The Last of Us Part 1 – Why The Ending is Still so Impactful

The Last of Us never dreams of insulting its audience’s intelligence. And the best example of this is, of course, is its ending.

[shinoff2183]

Shit the beginning was to. I'm not sure how I would feel if I didn't have kids but having them it broke my heart to see.

[Crows90]

Yeah same here.

[ClayRules2012]

Yes. The beginning and ending…how they break you, make you think , question things etc. so impactful.

And yeah, I have a son (he’ll be going to college here next year) and just feeling Joel’s pain, heartbreak, loss…it hits you differently when you have a kid (s) of your own.

[PhillyDillyDee]

I didnt have kids when i played it and the beginning had me sobbing. That story left an impact on me

[Orchard]

The story was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Probably my 1st or 2nd most favorite game on PS3 (the other being MGS4).

[Aloymetal]

I agree with you. MGS4 was truly special, I wasn't the biggest fan of the long cutscenes but I understand is part of Kojima. Great game nonetheless.

[Snookies12]

Best Metal Gear game, coming from a HUGE fan of the series. I bought a PS3 JUST for MGS4. And got the collector's edition too. Worth every bit of money.

Yes, the cutscenes can be very lengthy. But a lot of it was quite necessary to really tie things together. Previous games had some longer cutscenes as well. It's just that they were trying to wrap everything up with MGS4. So, it's understandable that they'd have to throw some info dumps into the game here and there.

[Orchard]

The cutscenes are long indeed, every Kojima game sets a new record there :P

But the game was awesome, the second they showed that first E3 demo, it was clear it was going to be something special.

I still remember being mind blown by the Octocamo. It was also the first third person shooter game where I felt like the controls and aiming etc all went smooth / fluid and weren't janky. Hard to explain in words, but it felt 'natural' to aim, move etc in it.

[gangsta_red]

I thought the game went on a little too long and it started to wear thin. It should have stopped at Winter. That would have been a great way to end that game with the sequel continuing from there (if necessary).

[-Foxtrot]

I loved it however the ambiguous ending was kind of ruined in the sequel

The first game had this conflicting grey area of Joel's actions, a decision to let you think it over and discuss it with people, however the sequel created a narrative that "OMG JOEL 100% DOOMED HUMANITY...HOW SELFISH" and making out Ellie wanted to die in the hospital even though 1) She didn't know she was going to die and 2) She was ready to see Joel once she got out of surgery so he could teach her how to play Guitar.

For me he did the right thing, I mean they pretty much attacked him when he was trying to save Ellie, they lied to him and said they were going to kill her without thinking any other decision out or asking Ellie herself and they pretty much were going to throw him out onto the street without any of his weapons/gear where he could have probably died. There was no guarantee a cure could be made with these guys, it was all "chance".

[Crows90]

Exactly. He made the first good decision and this time around the girl he took care of didn't die while escaping...which alluded to the beginning of the game. He was prepared this time.

[-Foxtrot]

Like I just don't know why the Fireflies (and now Jerry in Part II) didn't think about any other tests, it was literally "Yeah this bitch has gotta die". You're telling me they couldn't wait for more blood tests, think of new ways to approach it? The worlds been gone for decades, it's not going to collapse even more by waiting, the damage is done.

If they woke Ellie up and asked her but Joel also told her what they did and were going to do to him I don't think she'd really want to sacrifice her life for these guys compared how she suddenly reacts in the sequel.

Even the hospital setting in the original game was run down, dirty and literally the best they could do, that alone didn't inspire confidence they had the tools to distribute a cure let along make one. I know the sequel and remake kind of retcon it where it looked cleaner, brighter and newer but again I'm going off the original, the first time I played it. The Fireflies at the end of the day were not good people, they were still terrorists with their own ambitious goals in mind, I don't think they would have been fair handing out the cure if they did get it made

[TricksterArrow]

It's a work of fiction, and more than once Bruce and Neil stated that the cure was a given, it was a sure thing and they regret not making it more clearly. If the cure wasn't a thing, the ending wouldn't ne nearly as impactful as is.

[Crows90]

@trickster
Except tlou2 states that it isnt a given. The ending is still impactful.

[TricksterArrow]

Where does it state that?

[Inverno]

Think the reason why she was going to die was because the guy was a vet, not a doctor

[-Foxtrot]

Yet suddenly was the only person who could create a cure

"We deffo need to kill her"

"Wait...WHY"

"Trust me....I'm a vet"

[TricksterArrow]

Jerry was a doctor. A lead doctor. His bio makes it clear that he attended Northern Utah Medical University. He just happened to like animals. I wonder if people really pay attention to the games they play anymore (if they played, it’s a toss with TLOU2’s critics)…

[Imalwaysright]

TricksterArrow

You should play the PS3 version. Once you do, you'll realize that the ending was retconned because Jerry wasn't the surgeon that was going to kill Ellie.

