What is The Last of Us Part I About?

In the midst of a global apocalypse, The Last of Us Part I puts you in the shoes of Joel, a grizzled smuggler still barely recovering from a tragedy that struck him many years before. Whilst aimlessly surviving in a grim world, he meets his newest inventory to transport — a young girl named Ellie, who is apparently immune to the dangerous Cordyceps virus that has caused the fall of humanity. There begins your journey, Joel and Ellie travel across the eastern United States in search of the Fireflies, a rogue organisation that claims they can utilise Ellie’s immunity to create a vaccine for the virus. The Last of Us Part I also includes a prequel chapter called Left Behind, which follows Ellie and her best friend Riley as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world. 

Backed by an award-winning soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla and voice performances spearheaded by Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie), players will witness a complex, evolving relationship between the two titular characters and many other personalities they encounter along the way. Ellie’s resilient, child-like innocence even under the constant threat of death and Joel’s hardened attitude make for an interesting dynamic, to say the least. Though linear, gameplay flows smoothly while embracing dramatic cutscenes and dialogue. Players can expect a mix of collecting, crafting, exploring, brutal combat, and horror as they make their way to the Fireflies.

As for major differences between The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part I, the remake introduces revamped lighting effects and set pieces. Character models are more realistic overall, and Ellie’s facial model is overhauled to more closely match the one used in The Last of Us Part II. Combat animations and movement have been remade to create free-flowing, exhilarating action sequences with smarter enemies. Lastly, a large amount of new accessibility options ensure many new players can enjoy the game.