The Last Of Us TV Show Is A Sensation But What Happens In The Last Of Us Video Game?

The Last of Us is a highly acclaimed video game that follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic that turns humans into zombie-like creatures. The game is known for its gripping storyline, immersive gameplay, and stunning graphics, which have captivated players around the world. 

Since the release of the hugely popular series based on the game with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, we're taking a look at the plot of The Last of Us, exploring the game's key themes, characters, and twists. 

So if you're a fan of the post-apocalyptic tale, Pedro Pascal or just curious about the award-winning game the TV show was based on, here is what happens in The Last of Us.

The Last of Us game was developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the majority of the population has been infected by a fungal virus that turns them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures known as "Infected". The story follows Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to a cure for the virus, as they journey across the United States in an effort to reach a group of resistance fighters known as the Fireflies. The Fireflies are a group of rebels fighting against the government and looking for a cure for the outbreak. They become a symbol of hope and a potential solution to the crisis.

Gameplay in "The Last of Us" is primarily centred around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players control Joel, who must navigate through various environments and fight off both human enemies and Infected creatures using a combination of firearms, melee weapons, and stealth tactics. The game also features a crafting system that allows players to create makeshift weapons and items from scavenged materials, as well as a skill tree that allows them to upgrade Joel's abilities over time.

Throughout the video game, characters refer to watches as a symbol of time and the past. For Joel, his watch is a reminder of his daughter, and for Ellie, it's a symbol of her past life before the outbreak. Another motif is Joel's backpack which is seen as a symbol of his survival skills and his ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of the post-apocalyptic world. It also serves as a physical reminder of his bond with Ellie, as he often carries supplies and weapons for her in it.

One of the defining features of The Last of Us is its emphasis on storytelling and character development. The game features richly drawn characters and a complex, emotionally charged narrative that explores themes such as love, loss, and survival in the face of overwhelming odds. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is at the heart of the story, and their interactions are a driving force behind the game's emotional impact.

The game explores the theme of love and loss in various forms, such as the love between Joel and his daughter, the loss of loved ones due to the outbreak, and the bond that develops between Joel and Ellie. It also poses moral dilemmas for the characters, forcing them to make tough decisions and grapple with the consequences of their actions something we see at play at the final moments of the TV show adaptation of The Last Of Us.

The Last of Us game and season 2 of the TV show explores the concept of identity, particularly with regards to Ellie, who is immune to the virus that caused the outbreak, and Joel, who has lost his sense of identity in the wake of his daughter's death but believes he has now found his purpose through Ellie. Ellie believes she is intrinsic in creating a vaccine to "cure" or control the cordyceps virus but who is she when that supposed destiny is taken away. At the end of Season 1 of The Last Of Us TV show, Ellie asks Joel whether what he told her about the Fireflies is true (that she is one of many people who have immunity) and Joel doubles down on his lie. Ellie will have to explore her identity as a young teenager without her destiny in Season 2 and presumably grapple with the consequences of Joel's lie when she finds out the truth.

In one of the TV show and video game's most memorable moments, Joel and Ellie come across a group of giraffes in a deserted city. The giraffes represent beauty and innocence in a world that has been ravaged by violence and Ellie is particularly taken with their existence. They show hope for growth, family and innocence that she has not been given so far in her young life. 

The Last of Us has been praised for its immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and powerful storytelling. It has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2013 Video Game Awards and the Writers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Achievement in Video Game Writing.

Even before the release of the TV series, The Last of Us had become a cultural touchstone, inspiring fan art and cosplay. Its impact has extended beyond the gaming community, cementing its status as a pop culture phenomenon which is only going to grow with the release of Season 2.

Thanks for reading "The Last Of Us TV Show Is A Sensation But What Happens In The Last Of Us Video Game?" on January Media.