Love “The Last Of Us”? You Need To Play These Games

The popular HBO title has many turning to the game franchise. Here are more to add to your repertoire.

The Last Of Us (TLOU) has won the hearts of many, thanks to its reenactment by HBO which you can now stream on NOW TV. Viewers have even turned to the OG game titles too, to get a real understanding of of what it's like to survive in the post-apocalyptic, cordyceps-infested world.

But if you've played TLOU, or you want something to fill the void it left, we have a few suggestions of game titles to explore. From other titles developed by Naughty Dog, to games that explore similar themes of loss and tragedy, here are five games you'll appreciate if you love TLOU.

1. Uncharted

An OG from Naughty Dog, the developers of TLOU, Uncharted is an Indiana Jones-esque game that's full of action and gunplay.

Although there are no infected in this universe, it's a fan favourite, thanks to its cinematic feel, but also has a couple of Easter eggs you might notice if you've played TLOU. Which is always a fun little tidbit.

The Uncharted trilogy bridges the gap between Naughty Dog's PS2 Jak and Daxter franchise and TLOU. Uncharted created a massive love letter to the genre by fusing the platforming of the latter, with the stealth and gunplay of the former. Nathan Drake, the protagonist, is no Joel Miller but is a seriously likeable character due to his charm and extensive knowledge of history. If you're a Tomb Raider fan — this might be a hit for you

too.

2. A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem

TLOU and A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem share a lot of similarities. They're both survival horror games for one, where resources are scarce, adding elements of challenge and fear. The game explores some pretty challenging decisions you have to make, where themes of loss of innocence and tragedy take place. And instead of the infected, you're fighting hordes of rats that are spreading the black plague. We can't help but feel a "this could happen" vibe with the game, especially as it was originally spread by fleas back in the day.

Plus, this also explores the dynamic between brother and sister, Amicia and Hugo. Remember the challenging decisions we mentioned before? We'll leave it up to your imagination.

3. Deadlight

Deadlight is a 2.5D sidescrolling cinematic platformer/survival horror in which the player character, Randall Wayne, can move from left to right and right-to-left, but is unable to enter any environments off the aligned path.

While this may seem drastically different to the style of play in TLOU, the main character and themes explored are fiercely alike. Have you ever wondered what may have happened to Joel if he never met Ellie? If you play Deadlight, you may see what could be an 'alternate reality', which delves much deeper into the character's dark and messed up past. The game is also set in an apocalyptic universe where you're trying to survive a zombie outbreak, albeit with a retro feel.

4. God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök

If zombies just aren't your vibe, perhaps mythical creatures might be. But why the suggestion? You see — the God of War follows a broken man, Kratos, who also lost their child. But in contrast to Joel, sees his moment for a second chance to be a father again upon meeting Atreus. So while the games are drastically different, the themes remain the same.

This hack-and-slash fantasy series is hella long, too. But it's seriously epic and bound to keep you from feeling the void left by TLOU.

5. Telltale's The Walking Dead

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning The Walking Dead in some shape or form.

Whilst TLOU is undoubtedly the most well-known game of a father attempting to live after adopting a small child in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The Walking Dead series from Telltale Games deserves to share the same appreciation too.

This narrative-driven rendition of The Walking Dead was released half a year before TLOU, with it being referenced frequently in the game — with the extra benefit of decision-making that may change the story. Few of those choices can be classified as "good" or "bad;" they are just the outcome of survivors' best efforts. If forced to, Joel would probably make the same decisions, given his character.

Which games will you consider giving a go after playing TLOU? Sign up for Student Beans to see what student GAME offers you can get to save cash on these titles.