Is The Last Of Us A Horror Game
Without a doubt, The Last of Us is one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed games of recent years. Developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2013, the game has since seen a remastered version released for the PlayStation 4. As a survival game, the Last of Us forces players to carefully manage resources and take on dangerous enemies to progress through the story. But is The Last of Us a horror game?
Survival Horror Elements
While The Last of Us is primarily a survival game, it certainly has elements of horror, specifically the survival horror genre. One of the most distinctive elements of The Last of Us is the infected enemies that the player must face. The infected range from basic runners to the terrifying clickers, who rely on sound to navigate their environment. These enemies are incredibly dangerous, and players must carefully manage their resources and use stealth to avoid being overwhelmed. This makes for a tense and frightening experience, much like the survival horror games that have come before.
Themes of Desperation and Hopelessness
Another element that contributes to the horror atmosphere in The Last of Us is the themes of desperation and hopelessness that run throughout the story. Players are tasked with surviving in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce and danger is everywhere. This creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that is present throughout the game. The characters themselves are also dealing with their own traumas and struggles. The relationship between Joel and Ellie, the two main characters, is complex and fraught with danger. This creates an emotional depth that is often missing from other horror games.
The Lasting Impact of The Last of Us
Despite being released nearly a decade ago, The Last of Us remains one of the most impactful and memorable games in recent years. Its horror elements, combined with a compelling story and emotional depth, have made it a favorite of many gamers. The Last of Us has also influenced many other games that have come after it, with its emphasis on resource management and stealth gameplay being seen in games like Days Gone and The Walking Dead.
In conclusion, while The Last of Us is primarily a survival game, it certainly has elements of horror that make it a frightening and tense experience. The infected enemies and themes of desperation and hopelessness contribute to a horror atmosphere that is present throughout the game. As a result, The Last of Us has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and remains a fan favorite to this day.
