LogFAQs > #905812019

38. Ellie (The Last of Us) - https://imgur.com/ToX8Xl6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA4kYZlFowM" data-time="

In The Last of Us, one of the core elements that makes that game and its storyline so compelling is the character of Ellie. Whilst the concept of a little kid growing up in an apocalyptic world is not new territory, Ellie differentiates herself from the Clementines, Sherries, and Carls of the world by being more well-realized at least in my opinion. Ellie holds no naive view of the world, she understands shit is fucked up but she still retains her childlike curiosity and high interest in the old world despite never experiencing it. Ellie is brash and bratty at times, befitting her age, and making her the perfect figure for the player and Joel to start taking care of. Ellie reacts realistically to her surroundings, knowing full well violence is the only way out of certain situations.

In this way, Ellie serves as a reliable partner to Joel but their relationship goes far deeper than that. Joel knows what it's like to lose a daughter, and being thrust suddenly into this role of taking care another girl who looks pretty similar to his old daughter is tough for him. Yet, it also comes naturally for Joel, and though Ellie is certainly an experienced survivor in her own right, Joel still serves as a guiding hand for her in both survival techniques and in learning about the outside world. In turn, Ellie helps contrast against Joel's cynical nature, and Ellie is able to break through Joel's hard-shell to form a legitimate bond with each other.

Being in control of Joel for a majority of the game also makes it easy to connect to Ellie. We as players feel a desire, just as much as Joel himself does, to keep Ellie safe, because she feels real, with her corny jokes, cursing, questions and curiosity about the past world. She feels real emotions, like disappointment and sadness when Joel considers leaving her behind the care of his brother, and we feel that sting too after getting so close with her. It's too bad they made her invincible during gameplay, as having her in danger of enemies at certain times would've added another layer of feeling connected to her throughout the game.

I know I'm not the only one that was won over by Ellie, and I won't be the last either. Ellie makes you feel like a legitmate parent and protector in a manner most games never even consider touching. And whether it's Ellie asking you a question about an old movie poster or dragging Joel to safety after a brutal injury, Ellie manages to touch in ways both big and small.
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If the suspense doesn't kill you, something else will!
http://tinyurl.com/zqwzc9a - https://tinyurl.com/y9ndlnhp - https://flic.kr/p/27VE5m4