Every now and then comes a game that stands out to you among any other you either own or have played. Simply experiencing it gives it an instant spot on your list of favorite games. Well after Last years release of the highly acclaimed The Last of us, it did just that. From developer naughty dog who has given us franchises such as Uncharted, sights were set high for this post apocalyptic themed game. Yet it wasn’t just that theme that set the bar for The Last of us, no it was a culmination of aspects that went into this process of making the game immersive. A believable and plausible outbreak situation that dared to be different than the normal zombie style infection we are used to. Top that with performances from actors who portray a sense of caring, mainly between Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson, which then focuses on the key aspect that these two actors bring to the equation. The relationship and emotional connection between Joel and Ellie’s characters make this game the most immersive and caring story that I personally have ever experienced in a video game. When playing through on occasion I felt like I was watching film that I was a part of. So once reaching the games conclusion I was left feeling that I wanted more Joel and Ellie. So once Naughty Dog announced the add-on campaign Left Behind set solely on Ellie’s character I was intrigued to find out more of her involvement prior to the events of the original game.
So first what is Left behind?
It essentially is a back-story to Ellie’s character to how she obtained the bite that lead to her immunity from the virus. Underneath that is a sweet and heartbreaking story that is filled with beautiful moments that will bring you into the mode of watching an interactive film again. Sentimental moments like repeatedly asking a magic 8 ball questions with sarcastic and humorous answers to playing at an arcade that Ellie has to imagine the game she is playing really lets you learn more about the characters and feel for them through out this short story.
In Left Behind you play as Ellie. The game starts off at a pivotal moment in the second act of The Last of us which starts you on a mission to find a first aid kit for Joel while traversing through a dangerously infested Mall. Coupled with this is the playable flashback, which delves you into Ellie’s past. Here we are introduced to her best friend Riley. The two go on a little adventure that (inevitably in the world of the last of us) turns south. Both pieces of content are intertwined to make a story with emotional depth to once again feel and care for these characters.
In terms of the rest of the story of Left Behind, that is up to you the player to find out and enjoy for yourself.
As for the gameplay it runs as perfectly as the original, keeping those tension building moments at a high to create suspense by constantly checking your listening mode to see if the Clicker you are hunting is right around the corner.
The original cast of Joel and Ellie return making the game feel authentic and not sparing any expense.
If you are a fan of The Last of us and having been dying to delve deeper into its story then Left Behind is the perfect addition that you are looking for. With a backstory that adds to the overall plot and message and a little twist that will make you want to play the game again, Left behind serves as the perfect prologue to The Last Of Us. With a run time of 2 – 3 hours (depending on how long you spend searching and taking in the beautiful set pieces) it gives you the excuse of playing and enjoying The Last of us for a few more hours, and for that enjoyment Left Behind gets a solid 5 out of 5.
The last of us is available for free with season pass holders or for £11.99 on the PlayStation store.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
You must be logged in to post a comment.