Why Naughty Dogs Next New IP Would Be a Shoo-in for Horror

Why Naughty Dogs Next New IP Would Be a Shoo-in for Horror

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that Naughty Dog has consistently delivered masterpieces that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible in gaming. The Last of Us series is no exception, and it’s safe to say that it straddles the line between action-adventure and horror games with a finesse that few can match.


In the realm of gaming, anticipation is high as Naughty Dog prepares potential announcements. With whispers of The Last of Us‘s continuation, hints of an Uncharted return, and speculation about other projects brewing, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling phase. The rumors and guesswork have been abundant, but clarity on their accuracy remains elusive. It would certainly be captivating to witness Naughty Dog delve into a full-scale science-fiction universe. Given the style of The Last of Us Part 2, released recently and resonating with players, we might expect more intense gunplay, nerve-wracking stealth, and immersive third-person gameplay in any future project.

The two-part series, “The Last of Us,” has been impressively robust, living up to its reputation as action-adventure games. Renamed “The Last of Us Part 1” and “The Last of Us Part 2” for consistency, these games push the boundaries of typical action and adventure themes while maintaining Naughty Dog’s signature storytelling prowess. This is one reason why Naughty Dog games are widely admired – they masterfully blend gameplay and narrative, creating a highly immersive experience. Notably, “The Last of Us” doesn’t adhere strictly to its genre conventions, suggesting that if Naughty Dog were to create a horror game, it would be entirely within their capabilities.

The Last of Us is as Much a Horror Game as It is an Action-Adventure Game

In essence, The Last of Us fits all necessary requirements to qualify as a survival-horror game. The Cordyceps infection creates a terrifying setting filled with grotesque creatures spawned from pastel-hued fungi. This unsettling backdrop is not only the stage for characters’ personal struggles but also serves to constantly keep players on edge, as they encounter both these monstrous creations and face conflicts with other human beings.

In The Last of Us games, it’s clear that stalkers by themselves already instill fear about how dangerous the infected have become. However, introducing clickers, bloaters, and shamblers increases the dread even more, showing just how much the infection has evolved since the initial outbreak. Every time we venture into a space filled with spores, it’s a harrowing experience, whether we control characters like Joel and Abby who are affected by spores and need gas masks, or Ellie who is immune to the infection and can move freely among them.

Ellie’s condition doesn’t diminish the terror of those who are infected, despite the fact that one of her most harrowing encounters was with David’s boss fight reminiscent of cat and mouse in the game The Last of Us Part 1.

In The Last of Us Part 2, they pushed the boundaries a bit when it came to their infected characters, combining different types to create something new called the Rat King. The way the Seraphites handle disturbances is quite grisly, making sure it meets all requirements for graphic horror. A notable aspect of gameplay is that enemies can be found hiding in corners or sneaking up on you, encouraging the frequent use of the echolocation mechanic from The Last of Us. This not only increases the survival horror element but also adds an extra layer of risk to inventory and resource management, a common feature in many horror games.

Silent Hill 2’s Remake Reiterates How Close The Last of Us Brushes Up to Horror

One of the most recent and potent pieces of evidence demonstrating The Last of Us’ horror lineage is how similar Bloober’s Silent Hill 2 remake is to it. Silent Hill 2’s remake allows James Sunderland to side-step duck and dodge, attack with a blunt instrument, and maneuver through passageways almost identically to how players do so in The Last of Us Part 2, and despite the original Silent Hill 2 having elaborately detailed maps it is quite the coincidence that The Last of Us Part 2 features one, too, during Ellie and Dina’s initial, leisurely stroll through Seattle.

Despite not being directly influenced by Silent Hill 2, The Last of Us Part 2 undeniably exudes a chilling atmosphere. Given the terrifying elements seamlessly integrated into The Last of Us, it’s intriguing to imagine what Naughty Dog might create if they were to venture into Remedy’s domain and focus solely on horror, leaving behind the action-adventure genre. Whether this shift would occur within The Last of Us or a completely new intellectual property doesn’t matter; the prospect of unbridled, unapologetic horror from Naughty Dog is captivating.

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2024-11-14 20:45