The Last of Us is one of the most beloved video games of all time—it’s a gripping post-apocalyptic tale that blends horror, drama, and adventure in a way that few other games can match. But not many people know that the game owes at least part of its success to anime. Yes, you read that right! Anime has had an influence on The Last of Us and this blog post will explore how. From narrative structure to art style, we’ll look at the various ways in which anime has shaped the design and presentation of this critically acclaimed title. So read on if you want to know more about how anime influences one of gaming’s greatest works!
The Last of Us and its Post-Apocalyptic Setting
In the Last of Us, we see a lot of influence from Japanese anime. This is most evident in the game’s post-apocalyptic setting. In an post-apocalyptic world, resources are scarce and people are fighting for survival. This is similar to many anime series that take place in a post-apocalyptic world, such as Akira, Fist of the North Star, and Wolf’s Rain.
In addition to the setting, we also see some influence from anime in the characters and their relationships. For example, Joel and Ellie have a father-daughter type of relationship. This is similar to many anime series where there is a strong father-daughter bond, such as Naruto and Fullmetal Alchemist. We also see this type of relationship in other characters, such as Tommo and Mina from Wolf’s Rain.
Overall, we can see that there is a lot of influence from Japanese anime in the Last of Us. This is not surprising considering that the game’s developer, Naughty Dog, is known for its love of Japanese pop culture.
The Influence of Anime on the Last of Us
Anime has had a profound influence on the Last of Us, one of the most popular video games of all time. The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned much of humanity into zombie-like creatures. The game’s protagonist, Joel, is a hardened survivor who has been through a lot in his life. He meets Ellie, a young girl who has also survived the outbreak, and the two form a bond as they try to survive in this dangerous world.
The Last of Us draws heavily from anime in its design and aesthetics. The character designs are heavily influenced by anime, and the game’s world is filled with beautiful and detailed scenery that wouldn’t be out of place in an anime. Even the game’s combat system borrows from anime, with characters using acrobatic moves to defeat their enemies.
It’s clear that anime has had a big influence on the Last of Us. This isn’t surprising, as many of the game’s developers are huge fans of anime themselves. In fact, Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin is even credited with introducing anime to America through his work on localization projects for Japanese animation companies like Studio Ghibli. Thanks to Rubin and other fans of anime working at Naughty Dog, we have an incredible game like the Last of Us that takes inspiration from one of our favorite genres.
The Character of Ellie and Her Connection to Anime
Ellie, the main character of The Last of Us, is heavily influenced by anime. This is most evident in her physical appearance, which is strikingly similar to that of an anime character. Her large eyes, small mouth, and slender build are all classic anime characteristics. Even her hairstyle is reminiscent of anime characters.
But it’s not just her physical appearance that makes Ellie seem like an anime character; it’s also her personality. She’s fiercely independent and doesn’t take kindly to being told what to do. She’s also incredibly brave, often putting herself in danger to protect those she cares about. These are all traits that are common among anime protagonists.
What’s more, Ellie has a deep connection to the world of anime. She loves watching it and even collects figurines of her favorite characters. In many ways, she views the world through an “anime lens.” This is likely why she’s able to see the beauty in a post-apocalyptic world that others find bleak and depressing.
It’s clear that Ellie has been heavily influenced by anime. It’s not just her physical appearance or her personality; it’s also her deep connection to the world of anime itself.
Themes of Hope and Friendship in the Last of Us
In the Last of Us, themes of hope and friendship are evident throughout the game. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is one of the key friendships in the game, and their bond is strong enough to carry them through some of the toughest situations. In addition, other characters such as Tess and Bill also display acts of selflessness and courage, which help to create a sense of hope within the game. Ultimately, these themes work together to create an emotionally powerful story that speaks to the human experience.
Conclusion
The Last of Us is an iconic and groundbreaking video game series, with its anime influences highly evident. Not only does it offer a compelling story and engaging gameplay, but it also provides us with a glimpse into how anime can shape our favorite works of art in powerful ways. We can learn many lessons from The Last of Us about the importance of storytelling and worldbuilding, as well as embracing unique visuals that draw inspiration from other mediums to bring something truly special to life. If anything, this analysis has shown that anime is far more influential than we might think when it comes to creating memorable gaming experiences!
