Game Review: The Last of Us

So I've spent some time with The Last of Us over the last few days and here is what you should expect from this new game from developer Naughty Dog.

The graphics are really good, far above average for a current gen console.  There is much attention to detail and the way the light casts shadows is pretty good. 

The sound is also really great in this game.  There is a lot of focus on random dialogue throughout the game.  Joel labors when he climbs things, says "shit" when he bumps something or sees something he doesn't like, and there are tons of little additions here and there that make this game feel very real.

The music is average, I cannot hum even one bar now that I'm away from the game so I'd say it's pretty forgettable.  It does fit the game thematically, and is appropriately used to create mood. 

There are a few things I find weird about this game.  Some of the animations (especially walking) seem strange as I am pointing the stick in a certain direction and Joel will move in the direction without facing all the way in that direction.  There is a little animation snapping (like during a fight if you go to attack Joel will slide into the appropriate position before the animation will play) but overall its not game breaking. 

Speaking of fights, they are cinematic in delivery and really feel dynamic.  Based on where you are Joel will use the environment around him to his advantage.  He will ram his foes into walls and often times use a ledge, counter, or other object nearby to slam an enemies head into to finish them off.

Though I'm not all the way through the game, the story seems pretty ambiguous so far.  The opening of the game is pretty gripping and sets up the later bits well, but the delivery of the story leaves me wanting more at this point.

We here at Big Ups Gaming don't believe in ruining the story so most of our reviews will deal with the functions of the game rather than the story.  There is a lot of fun and tense moments to have with The Last of Us.  I find it to be a solid and entertaining game that most action adventure fans will enjoy.  I score this game an 8/10.



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