GameNow Review

The Last of Us review

9.3Critic average / 10
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
Naughty Dog
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genres
action-adventure game, survival horror, stealth game, post-apocalyptic video game
Systems
PS3, PS4
Image credits

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At a glance

The Last of Us is a must-play game for those who appreciate deep storytelling, complex characters, and a compelling gameplay experience. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Emotionally resonant narrative
  • Innovative combat mechanics
  • Exceptional visual and audio design

What doesn’t

  • Combat system flaws
  • Minor technical issues

GameNow review

The Last of Us review: A Masterpiece of Storytelling and Gameplay

The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that excels in storytelling, character development, and gameplay mechanics. Critics praise its emotional depth, visual and audio design, and innovative combat system.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Story and Character Development

Critics universally praised the narrative and character development in The Last of Us. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is particularly noted for its emotional depth and realism. Many reviewers highlighted the poignant and well-drawn character arcs, with some even considering it Naughty Dog's finest moment. The story's pacing and the characters' journeys were also commended for their emotional impact and ability to resonate with players.

[1] [2] [3]

Gameplay and Mechanics

The Last of Us offers a fresh take on combat mechanics, praised for its vulnerability and strategic variety. Critics noted the game's innovative approach to stealth and survival, with many highlighting the tension and realism of the encounters. However, some reviewers pointed out flaws in the AI and combat system, particularly in encounters with infected enemies. Despite these issues, the gameplay is widely regarded as a standout feature of the game.

[1] [2] [3]

Presentation and Audio

The game's visual and audio design received high praise from critics. The art direction and world-building were lauded for their attention to detail and emotional resonance. While some noted minor technical issues, the overall visual and audio experience was considered exceptional, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere. The sound design, in particular, was highlighted for its ability to enhance the player's immersion and emotional engagement.

[1] [2] [3]

What works

  • Emotionally resonant narrative
  • Innovative combat mechanics
  • Exceptional visual and audio design
  • Well-developed characters

What doesn’t

  • Combat system flaws
  • Minor technical issues

Verdict

The Last of Us is a must-play game for those who appreciate deep storytelling, complex characters, and a compelling gameplay experience. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. The Last of Us (video game) — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. The Last of Us — Wikipedia (ja) ja.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  3. 最後生還者 — Wikipedia (zh) zh.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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