The Unforgettable Narrative Unveiled: The Last of Us' Most Gripping Saga Unfolds Within Collectibles

Highlights

The Last of Us franchise excels in storytelling, with its ambient storytelling being just as excellent as the main narrative.

Ish's narrative stands out as one of the most captivating stories in the game, illustrating compassion within a dark and monstrous world. His tale unfolds tragically, as his group of survivors valiantly endeavors to establish a caring community, only to face a devastating and heart-wrenching downfall.

Naughty Dog's The Last of Us franchise is renowned for its exceptional storytelling. Upon its release in 2013, the original game revolutionized cinematic narratives in the gaming industry. Besides its captivating main storyline, The Last of Us has garnered a reputation as a modern classic over the past decade due to its exceptional ambient storytelling. Through its world-building, environments, and collectibles, the franchise skillfully weaves small tales, with one of its most gripping stories being that of Ish, which is entirely conveyed through background elements.

Ish's story is one of the most immersive narratives within the game. The sixth chapter of The Last of Us commences on a beach, where players immediately discover a boat containing a note from Ish. As players progress through the chapter, they come across additional details scattered throughout the environment and various artifacts that illuminate the story of Ish's life. Amidst the overall grimness of The Last of Us, Ish's tale stands out as a rare depiction of kindness. In a genre often portraying humanity as monstrous, Ish's story provides a refreshing departure from that notion.

Ish's Legacy Is One of Kindness

Ish's initial note describes his experience during the beginning stages of the pandemic. Seeking refuge from the outbreak, he embarked on his boat and remained out at sea for months. However, as time passed, his supplies dwindled and his ship succumbed to the harsh conditions of the ocean. Ish was compelled to seek shelter on land and set up camp in the nearby sewers, a significant location in TLoU where Joel, Eli, Henry, and Sam must navigate. Throughout their journey in the sewers, players uncover more information about Ish and the group of survivors he formed.

It is revealed that Ish grew lonely and extended invitations to other survivors he encountered, including children. The sewers became a haven where Ish and his companions fought to preserve a semblance of normalcy for these kids. Within the sewers, remnants of a joyful childhood can be found, such as toys and a makeshift soccer goal. A mural depicting a castle serves as a reminder of the efforts made by Ish and his friend Danny to protect the community they built. They implemented methods to sustain themselves, such as raising livestock and creating a water collection system. Their dedicated actions contributed to the thriving nature of the community.

However, despite the heartwarming aspects of these notes, the place has been deserted and filled with the infected individuals characteristic of TLoU.

The Story of Ish is One of The Last of Us' Greatest Tragedies

The discovery that an unlocked door allowed infected to enter leads players to uncover a heartbreaking truth. Although Ish and some of his companions managed to escape, many lost their lives, including innocent children. As players emerge from the sewers, they are confronted with warnings and a final note left by Ish. The note reveals that Ish and his loyal companion Susan are among the survivors, and despite their overwhelming despair, Ish still holds onto hope for humanity. Despite the unimaginable horrors they endured, their group remains committed to protecting others. These stories, like Ish's, contribute to The Last of Us being hailed as one of the most emotionally captivating zombie games.

Ish's notes add an element of humor to his story, which is rare in a game where morality is often ambiguous. This only intensifies the tragedy of the group's downfall. Ish and his survivors made every effort to be kind to one another and maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. In stark contrast to other groups in the game who resort to theft and violence against their own kind, Ish's camp serves as an early indication that, even in the midst of the apocalypse, a compassionate and harmonious community can still exist. As fans eagerly await The Last of Us Part 3, it is hoped that Naughty Dog will continue to deliver the franchise's signature excellence in environmental storytelling, just as they did in Part 2.

The Last of Us is available now on PS3 and PS4.