The Last of Us Part 1 is a cinematic storytelling and companionship spectacular. Here’s a list of other games with similar characteristics.
In 2013, Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us set a new standard for cinematic storytelling. It’s still remarkable, over 10 years later, what a stunning feat the game was on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It’s back with a brand-new recreation of The Last of Us Part 1 for the PlayStation 5.
The performers’ voice acting and talents elevated computer games to new heights, demonstrating that they could compete with any big-budget Hollywood film or Netflix TV show. It takes more than a large budget to create a fantastic game with an engaging plot. Characters that the player cares about are required in games like The Last of Us Part 1’s protagonist and supporting cast. This article will examine some of the best character-driven games for fans of The Last of Us Part 1.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Launched: 2023
- Developer: Capcom
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The Resident Evil series is a different kind of horror story than The Last of Us Part 1; it’s less of a character drama, but the thrills, tempo, and atmosphere will appeal to fans of blockbuster schlock-horror stories like those depicted in Resident Evil.
The Resident Evil 4 Remake is a masterclass in action horror, world-building, and producing amazing set pieces that will have fans on the edge of their seats, taking a more Lovecraftian approach to horror as opposed to the Romero-like Zombie action of its predecessor. Players assume the character of Leon, who is attempting to save Ashley Graham, the president’s daughter, from a religious cult in Spain. Ashley is also used more successfully in the remake than in the original game, with stealth and puzzle-solving objectives that help make her a more fascinating character.
God Of War: Ragnarok
- Launched: 2022
- Developer: Santa Monica Studio
- Platform: PS4 and PS5
God of War: Ragnarok is an award-winning sequel and compelling action-adventure title that follows Kratos and his son Atreus on their quest. The tie between father and son, as well as Atreus’ yearning to become his own person while fighting to alter fate and protect people he loves.
God of War: Ragnarok, a narrative of warriors, gods, and Viking fantasy, delivers a very human story that fans of The Last of Us Part 1 will appreciate. All of the cast’s voice talents are fantastic, notably Stargate SG-1’s Christopher Judge as Kratos. Judge rightly took up the title for best voice actor at the 2022 Game Awards.
Plague Tale: Requiem
- Launched: 2022
- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Platform: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Plague Tale: Requiem is a graphically striking sequel that follows Amica on her perilous trek to cure her brother Hugo’s sickness while fleeing the Inquisition. The Requiem improves on everything that was wonderful about its predecessor, with more locations to explore and a more fearsome Amica in stealth scenarios.
Requiem retains Amica and Hugo’s vulnerability as she must defend her sibling at all costs. The sense of defenselessness and fear of isolation is evocative of The Last of Us and will be recognisable to fans of Ellie and Joel’s experiences. The relationships between Amica, her brother Hugo, and Lucas, who occasionally joins the siblings, have an astonishing development arc.
God Of War (2018)
- Launched: 2018
- Developer: Santa Monico Studio
- Platform: PC and PS4
The series’ maturation was one of the most amazing parts of the God of War reboot. Kratos is no longer a shouting, thrashing annoyance. Instead, he’s a quieter, more collected warrior grappling with fatherhood as his relationship with his son Atreus grows.
Christopher Judge’s outstanding performance as Kratos’ new voice actor surely contributed to Kratos’ increased likeability. Kratos develops as a character as a result of his relationship with his kid, displaying more empathy as the adventure progresses. He’s attempting to educate Atreus how to be strong and capable, but he’s also worried about his son’s ability to control his rising power and keep his wrath in check.
As Dusk Falls
- Launched: 2022
- Developer: Interior Night
- Platform: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Despite being a horror game, The Last of Us Part 1 is a character drama that focuses on Joel and Ellie’s budding connection. As Dusk Falls from Interior Night, a company founded by former Heavy Rain creator Caroline Marchal, is one of the best character dramas of 2022.
As Dusk Falls is more of an interactive graphic novel than a movie-like experience like Heavy Rain, and it plays and feels like a TV box set. It’s a sophisticated family tale that unfolds dependent on the decisions of the player. There are moral quandaries, several plot lines, and wonderful characters.
Resident Evil Revelations 2
- Launched: 2015
- Developer: Capcom
- Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
After the action-packed Resident 5 and Resident 6, fans hoped for a return to the series’ survival horror origins. That hope was realised in the Resident Evil Revelations 1 and 2 spin-off titles. The sequel Resident Evil: Revelations 2, with cooperative play, is perhaps the better of the two.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 works well as a single-player game since you can swap between characters at any time. It’s not as dramatic as The Last of Us Part 1, and the style is more akin to a B-Movie, like with all RE games. However, the episodic format of the series allowed for some of the best character development. Characters such as Barry Burton are given an opportunity to shine by highlighting his poor connection with his daughter Moira.
Ico
- Launched: 2001
- Developer: Team Ico
- Platform: PS2 and PS3
Ico, which was released in 2001, has stood the test of time as one of the finest instances of games as art. The visual and acoustic design are both stunning and ageless. The game has gone down in history as one of the most influential.
As the protagonist is left alone as a sacrifice in a massive stone fortress, there is a sense of loneliness and sorrow. However, the protagonist quickly transforms into a hero after rescuing a young girl named Yorda. As the kid takes Yorda through the castle by hand, shielding her from the shadow monsters who hide within the castle walls, their relationship and companionship deepen.
Horizon Forbidden West
- Launched: 2022
- Developer: Guerrilla Games
- Platform: PS4 and PS5
Horizon Forbidden West, which will be released in 2022, is the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, one of the best PS4 games. Because the protagonist Aloy is primarily a single adventurer, he lacks the camaraderie that Joel and Ellie have in The Last of Us Part 1.
Fans of The Last of Us Part 1 will enjoy Horizon Forbidden West’s world-building and intriguing post-apocalyptic environment.Horizon Forbidden West is likewise a fantastic AAA experience with amazing set pieces. The battle is varied, and the personalities with whom Aloy interacts are always intriguing.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Launched: 2017
- Developer: Ninja Theory
- Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is one of the most meaningful narratively driven action games available. It’s a linear game, and Senua is only joined by the voices in her thoughts on her journey. It’s a disturbing experience with some of the best sound design this age has to offer. It’s a game that requires a headset to really appreciate.
Senua, the Pictish warrior, is one of the best heroines of her time, and her plot and character development skillfully and sensitively depict her struggle with madness. The fight is easy to learn and nicely done. Hellblade’s tale, like The Last of Us Part 1, will stay with the player long after Flappy Bird game is finished.
A Plague Tale Innocence
- Launched: 2019
- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
It’s difficult to believe that such a lovely game like A Plague Tale: Innocence comes from such a small independent firm. It’s a graphically magnificent game set during the Hundred Years’ War in 14th century France. It is still regarded as one of the most well-crafted stories in two generations.
The protagonist of the game is Amicia, a 15-year-old French girl forced to mature and survive in a dark and dangerous environment. French Inquisition soldiers slaughtered her family in their house. She flees with her younger brother Hugo, a youngster who looks to have superhuman abilities. Despite the time and place, Amicia’s story is similar to Ellie’s in The Last of Us Part 1 in that childhood is lost and survival is the only way to live.
The Last of Us Part 1 is currently available on PC and PlayStation 5.