TLOU is truly an astonishing feat for gaming, providing the player with an emotional journey across the U.S.
The game tells the tale of gritty tough-guy Joel (Troy Baker, AWESOME.) as he tries to get 14 year old Ellie (Ashley Johnson) across the U.S. on a desperate journey to find the cure against the plague-like fungus that has enveloped mankind. Across the country, Joel and Ellie will encounter survivors, both friendly and hostile, and the infected. Their will and determination will be tested as well as their friendship as they continue to go through dangerous and heartbreaking events.
The gameplay for TLOU is like most typical third person shooters yet keeps it nice and fresh, ensuring you aren't playing a typical Gears of War shooter. Features like crafting, the choice between stealth and going guns blazing, and your A.I. companion Ellie all ensure that you will not experience the same play-through again. Speaking of which, the A.I. is incredible. They catch on to an empty chamber in a gun, they'll flank you and try to rush you with melee weapons, and even try to grab your companion to keep her from throwing objects at them. The possibilities are endless in situations like those. The immersion in the game is also to be noted. It's incredible how deep it can get. How emotional you grow towards the two lead characters, and just how beautiful the game looks. The cutscenes are phenomenal, realistic, and well done. You can see if Joel is stressed, or thinking about something. You'll know when Ellie is upset, or cheerful. Just by observation.
The soundtrack in TLOU really sets the tone for the game as well. Soft, guitar melodies bring out the sort of depressing mood the game is going for. The feeling of no hope left and the loss of loved ones. However, theres also a big tone throughout the game that they make use of with the soundtrack. Hope. This combination of slightly rhythmic beats and softly strung guitar melodies bring out the perfect blend of light and dark.
Overall, the game is brilliant. One of my favorites personally, and that's a big statement considering i've played many AAA games and franchises my entire life. It's just a big breath of fresh air in the third person genre, blending perfect story telling and lovable characters, and satisfying gameplay/shootouts. With TLOU, you'll be playing the game even after you beat the single player. With a fun multiplayer to play competitively, and a new game plus, you'll be spending quite a long time in the post-apocalyptic U.S.