# Hope in a desolate world

> While plenty of videogames have sought to tell post-apocalyptic stories that matter, few are as memorable as The Last of Us. With a narrative that spans years, and portrays a desperate humanity trying to survive in trying times, the title remains a testament to videogames’ storytelling capabilities, .

By Jonathan Foye · 13 March 2020 · Reviews / Gaming

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/hope-in-a-desolate-world/

#### **Review: The Last of Us**

While plenty of videogames have sought to tell[**post-apocalyptic**](https://www.insights.uca.org.au/what-does-the-bible-really-say-about-end-times/) stories that matter, few are as memorable as The Last of Us. With a narrative that spans years, and portrays a desperate humanity trying to survive in trying times, the title remains a testament to videogames’ storytelling capabilities, . 
 
 The game tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two people from different walks of life with little in common apart from the need to survive. When Joel promises a dying friend to get Ellie to a safe haven, he is initially skeptical (and weary) of her. Ellie has been bitten by one of the game’s zombie-esque enemies, and yet has not succumbed to the plague capable of ending all life. Her ongoing survival therefore marks potential hope for a cure. 
 
 While the game’s visuals are a little dated in parts (the original title debuted in 2013, with a remastered version coming a year later) overall, *The Last of Us* is visually engaging. The in-game world is equal parts desolate and beautiful, with plant life taking over destroyed buildings as far as the eye can see. 
 
 Seeing the evolving father/child dynamic evolve over time is one of the game’s best points (and something that was later replicated in another Playstation title, *God of War*.) 
 
 The game sees players escorting Ellie across dangerous terrain, defending her against enemies, human and otherwise. Much of this involves using stealth to the player’s advantage. The in-game AI is smart enough that the enemies pose a threat and need to be taken down with strategy. Gustavo Alfredo Santaolalla’s orchestral score givesthe stealth and battle sequences a real sense of growing tension.

The way *The Last of Us* deals with violence is very interesting. Never the source of points or bonuses, it is depicted as a terrible thing, to be avoided if possible. In those instances where combat proves necessary to survival, the combat system works well, although it is a little counter-intuitive at first. 
 
 There are times when *The Last of Us* becomes incredibly grim, portraying a future that is by and large devoid of hope. Faith does not itself play a part in *The Last of Us*’ world, and there are multiple references to how dumb luck is all that the characters have. In many ways, the game is something like a playable Cormac McCarthy novel. And yet, the concept that humans’ potential salvation might lie in a child is one that should prove familiar to Christian audiences.

With a sequel set to release in late May (and **[a HBO television show](mailto:https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/03/12/hbos-the-last-of-us-show-will-have-one-of-the-best-assets-from-the-game/%23277218cd7981)** in the early planning stages), this is an ideal time to play a true Playstation classic.

[Embedded media](https://www.youtube.com/embed/ygVPHxkokAE)

*The Last of Us is available now on Playstation 3 and Playstation 4*