5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Last of Us, According to Game Informer
Introduction
The Last of Us is one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, with a gripping storyline, cinematic gameplay, and memorable characters. But did you know that there are some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and insights about the game that you might not be aware of? In this article, we’ll explore five such things as reported by Game Informer, the popular video game magazine.
1. The game was inspired by a fungus
The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world where most of humanity has been wiped out by a fungal infection. You might assume that the fungus was a fictional creation of the game’s developers, but it’s actually based on a real-life mushroom called Cordyceps. This fungus infects insects and other arthropods, taking control of their bodies and eventually killing them. This idea inspired the game’s creators to imagine what would happen if a similar fungus infected humans.
2. The characters were originally different
In early versions of the game, the two main characters, Joel and Ellie, were very different from their final designs. Joel was originally an ex-smuggler who was much younger and more physically capable, while Ellie was a more innocent and vulnerable character. However, as the game’s development progressed, the creators decided to flip these roles, making Joel an older, more broken character, and Ellie a capable and resilient young girl.
3. The music was recorded live
The Last of Us has an evocative soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of despair and hopelessness. But did you know that the music was recorded live, with a full orchestra and choir? The game’s composer, Gustavo Santaolalla, wanted to avoid the synthetic and electronic sound of most video game soundtracks, instead opting for an organic and natural sound that could only be achieved through live performance.
4. The game uses real-world locations
The Last of Us takes place in a fictional version of the United States, but many of the locations in the game are based on real-world places. For example, the game’s depiction of Pittsburgh is based on the actual city, with recognizable landmarks and streets. The game’s creators even visited these locations and took thousands of photos to ensure that the game was as authentic as possible.
5. The ending was different in the original script
The Last of Us has one of the most memorable endings in video game history, with a controversial and emotional twist that divided fans. However, the ending was originally very different in the game’s early script. According to Game Informer, the original ending had Joel and Ellie parting ways on a bittersweet but ultimately happy note. It wasn’t until later in development that the creators decided to change the ending to its current form.
Conclusion
The Last of Us is a game that has captivated millions of players around the world, and it’s always fascinating to learn more about its development and creation. These five facts from Game Informer shed new light on the game’s inspirations, characters, music, settings, and ending, and show just how much thought and care went into the game’s design. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s always something new to discover about The Last of Us.
