I can honestly say that “The Last of Us” could be the best video game that I’ve ever played…ever. At the very least, it would put in the top three. It has been a very long time that I’ve been as emotionally invested in a video game as I was when I played this game. It had everything going for it, and there were very few (and I mean very few) points taken away for execution.

I’ve been waiting for a video game that was made for adults (meaning: not focused on pleasing the teen, but focused on those of us in our mid 20’s & 30’s). Don’t get me wrong, I greatly enjoy many games that are geared for the wider audience, but this game felt like it was for an older gamer…you know, those of us who remember when home video games started.

If you’ve ever played the Uncharted series, or Resident Evil, then you have the basics. Third person perspective, progressing through areas in sequence, kill the bad guys. Add in an element of Assassin’s Creed in that stealth kills are extremely useful (if not outright necessary) and you’ve pretty much got it. The added complication is that most of the game is an old-school escort mission. In the past, escort missions were brutal, because they either got killed way too easy, or they just screwed up the gameplay by constantly getting in the way. Add in the fact that most of the game, you want to not be noticed by the bad guys…and it was a recipe for disaster.

“The Last of Us” was completely different. Most of the game, you play as Joel, and you are escorting Ellie through a post-apocalyptic/outbreak world. Mechanically, Ellie was only in my way (every now and again) while I was in the exploring part of the game play (area clear of enemies, looking for stuff). During combat, she never got in the way…and she did what would be expected in the situation. Stay down…stay behind the line of battle…and call out when you see something. Oh, and don’t blow my stealth cover.

Story wise, “The Last of Us” would be your typical zombie/infected type story. But I would surmise that it wasn’t the zombie/infected storyline that got me. Instead, it was the character development between Joel and Ellie that prompted my emotional investment. Graphics wise, the game was beautiful. There’s just no way else to put it. The best graphics that I’ve ever seen (both live game play & cut scene). The story takes place in or around several major cities…and if you’ve ever been there, you will recognize some of the buildings. The interactive world is just about as interactive as it would be in real life. One time I was attempting to get through a room using only stealth kills (ammo is at a premium). I stepped on the pieces of some broken glass….so much for my stealth. If you notice it, odds are it can be affected in some way.

So it has the compelling story, beautiful graphics, and just shy of flawless gameplay…what about the music? The music may be the best part. Think acoustic guitar, end of the world for parts…to something more lively (like the intro credits to The Walking Dead). The music is breathtaking. This is the one point that I cannot stress enough. The story, graphics, and gameplay may set the stage, but the music is what makes you a part of the game. You feel like Joel. You feel his pain, grief, and outrage. You feel like Ellie. You feel her heartache, fear, and wonderment. Put all of this together, and you have the Game of the Year at the very least…if not just “The Best Game Ever”.

~Jeordam