The Last of Us Review

The Last of Us is a survival horror game Playstation exclusive. This game is probably one of the most visually stunning zombie games I have ever seen, which made the game very appealing to me. This game definitely isn't a shoot em' up zombie game where you run in guns blazing. No, doing that in this game, especially on the harder difficulties, would most likely get you killed in most situations. This game is in every sense of the word a "survival" horror. You are always on the look out for ammo and supplies to make useful tools like upgraded weapons and health kits, as all of these materials run low through out the game. You really have to plan each move you do well, or you could be low or even out of ammo for a difficult part of the game. You also find yourself trying to be a stealthy as possible during many areas as there are simply too many people that you would be able to handle all rushing you - which I find very realistic. This game also takes a different spin on zombies than the usual virus or parasite. This time, it is a fungus that causes this infection. I found it an interesting take.

The story of this game is very capturing. You get attached to the main character after the first scene and you experience some truly intense and dramatic moments through the game. You find it easy to sympathize with the characters and feel concern for their safety. It is probably the most in depth storyline I've seen for a survival horror game.

While I truly thought this was a stunning game, there was still a couple of things I noticed. While scenes to actual play time are seamless and in a very realistic environment, the controls were very strange. I'm not sure if this is a person thought, but I found getting used to how you move and control the characters was a bit awkward compared to some other games. Of course, you get used to it, but I thought it was a bit strange.

The AI also needed a little bit of work. While you could be detected simply by making too fast of a step, or even sticking out too far around a cover spot, your followers can practically bump into people, not to mention stand in front of them, and not blow cover while you are sneaking. There are also times when your two main characters will talk to each other while you are hiding from infected, yet no one seems to notice. I found this kind of ridiculous and unrealistic, though I supposed it made sneaking a lot easier since you weren't usually having to depend on the AI to be just as sneaky. However, occasionally, the AI will give away your position by possibly throwing something like a brick at your enemy, alerting them. There are also parts, especially on the harder difficulties, in which your enemies seem to have super senses and seem to be able to detect you from unreasonable distances.

While there can be a couple things that could have been improved, I found this game extremely impressive. The graphics and environment is stunning, the storyline is very easy to get into, the characters are likable, and there is quite a bit of play time, especially if you want to unlock all of the different costumes for the characters. It is probably one of the best survival horror games out there and I found it to be one of the best games of the year. I definitely recommend the game.