HBO's The Last of Us Season 1 is already out, and Season 2 is on the way!
Without any doubt, many game fans have already watched the series and are waiting for a new season, mainly because the show defies the general tendency of poor video game adaptations. The show has also earned the endorsement of gamers; according to IGN, it is "a brilliant retelling of one of video games' most beloved stories."
But if you still need to pick up this almost ten-year-old game, the imminent PC release may have you wondering whether you should play TLOU before watching the program. The quick response is yes. Instead of reading this blog post, play it now.
Continue reading for a more profound response. Here are five reasons to play The Last of Us: Part 1 before watching the TV show.
The Last of Us: Part 1: A PlayStation Exclusive is Now Available for Windows-Based Computers and PS3, PS4, and PS5
The winner of more than 200 Game of the Year honors will be easier to obtain on March 28. The Last of Us will be released on PC with new features and a remaster. Although the original game was released about ten years ago, it has since received a number of next-gen improvements. The DLC prequel chapter "Left Behind" will be included in the PC version, which will be based on the recently published PS5 version.
You're in Control
Video games have a unique quality that makes them stand out from other artistic forms like movies and literature: they are interactive. When you play The Last of Us, Joel and Ellie's life is in your hands; the buttons you touch (or don't press) decide their fate. Experiencing one of the most cherished storylines in video games is more satisfying than passively watching it on HBO.
It's the Little Things That Count
Neil Druckmann, who was in charge of the game's writing (and creative direction) and the co-president of the studio that created the game, wrote and produced The Last of Us for HBO. Consequently, you get a TV show that is faithful to the game's original creative vision and packed with allusions, smart references, and secret surprises for gamers watching.
There are subtle and not-so-subtle similarities between the show and its predecessor. And some of the deliberately made distinctions are egregiously clear. Play the game first, and then go on Twitter and debate endlessly about the artistic choices.
You Can Play It in Easy Mode
Do you not play video games much at all? When you usually play Stardew Valley, are you concerned you won't have the gaming skills to finish a survival/horror game? You can lower the difficulty to "Easy," which will give you "a lot of ammunition, crafting materials, melee weapons, and healing items are spawned in the world." Don't worry. The adversaries are also extremely simple to defeat.
Additionally, putting out a little effort (or a lot, if you're playing in "Survivor" mode) will make Joel and Ellie's adventure all the more captivating and rewarding. The magic of video games is in that!
The Show's Creators Played The Last of Us A LOT
Do you know how every time a movie based on a book is out, everyone always advises reading it first (before going on to boast about how they already did so)? The same applies to video games. The Last of Us on Playstation/PC is the show's inspiration. It is the initial narrative. Instead of the other way around, the video game informs the television show.
The Last of Us on HBO was created, written, and executive produced by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin. The former served as the game's creative director, and the latter, who was hired to handle the adaptation, has, in his own words, completed the game "maybe seven times at this point."
To get the most out of those, familiarity with the source material is optional if you're preparing to watch a Hitman, Resident Evil, or Mortal Kombat movie. Playing The Last of Us first is the only way to properly appreciate this contemporary masterpiece because the series has been so meticulously made to honor its inspiration.