Gripping. That's a generic one-word description for Naughty Dog's masterpiece. But it's true. A cross between Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" and Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead", Sony's "The Last of Us" is one of those classic video games that ranks up with the great fictional works. Like a great TV show or movie, it is an emotional cinematic experience. Kudos to the great writing and directing of Neil Druckman and Bruce Straley and the acting of Troy Baker (Joel), Ashley Johnson (Ellie) and company. I'm sure if "The Last of Us" was a motion picture, it would've been nominated for some major awards. This is one of the great achievements in the era of modern day video game making.
Thematically, "The Last of Us" is a dramatic survival-horror game. Design-wise, it is actually more comparable to Rockstar's controversial "Manhunt" than to Naughty Dog's own "Uncharted" series. For a few reasons. First, the combat mechanics are extremly similar. You can use bricks or bottles to divert the attention of the enemy A.I. You can also use melee attacks on a bad guy or use a shiv to stealth kill them. And gunfights play out in a similar fashion to "Manhunt". Ammo is scarce and steady aiming requires patience. You can also outrun your enemies in hopes of re-positioning yourself for attack mode. The enemy A.I. also recalls the intensely aware enemies from "Manhunt". They'll call you out while searching.
Of course, "The Last of Us" is really about a zombie apocalypse, so you'll also have to evade the undead too who will rush at you just like the zombies did in Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later". If there is another film that I would compare "The Last of Us" to, it would be "Children of Men" mainly due to the plot. In both "Men" and TLOU, there is hope for humanity in the form of a child. "The Last of Us" begins with a brief prologue set in South Texas (near San Antonio, my city!) that marks the beginning of the end. It flashes forwards many years later to Boston, where hardened survivor Joel and his female buddy Tess are given a task to deliver a girl named Ellie to a militia group across the country. Things go from bad to worse for the trio. And in the end, it is only Joel and Ellie who are able to make the trip. Both have suffered from big losses and both are strong because of their will to survive.
The game's visuals are perhaps the best the PS3 has to offer. This is perhaps one of the best looking, if not best, video game I've ever played. The details in both the in-game engine and cinematic cutscenes are simply astounding. Because it takes place across the United States, there are many locations that are portrayed and most are beautiful to look at. Gameplay wise, as you progress, you'll gain access to different firearms which can be upgraded at "workstation" tables. You can also craft items and upgrade abilities on the fly by discovering assorted parts.
"The Last of Us" is best experienced first hand. It's been out for a year now and if you haven't played it yet, then let it be your next game! This is an intense, emotional rollar coaster ride that is one of the most memorable video games ever made.