3) The Last of Us – Left Behind
How in God’s name do you follow a game as critically adored as The Last of Us with DLC that achieves even a fraction of its acclaim? It’s simple; expand on the pitch-perfect writing and character development found in the main game, but tell a different story – one that elaborates on the lives of its characters.
In creating The Last of Us, Naughty Dog, whether it intended to or not, managed to strike a rare balance between providing entertainment as both a video game (and all the connotations that come with that) as well as a multi-layered narrative filled with believable, relatable characters.
I mean, isn’t it after all telling that Joel and Ellie’s authentic chemistry frequently attracts the same, if not more, levels of fond remembrance than that of The Last of Us‘ survival horror gameplay? Both are remarkable, but it’s the former that elevates it to a higher plane of appreciation. For that reason alone, it’s crystal clear why the studio decided to go with the slow burn that was Left Behind, rather than a rehashed survival mode that others tack on and sell as an essential add-on.
Joel’s very much a part of Left Behind but, rather than play an active role, he serves as the catalyst for Ellie’s standalone story, a perfect change of pace that stands up well on its own as well as an integral part of The Last of Us‘ overarching narrative.