by the remarkable transformation of Ellie in The Last of Us 2 However, implementing another time jump in a potential third game may present certain challenges
Highlights
The Last of Us 2 explores Ellie's transformation and the consequences of her desire for vengeance, which has deeply changed her as a character.
The Last of Us 3 could potentially feature a time leap, which would allow for the resolution of the mistakes and casualties endured in Seattle. This would prompt Ellie to seek redemption and delve into her personal growth during her mid-20s. Although the character developments in The Last of Us 2 offered a new angle, a more comprehensive exploration of Ellie's journey would have been advantageous through additional scenes and explanations.
In the midst of chaos, the essence of The Last of Us revolves around two individuals uniting to accomplish an impossible objective. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey holds a much stronger emotional impact than the destination. PlayStation players were captivated by the intricacies of these characters, and their complexities continued to evolve in a surprising new direction in the sequel, released seven years later.
The Last of Us takes place two decades after the collapse of society, brought about by the rapid spread of the Cordyceps fungus. This resulted in a global epidemic, leaving people infected and surviving under harsh conditions. Joel and Ellie are among these survivors, and their fight for survival leads to the formation of a strong bond. The events of The Last of Us 2 disrupt this connection, picking up years later with Ellie embarking on a new mission in the Pacific Northwest. Although the time jump may initially be disorienting, it is not unprecedented in the series. Therefore, if a potential third installment chooses to manipulate time, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Time Jumps Can Facilitate Character Growth
In The Last of Us 2, Ellie undergoes a profound transformation from her former self due to her unyielding thirst for revenge. While remnants of her old self can be glimpsed throughout her journey, her overwhelming desire for vengeance fundamentally alters her character. The question arises whether this change is temporary or an integral part of who she has become. The poignant line, 'If I ever were to lose you, I'd surely lose myself,' serves as a warning, highlighting the stark contrast between Ellie's past and present selves. This contrast is one of the reasons why fans of The Last of Us 2 are so captivated by the game.
In a potential sequel, The Last of Us 3, a different approach could be taken by incorporating another significant time jump. Following Ellie in her mid-20s, the game could explore the repercussions of the mistakes made and lives taken in Seattle, as she seeks ultimate redemption and a path back to the light. However, it is important to consider whether this exploration would feel rushed if done too soon after the conclusion of the second game. Allowing for a substantial time jump would provide breathing room and the opportunity for more impactful flashbacks, similar to the ones utilized effectively in The Last of Us 2.
Ellie is Nearly Unrecognizable in The Last of Us 2
However, the character changes between the first and second games provided a fresh perspective, but many important scenes were skipped and Ellie's growth felt abrupt due to lack of development. The first game's ending saw Ellie accepting a deceitful lie, which surely took a toll on Joel. The Last of Us 2 continues this theme as Joel justifies his choice to Tommy, but the time jump initially feels unjustified.
In The Last of Us 3, there is an opportunity to experiment with the narrative and setting since the first two games have been immensely popular. However, manipulating time is a risky endeavor that can either enhance the story or cause it to crumble. The second game's narrative was more ambitious but not as cohesive as the first, partially due to the use of time skips. The Last of Us 3 may be shocking regardless, but it remains to be seen if time jumps are necessary to craft a story worthy of a third installment.
The Last of Us Part 1 is now available on PC and PS5.
