The Last of Us is a third-person Survival-Action game that utilizes choices in gameplay action to develop the game storyline, as well as the relationship between the two main characters, Joel and Ellie, made exclusively for the PS3 system. The game features a combination of combat, exploration, stealth, and platforming game mechanics. Even supposing Joel and Ellie are both residents of a post-apocalyptic world, they have had different experiences that have an effect on the way they see the world around them, and feel about what they see and do. Joel had a life before the pandemic, at the same time as the world of the pandemic is all that Ellie has ever known. As part of Joel’s job to smuggle Ellie out of the quarantine zone, players have to make choices in how they deal with enemies, which include, roving gangs of human scavengers not unlike themselves, military elements and infected civilians.

Players also have an opportunity to interact in conjunction with elements of the world around them, which helps to build the bond between Joel and Ellie. Resources in the game are scarce, making overwhelming use of firepower unlikely and unwise in conflicts, and resource gathering missions. In addition, most other residents of the ruined world that are encountered are just trying to live to tell the tale – blurring the line between good guys and bad guys. Finally, game AI react otherwise depending on the specifics of the player’s actions, making choice in gameplay a major consideration.

Also coming soon is The Last of Us: Left At the back of DLC where Ellie returns as new light is shed on her relationship with Riley, her best friend from the military boarding school they both grew up in. After inexplicably disappearing for weeks, Riley reemerges in Ellie’s life with a surprising revelation. The two sneak out of their school for the last time, leading to a series of events that will endlessly change both of their lives.