In 2013, Naughty Dog released The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed survival-horror game set in a post-apocalyptic world. It was a masterpiece, with an engaging storyline, well-written characters, and stunning visuals. And in 2014, Naughty Dog released the game’s first and only DLC, Left Behind.
Left Behind is set before the events of The Last of Us and features Ellie, the game’s secondary protagonist, as the main character. The DLC explores Ellie’s backstory and her relationship with her friend Riley. It also adds more depth to the game’s world and its characters, making it an essential addition to the game.
The DLC opens with Ellie and Riley sneaking out of their military boarding school to explore an abandoned shopping mall. They have a great time, playing games, trying on clothes, and just enjoying each other’s company. But as the night wears on, things take a dark turn. Riley reveals that she’s been bitten by a zombie, and she only has a few hours left to live. She wants to make the most of her remaining time, and she asks Ellie to help her find a way to escape the quarantine zone.
The rest of the DLC follows Ellie and Riley’s journey through the mall as they try to find a way out. Along the way, they encounter infected zombies, scavengers, and even some other survivors. The DLC also features several flashback sequences that shed light on Ellie’s past and her relationship with Riley.
One of the standout features of Left Behind is its storytelling. The DLC manages to pack a lot of emotional punch into its relatively short runtime. The relationship between Ellie and Riley is incredibly well-developed, and it’s impossible not to feel invested in their journey. The flashback sequences are also masterfully done, giving players a deeper understanding of Ellie’s character and her motivations.
Left Behind also adds some new gameplay elements to the game. There’s a section where Ellie and Riley play a game of water guns, which is a lot of fun. There are also sections where players have to navigate through the mall stealthily, avoiding both zombies and scavengers. These sections add some variety to the gameplay and keep things interesting.
The DLC also features some stunning visuals. The abandoned shopping mall is incredibly detailed, with every nook and cranny rendered beautifully. The lighting effects are also top-notch, with the use of shadows and darkness adding to the game’s overall atmosphere.
One of the most impressive things about Left Behind is how it manages to add to the world of The Last of Us without feeling like a tacked-on addition. The DLC fits seamlessly into the game’s narrative, enhancing the story and the characters. It’s clear that Naughty Dog put a lot of thought and care into creating Left Behind, and it shows in the final product.
Overall, Left Behind is a fantastic DLC that adds a lot to The Last of Us. It’s well-written, well-designed, and emotionally resonant. It’s a must-play for anyone who enjoyed the main game, and it’s a great example of how DLC can be used to enhance a game’s story and characters.
In conclusion, The Last of Us Part I – Left Behind is an excellent example of DLC done right. It’s a self-contained story that manages to add a lot to the game’s world and its characters. The relationship between Ellie and Riley is incredibly well-developed, and it’s impossible not to feel invested in their journey. The DLC also adds some new gameplay elements and features some stunning visuals. It’s a must-play for anyone who enjoyed The Last of Us, and it’s a reminder of just how good Naughty Dog is at crafting engaging, emotionally resonant stories.
