Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of The Last of Us™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system.
The Story Line
Developed by Naughty Dog, known for the UNCHARTED™, Jak and Daxter™ and Crash Bandicoot™ series, The Last of Us delivers an evocative journey of survival in a world radically transformed, set 20 years after a virulent pandemic spread by the cordyceps virus has ravaged the course of humanity. The Last of Us is a gritty, realistic experience that explores the depths of humanity through main characters Joel and Ellie. The two are brought together by chance and thrust into life-changing circumstances. Their journey is rife with emotionally charged moments as the narrative centers on themes of survival, loyalty, love and redemption.
The rich story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, who is tasked to carry out a job smuggling Ellie, a young but highly capable girl. Joel must accompany Ellie outside the military quarantine zone and deliver her to a group known as the Fireflies. The Last of Us pushes the boundaries of play with unmatched graphics set in the beautiful wastelands of post-pandemic United States and gameplay mechanics that brings the visceral in-game struggle to life -- establishing a new genre and a new standard in cinematic gameplay. According to ratings site Metacritic.com, to date The Last of Us is the highest rated game across all consoles spanning 2012 through 2013.
The Buzz
"Year after year, PS3 has delivered the best exclusive content gaming has to offer and this year is no different," said Asad Qizilbash, Senior Director, First Party Games Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. "The Last of Us is a testament to Naughty Dog's visionary leadership and extraordinary storytelling capabilities, as well as PlayStation's continued commitment to curating unique gameplay experiences that redefine the core of interactive entertainment."
The Strategy
In a world bound by scarcity and limited resources, strategy is an essential component of surviving the harsh realities of the world against other ruthless survivors and any infected humans that have been taken over by the cordyceps virus. The introduction of weapon crafting, scavenging, listen mode and stealth are combined to showcase the moment-to-moment gameplay. Survival hinges on combat scenarios that are unpredictable and challenges players to approach gameplay with completely new conventions – underscoring the brutal realities of the human condition and the sacrifices it takes to survive.
Extending the single player campaign, The Last of Us offers an unconventional and deep multiplayer campaign, which holds true to the central theme of survival and protecting one's own. Within the multiplayer mode called "Factions" is a meta-game that fully embodies the single-player premise, where players choose to ally with either the Hunters or the Fireflies to grow and support their own clans as a means of survival. Teammates must band together to endure in the two game modes – Survivors (Elimination) and Supply Run (Four-versus-Four) which can both be played across seven different maps.
Availability
The Last of Us is now available exclusively for PS3 system on Blu-ray disc and is also available digitally on day one.
Gamers can start playing the game before it has completely downloaded and installed. Depending on your internet connection speed and other factors, most players can likely expect to start playing two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through the install. The installer application will let you know when you're ready to start playing. The standard release retails for $59.99, the Survival Edition for $79.99, and the Post-Pandemic Edition for $159.99.
The Last of Us will also feature a $19.99 Season Pass that will give players access to single-player DLC as well as two other DLC packs in the form of additional multiplayer maps and other expansions. In addition, the in-depth documentary, "Grounded," which takes a look at the making of The Last of Us comes available via the Season Pass.
The game's soundtrack, composed by Grammy Award winner and two-time Academy Award winning film composer Gustavo Santoalalla, also is now available on Sony Masterworks. Santoalalla blends the alt-Tango sounds of his band Bajofondo and his folksy, Argentinian roots to create the hauntingly beautiful music that brings to life the depth of emotion in The Last of Us.
Rating
The Last of Us has been rated "M" for Mature with Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, and Strong Language by the ESRB. For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org. For more information about The Last of Us, visit the PlayStation blog or the official game site http://www.thelastofus.com.
