Zombie-Adjacent Horror Like Last of Us May Be Best Bet in Current Market

Zombie-Adjacent Horror Like Last of Us May Be Best Bet in Current Market

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for narrative-driven experiences that push the boundaries of what games can be, I wholeheartedly agree with the analysis presented here. The Last of Us has undeniably left an indelible mark on my gaming journey by offering a unique blend of horror and character drama that resonates long after the credits roll.

As a gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the expansive presence of “The Last of Us” that transcends the gaming community. Pigeonholing this masterpiece into a single genre feels like trying to squeeze water into a bottle – it just doesn’t fit. While it undeniably carries an eerie, horrifying vibe that earns it the title of a horror series, labeling it as such feels like a narrow perspective. It’s much more than just a horror game; it’s a profound journey, a heart-wrenching tale, and a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.

Yes, in The Last of Us, you’ll encounter grotesque, cannibalistic creatures and a world devastated by disease and violence. While there are elements that adhere to horror conventions, the series primarily falls under the “character drama” genre. After experiencing any part of The Last of Us, viewers often find themselves feeling troubled, sorrowful, or morally ambiguous instead of scared. This is due to the series’ emphasis on character relationships and poignant moments, as well as its departure from many standard zombie-horror elements. In this manner, the horror in The Last of Us remains unique and thought-provoking, stirring emotions beyond mere fear.

The Last of Us’ Take On Zombies Works In Its Favor

The Last of Us’ Monsters Aren’t Quite ‘Zombies’

Characters such as the ominous Clickers are among the most memorable and crucial aspects of the game “The Last of Us”. These creatures have been contaminated by the cordyceps fungus, initially resembling typical zombies but subsequently evolving into grotesquely inhuman beings as the fungus takes over their previously familiar bodies. The cordyceps outbreak in “The Last of Us” is particularly chilling and unsettling, differing significantly from the engineered viruses seen in “Resident Evil” or the demonic zombie entities found in “DOOM”, as it is inspired by the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus, which controls various insects in reality.

The cordyceps virus, grounded in real-life biology and notorious for its indiscriminate and heartless mode of infection, lends a cosmic sense of unease to the narrative of “The Last of Us”. This virus allows the story to delve into nature’s raw and uncaring impulse to multiply; the natural world seems oblivious to human life, despite our belief in our superiority or uniqueness. The cordyceps virus isn’t a product of mad science or dark magic, but rather, it spreads because it naturally seeks to propagate. In essence, it mirrors the common mold that grows on forgotten bread or neglected showers, making its presence all the more chilling.

Incorporating airborne spores as a means of spreading the cordyceps in “The Last of Us” adds an extra layer of terror, since it’s more challenging to counteract such an infection compared to a conventional zombie attack.

Other Games Could Follow The Last of Us’ Lead to Make Scarier ‘Zombies’

Despite the games industry apparently moving beyond the “zombie craze” of the late 2000s and early 2010s, zombies remain prevalent, with numerous contemporary franchises featuring undead hordes as their primary source of conflict. For instance:

  • Resident Evil
  • Dying Light
  • Dead Island
  • Back 4 Blood
  • Call of Duty Zombies
  • Dead Rising
  • State of Decay

In simpler terms, the game often features zombies because they provide an abundance of enemies for players to destroy, without requiring any moral dilemmas or explanations. This approach aligns with the idea that a game’s story should primarily enhance interactivity. However, it’s possible to enjoy both a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay in series like “The Last of Us”. These games demonstrate that zombie themes can remain intriguing while avoiding stereotypical zombie characteristics.

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2024-11-29 15:23