My Favorite Game

*Potential spoilers ahead if you haven’t played/seen anything The Last of Us Part I & II related*

A game that came out in 2013 and has changed my life since. I have never looked at another game the way I have this one: The Last of Us.

I know what you may be thinking, or maybe I don’t. And, like almost everything in this world, we are all allowed to have our opinions. If you don’t believe this is a good game, then that is 100% your opinion. But for me, this game is… a masterpiece. I was enthralled the moment I started it, from beginning to end I loved these characters. The story, the development of the characters, the thrill of being a target by many, it was so fun! I care so much for this game and who we adventure with.

I remember popping the game in the very first time, my little sister and brother watched while I played. I was 16 then (28 now!). We all screamed when Joel was being chased by a Runner in the beginning, to straight up crying, exclaiming “why did they do that!” when it came to Sarah.

I cried many times, and still do. I have lost count how many times I’ve played this game in general (after 20 times I began to stop remembering, heh). All I know is I replay it at least once a year, if not a couple times. I can’t get enough of it.

The story of love after loss, that no matter what, like Joel says, “you keep finding something to fight for,” my favorite quote from him. He has gone through a lot and we see it (Would love to see more, though. Like, Naughty Dog, get us his 20 years, please, I beg).

Ellie is a force to be reckoned with, and all she’s gone through cannot be ignored. She was strong, brave, and would’ve done anything for Joel.

I loved seeing their relationship grow throughout the game, but it bummed me out that at the end they seemed to drift (understandably on her end, of course. She feels useless and that everything that happened was for naught).

The second game is another story that is also very well told. I know that is a controversial opinion. Believe me, when I played it for the first time, I was… confused. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it, either. I was very on the fence about it. I had to sit with it for a week, thinking about it, talking about it to others. And then I played it again, paying attention to other things I may not have noticed, and discovered I started warming up to it.

I love it, now. I love this duology, and I think it’s a great way to tell a story about forgiveness, and how it’s the hardest thing to do. How to end the cycle of violence, for that’s what it was about. The complexities of all the characters was so well done!

I hope we get a third game, and, another controversial statement, I hope it’s about Abby and Lev. Ellie‘s story is done, and they left it rather open with Abby and Lev, and the world as a whole. The Fireflies are regrouping? Abby wants to join up? Yes, I would like to see that. And yes, I love Abby. I loathed her, at first. Didn’t like her, later, then she really reminded me of Joel. Because her situation is similar to Joel’s with Ellie. Joel went on a rampage in a hospital for Ellie and Abby went against her own team for Lev.

Now I’m not saying anyone has to like Abby, because as previously stated, I didn’t at first, but I always implore people have an open mind about this game. So much happens and so much is said without being “said.” And I understand one can have an open mind and still dislike her.

I digress, these games hold such a special place in my heart. I think it’ll take quite a bit for another game to come take its place (Red Dead Redmption 2 is such a close second, with Death Stranding and God of War: Ragnarok). What are your favorite games?