[TricksterArrow]

I played all versions. He was not a vet in any of them.

[Imalwaysright]

He was not in the original version of the game but the "Jerry" that Joel killed in the original clearly wasn't someone that acted professionaly or inspired confidence because he was willing to work in a dirty operating room and was wearing boots.

[TricksterArrow]

Jerry was a minor unnamed role that got expanded on the sequel and also got recast, not unlike any TV series and games before this one (such as Resident Evil, in which Claire, Leon, Carlos and Chris all look considerably different from one iteration to the other). Also, still not a vet. And also unsure what argument you are trying to make by “dirty room” and “wearing boots”. He is still a doctor that has the ability to develop a cure, it doesn’t matter what he is wearing or what tools are at his disposal, the story is what it is.

[ChubbyBlade]

That’s why I didn’t like part 2. It removed all the nuance

[Inverno]

I think when you realize he's a vet, Joel's decision feels a bit more justified for those who played both games. Just playing, since you're in Joel's shoes, you don't really question it. Then playing the second there's a justification that doesn't take away from Joel's decision but for the player should reinforce your understanding of it.

You said it in the second comment. "The Fireflies at the end of the day were not good people, they were still terrorists with their own ambitious goals in mind." That's why they just went along with killing her cause they didn't want to figure out some other way.

[shinoff2183]

Foxtrot

I think they just tried to show you how Joel's decision affected more then just Joel and ellie . Just showing different angles and a bigger picture. I think Joel did the right thing.

[dmonee]

The story had me emotionally engaged. Gaming for 40 years it was the first time a game story messed with my emotions in the way movies do. As far as the game and gameplay? Not so much lol. It wasn’t bad in my opinion but the game itself was ok. It was the storyline that kept me going in TLOU 1 and TLOU 2.

[ClayRules2012]

“As far as the game and gameplay? Not so much lol. It wasn’t bad in my opinion but the game itself was ok.“

What exactly did the game do that qualifies it for just being ok? And same question for the gameplay?

[dmonee]

That’s a tough question because I could ramble on and on as to why. I’m speaking for myself because I usually pass on survival horror type games. So instead of getting into a debate as to why I found the gameplay to be ok. I originally commented on how the narrative had me emotionally sucked in. Especially the opening segment. So much that I purchased a game I would never have purchased if not for the story. It’s more kudos to the developer for getting people like me out of my comfort zone to play a game I wouldn’t usually play.

[ClayRules2012]

I know some people were upset with Joel lying to Ellie (friends of mine) that they felt it should’ve given the player an option to have Joel either

A. Lie to Ellie or B. Tell Ellie the truth. Type of situation, which just makes no sense. The game nor its story doesn’t given the player any control to have/make any choices that change the direction or outcome of ANY of these characters in this unforgiving and dark world.

I don’t blame Joel for doing what he did.

1. Ellie became the “Something” that he needed to keep fighting for, beyond just living day to day, simply being survivors.

2. Marlene gave orders to that no -name guard to kill Joel if he tried anything…you just done pissed him off all the more with those words. I wonder, if Joel had been killed and Marlene ever came across Tommy again (Joel’s brother) would she have the guts to tell him “Listen Tommy, we need to talk! About Joel…I couldn’t waste this gift. Tommy “What the hell you talking about, Marlene??” Marlene “I had Joel killed, if he” Tommy “YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Got carried away there lol. You get the idea tho. To my point, it wasn’t guaranteed that Ellie was the cure, and after all Joel did, went through, not even allowing Joel to see Ellie, just talk with her, that’s messed up.

3. Of course looking at the actions Joel took in the hospital and how that has major consequences in Part 2 for him, Ellie etc. it’s not like there wouldn’t have been a big threat later on at some point. This world is wicked, dark, unforgiving and everyone’s growing up, has their own WANTS. NEEDS. DESIRES. Solely for themselves, loved ones, or group. All while trying to survive.

Joel I think knew when he said “I Swear” that he’d done something much worse than when he actually saved Ellie from that operating room and possibly causing death to humanity (as if it would be appreciated anyways.

