7 Games To Play If You Like The Last Of Us Part 1
The Last of Us Part 1 is a spectacle in cinematic storytelling and companionship. Here is a list of other games that share the same qualities.
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us set a standard of cinematic storytelling in 2013. Nearly ten years on, it's still incredible what a stunning achievement that game was on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Now, it's back with a from-the-ground-up remake of The Last of Us Part 1 for the PlayStation 5.
The voice acting and performances of the actors took video games to the next level proving, that they could hold their own against any big-budget Hollywood film or Netflix TV show. It takes more than a big budget to make a great game with a gripping story. Games like the Last of Us Part 1 need characters that the player cares about in both its protagonist and the supporting cast. This list will look at some of the best character-driven games that fans of The Last of Part 1 should play.
God Of War (2018)
Released: 2018
Developer: Santa Monico Studio
Platform: PC and PS4
One of the most impressive aspects of the God of War reboot was how the series matured. No longer is Kratos a screaming, rampaging annoyance. Instead, he's a quieter, more composed warrior coming to terms with fatherhood amid his growing relationship with his son Atreus.
The fantastic performance of new voice actor Christopher Judge certainly contributed to Kratos' newfound likability. Thanks to the relationship with his son, Kratos grows as a character, expressing more empathy as the journey unfolds. He's trying to teach Atreus how to be strong and capable, but he's naturally concerned with ensuring that his son can control his growing power and keep his rage in check. The sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, is available in November 2022.
6
As Dusk Falls
Released: 2022
Developer: Interior Night
Platform: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Despite being a horror game, The Last of Us Part 1 is a character drama highlighting the growing relationship between Joel and Ellie. One of the best character dramas of 2022 is As Dusk Falls from Interior Night, a studio created by former Heavy Rain developer Caroline Marchal.
More of an interactive graphic novel than a movie-like experience like Heavy Rain, As Dusk Falls plays and feels like a TV box set. It's a nuanced family drama that unfolds based on the player's choices. There are moral dilemmas, multiple paths the story can take, and great characters. As Dusk Falls is available on Xbox Game Pass, and is one of the best games on the service.
5
Resident Evil Revelations 2
Released: 2015
Developer: Capcom
Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
After the action-heavy Resident 5 and Resident 6, fans hoped the series would return to its survival horror roots. That hope came to pass in the spin-off titles Resident Evil Revelations 1 and 2. Arguably the best of the two is the sequel Resident Evil: Revelations 2, with its support for cooperative play.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 plays perfectly as a single-player game, as one can switch between characters at will. It isn't as dramatic as The Last of Us Part 1, and — as with all RE games — the style is more in line with a B-Movie. However, the episodic nature portrayed some of the best character development in the series. Even characters like Barry Burton get a chance to shine by outlining his strained relationship with his daughter Moira.
4
Ico
Released: 2001
Developer: Team Ico
Platform: PS2 and PS3
Released in 2001, Ico stands the test of time as one of the finest examples of games as art. The visual style and sound design are beautiful and timeless. The game has become one of the most influential of all time.
There is a sense of loneliness and despair as the protagonist is left alone as a sacrifice in a giant stone castle. However, the protagonist soon becomes the hero as he rescues a young girl named Yorda. There is a strong bond and companionship between the characters as the boy leads Yorda through the castle by hand, defending her from the shadow monsters who lurk within the castle walls.
3
Horizon Forbidden West
Released: 2022
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Platform: PS4 and PS5
Released in 2022, Horizon Forbidden West is the sequel to one of the PS4's best titles, Horizon Zero Dawn. The protagonist Aloy is usually a solo adventurer, so the character doesn't have the same kind of companionship that Joel and Ellie have in The Last of Us Part 1.
However, Horizon Forbidden West's world-building and unique post-apocalyptic setting will appeal to fans of The Last of Part 1. Horizon Forbidden West is also a spectacular AAA experience with incredible set pieces. The combat is varied, and the characters Aloy interacts with are always interesting.
2
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Released: 2017
Developer: Ninja Theory
Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
As one of the most meaningful narratively driven action games available is Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. It's a linear game, and Senua is only accompanied on her journey by the voices in her head. It's a haunting experience with some of the best sound design in a generation. It's a game that needs a headset on to appreciate it.
The Pictish warrior Senua is one of the best protagonists of a generation, and her story and character development convey her struggle with psychosis with skill and care. The combat is simple to pick up and beautifully executed. Like
The Last of Us Part 1, Hellblade's story will stay with the player long after it's finished.
1 A Plague Tale Innocence
Released: 2019
Developer: Asobo Studio
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
It's hard to fathom that such a beautiful game like A Plague Tale: Innocence looks and performs as well as it does, came from a small independent studio. It's a visually stunning game set in 14th Century France during the Hundred Years' War. It remains one of the most well-crafted stories in two generations.
Amicia is the game's protagonist, a 15-year-old French girl forced to mature and survive in a dark and violent world. Her family was murdered in their home by French Inquisition soldiers. She makes her escape with her younger brother Hugo, a boy that appears to have supernatural powers. Despite the period and setting, Amicia's journey echoes The Last of Us Part 1's Ellie, where childhood is lost, and survival is the only way of life.