Why The Last of Us Needs a Co-op Makeover Like Resident Evil 5 Now

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In the distinctive style of Naughty Dog games, there are characters who join players in their journey and assist during combat and stealth scenes within the story. These companions not only help in gameplay but also provide engaging, realistic dialogue as they interact or build relationships. According to Neil Druckmann’s revelations, the upcoming game ‘Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet’ from Naughty Dog may offer a more solitary experience, with protagonist Jordan likely spending most of the game alone. However, since Kumail Nanjiani is involved, it’s unlikely that the game will be completely devoid of amusing non-player characters for an extended period.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the release of my beloved series, “The Last of Us Complete”. Unlike regular remasters or remakes, this edition combines both “Part 1” and “Part 2”, promising to present the entire story. If Naughty Dog doesn’t have plans for a “Last of Us Part 3” to follow “The Last of Us Complete”, it would be a real shame not to explore more of Ellie or Abby’s incredible stories further. It would also be a missed opportunity for “The Last of Us” to cease production, as there’s still room to refine its occasionally confusing and ineffective multiplayer system. In fact, with all the pieces already in place, a two-player co-op game similar to “Resident Evil 5” could be the next logical step for “The Last of Us”.

The Last of Us’ NPCs are Its Beating Heart

As a gamer, in The Last of Us Part 1, I’m Joel, a smuggler, and my companion is Tess. We’re tasked with escorting a girl named Ellie across the country for the Fireflies, initially to get our guns back, but later because it’s Tess’ dying wish. The real heart of the story, the flesh on its bones, comes from the people we encounter during our journey – they breathe life into the narrative and make the experience more tangible. From the moment Sarah wakes up and descends the stairs to when Ellie is perched atop a cliff overlooking Jackson, it’s these encounters that truly give The Last of Us its depth.

  • Tess
  • Marlene
  • Ellie (as Joel)
  • Bill
  • Henry and Sam
  • Tommy and his power plant crew
  • David
  • Joel (as Ellie)

In the second act, I find myself deeply ensconced within Jackson, having formed connections along the way. Simultaneously, Abby from The Last of Us enters the scene as a fresh character, offering players an insightful look into the Washington Liberation Front and delving further into the Seraphites. As Ellie’s and Abby’s paths cross in their respective Seattle expeditions, they are joined by companions who lend their support:

1. Dina (Ellie’s girlfriend)
2. Jesse (former Firefly member)
3. Mel (Jesse’s wife)
4. Tommy (Ellie’s father figure)
5. Owen (Abby’s boyfriend and WLF soldier)
6. Nora (WLF scientist, Abby’s sister)
7. Manny (WLF soldier, Abby’s friend)
8. Isabel (WLF researcher, allied with both Ellie and Abby)

Allies Who Accompany Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2

  • Jesse
  • Dina

Allies Who Accompany Abby in The Last of Us Part 2

  • Manny
  • Mel
  • Alice
  • Owen
  • Yara
  • Lev
  • Nora

A Co-op Last of Us Game Would Be a Layup for Naughty Dog

If Naughty Dog were to incorporate cooperative gameplay, they would undoubtedly create a remarkable game capable of accommodating either one or two players. The bond between the protagonists would be central, with them serving as companions throughout the entire journey. Ellie and Dina serve as an excellent example of what this dynamic might look like, engaging in friendly banter, strategizing together, and cooperating to overcome challenges posed by infected and Wolves.

If “The Last of Us” were to mirror Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar’s cooperative relationship from “Resident Evil 5”, it could potentially offer Naughty Dog an uncommon chance to delve into a fresh duo of characters who are distinct from Ellie’s narrative arc.

Similar to Resident Evil 5, it would be intriguing if players had the opportunity to discuss strategies and exchange items from their inventory; one player might offer a brick, for instance, while the other provides a spare piece of binding material. In contrast to Resident Evil 5, a co-op Last of Us game could focus on stealth, with both players sneaking through the undergrowth to outmaneuver enemies or stab clickers.

It’s really enjoyable when players can silently subdue an opponent with a stealth grab and then see their partner do the same to a nearby enemy in a cooperative game. However, since The Last of Us Complete series seems to be wrapping up with a Part 3, there’s little hope for additional content like a half-sequel, spin-off, or even a full-fledged cooperative game.

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2025-04-28 15:16