Yes, he lied to the one person who gave him purpose to live, purpose to have hope, purpose to be that father again (which he of course wasn’t looking for, but it just naturally happened upon him) like he was to his daughter Sarah all those years ago. And to him, maybe in that moment, lying would be worth the little bit of time, the years they’d have together creating memories, seeing Ellie grow up before his eyes etc. rather than lie to her and see a reaction in words and deeds in which she might’ve ran off losing all hope and trust in him etc. I mean, she did lose trust in him all those years later etc. but as we saw, she was willing to work with him, try to repair what Joel broke, and he knew it wouldn’t be easy, as did she. But with time she understood I think why he did what he did.

It’s just sad in the end, his lie, the time they lost with his betrayal, and than horrific death, caused Ellie to go seek revenge in a way in which Ellie changed, she kept chipping off more of herself along the journey, scary and sad thing to see, and exhausting. But powerful storytelling throughout it all.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

It's impactful because it shaped the way (some) people feel about Part 2. We, as the audience, of these games and movies and books, we're groomed to like the protagonists simply because they are the protagonist, and most people don't even realize it. These stories are crafted in a way that they are the hero no matter what. Joel murdered a group of innocent people, because he took on this involuntary father figure role, and then he lied to Ellie, but we still love him because he's Joel. Could you imagine if Luke Skywalker went on a killing spree filled with collateral damage? Nobody would care because it's still Luke. So when Abby did what she did, who of course would be justified in any world, people hated her.

I love the way that naughty dog weaved the 2 stories together, however. The fact that they built this world and challenged the expected, while giving relevance and purpose to the main characters and role players alike, I don't feel can be understated, regardless of how you wanted it to play out.

[ClayRules2012]

Well said. And with loving Joel, some of his actions in the hospital (like killing the no name guard because he didn’t respond to Joel fast enough about Ellie’s whereabouts ticked me off) but I understand why he did it, NO TIME TO WASTE! Panic mode, needing to find out where Ellie is, nobody would stop him. But also, when he shot Marlene, I was really bothered by that (I liked her) but I also know, had Joel tried to put Ellie in his car, turned his back (he’s to smart to do that with a gun in Marlene’s hand) but nonetheless she woulda shot him without hesitation, showing him no mercy. I mean, she already told the guard to kill Joel if he tried anything. So, it makes sense he killed her, she’d just come after Ellie (kill Joel) etc. as Joel said.

And yeah, Abby, I personally came to love her. Not right away, of course. My wife isn’t a fan of Abby, neither is my son. House divided😂

I absolutely loved the story (although certain aspects I coulda done without) I honestly didn’t find Ryan (I think that’s his name, the young guy Abby liked) and the pregnant woman at all likable…first time in a Naughty Dog game haha. Those 2 just didn’t do anything for me and it would’ve been nice if Joel coulda been in there longer as old Joel, and the current Ellie, as you bond that way. But still, strong storytelling and fantastic new characters help shape this familiar world, yet ever changing world that gets darker and more unforgiving as time passes.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

House divided haha I know with myself, even though I did like Joel a lot, and was surprised at what happened very early in the game, I came to respect Abby and her people when we got to see the simple and moral loves they were all living, as you alluded to. And I don't feel there is any argument in her justification for her actions. I just find it interesting how we excuse the behavior of these heroes FOR them, without them even having to defend some of the immoral decisions they make. I always find that kind of storytelling very thought provoking.

[ClayRules2012]

I’m glad you came to respect Abby and her people. And yeah, that’s thought provoking.

To me, Joel isn’t the best man in that world, neither is he the worst, he just so happens to be a man who’s been dealt a bad hand, a really bad one. And he’s made some questionable calls, immoral ones at that, just like everyone else. And as we saw in Part 2, Ellie for being young in this world has had to grow up fast (as many would in that world) and does some very awful things, not just to survive, but outta revenge, obviously. Ellie really upset me, disgusted me, and hurt me in Part 2 (just seeing her evolve into something dark) yet I know she was hurting, as everyone does in that world.

In the end, when that final fight comes, it’s one of those things where the wife and I had played the game for so long, both were exhausted mentally and on the stick, just ready for it to be over, no matter the outcome, although I was still hesitant in what it might be on that sandy beach.

It just makes you think, question, analyze this and that. This is the type of storytelling that I never expected outta Naughty Dog, yet always wanted from gaming, and am so glad writers like Neil and the ND crew tackle it with such amazing precision.

[Imalwaysright]

What a load of crap. Those weren't innocent people. They were going to kill her knowing very well that it could be for absolutely nothing because there wasn't any guarantee that they would find a cure. Joel did what any parent would do and that's why so many people like him. They saw themselves in Joel and understood his actions.

[gold_drake]

i find the opening to be more impactful, the loss of your own child is something i wouldn't wish on anyone.

[S2Killinit]

The whole thing was