Much anticipated series on HBO, “The Last of Us,” has finally dropped on Sunday, and people, especially gamers, are praising the drama series. Yes, “The Last of Us” is largely based on the video game of the same title.
USA Today reviews
Renowned media outlet USA Today has reviewed the TV series, saying it is “the best video game adaptation ever.”
“In spite of their often moving narratives, startling imagery and millions of fans around the world, Hollywood has had a devil of a time trying to turn even the most popular games into creatively and commercially successful films and TV shows,” USA Today’s Kelly Lawler wrote.
She started the review by saying video game adaptations can either be a hit or miss, citing examples such as “The Witcher,” “Halo,” and the “Super Mario Bros.” movie.
“This is why it feels like HBO’s adaptation of the acclaimed PlayStation game ‘The Last of Us’ is such a big achievement,” Lawler said.
Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for HBO, “The Last of Us” is based on the highly acclaimed PlayStation video game developed by Naughty Dog. “The Last of Us” takes place in the post-apocalyptic United States, particularly 20 years after the global population has been decimated by a fungal infestation that transforms humans into aggressive creatures known as the Infected.
Portrayed by award-winning actor Pedro Pascal, survivor Joel Miller lives in one of the few quarantine-free zones and is hired to escort a teenager who goes by the name Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, across the wasteland.
“It’s clear, even for someone who has never played a single minute of “Us” on a PlayStation, that there’s something special about the story, and that Mazin has done a thoughtful job bringing it to life,” the USA Today review added.
What fans are saying
Fans are also praising this HBO adaptation of the PlayStation video game.
Twitter user @rhaelina said, “that was one of the best first episodes of an adaptation i’ve ever seen #TheLastOfUs”
“The #TheLastOfUs HBO show is hands down the best video game adaptation I’ve ever seen,” another Twitter netizen @trevor_sr stated.
“it’s only been one episode, but #TheLastOfUs has already surpassed my expectations…the parallels between the video game and the series are INCREDIBLE,” @Isha_Bassi meanwhile said. “I think this will be a video game adaptation that both fans and newcomers can get behind (and I’m excited to keep on watching)”
USA Today’s Lawler said “The Last of Us” is “well done.”
She further wrote, “‘Us’ isn’t really a groundbreaking series, but it is well done, compelling and gripping, a superb example of a zombie story done the right way. It could be bolder and take bigger risks,” adding, “‘Us’ might be the best one yet…”
Lawler writes about TV for USA Today. She also covers movies, binge-watching, books, lifestyle, and music.
“The Last of Us” video game was launched in 2013.
