Is The Last of Us A RPG?
Is The Last of Us a RPG? The Definitive Answer
No, The Last of Us is not considered a role-playing game (RPG). Instead, it falls squarely into the action-adventure genre as an immersive, story-driven experience filled with tense combat, stealth gameplay and environmental puzzles.
As a passionate gaming blogger who lives and breathes pixels, I couldn’t resist delving deeper into analyzing why The Last of Us stands out more as an action-adventure feat than an RPG. Get ready for a fully maxed-out Intelligence stat as we level up our knowledge!
Key Ways The Last of Us Differs from Traditional RPGs
RPG veterans know these awe-inspiring games allow us to customize badass characters, forge our own journeys and change destinies based on our choices. The Last of Us tells an emotionally gripping story, but lacks that sense of freedom and fluidity which defines RPG greats like Skyrim, Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Persona 5.
No Character Customization or Build Variety
Instead of sculpting our own unique hero with tailored abilities, The Last of Us has us inhabit the roles of pre-designed characters – gruff smuggler Joel and fiery teenager Ellie. Without skill trees for us to mix and match, their capabilities remain firmly set. We can’t craft Joel into a smooth-talking diplomat or Ellie into an unstoppable tank. In an RPG, part of the fun is customizing builds to let creativity run wild! But for the purpose of its story, The Last of Us limits our flexibility.
The Last of Us features tense, action-packed encounters
Linear Narrative Lacking Branching Paths
RPGs allow us to steer the narrative through major decisions which branch the story in new directions. But in The Last of Us, the tale progresses linearly without regard for player choice. We accompany Joel and Ellie helplessly along their set trajectory, unable to alter pivotal moments. The closest we get are small decisions during dialogue scenes. But even then, the story outcomes remain firmly linear – no mulitple endings in sight! Ultimately, we are passengers along for the ride rather than drivers freely navigating the adventure.
Key RPG Criteria vs The Last of Us
| Core RPG Pillar | The Last of Us Implementation |
| Character Customization | None – Preset protagonists |
| Branching Story Paths | None – Linear narrative |
| Multiple Endings | No – Set story conclusion |
| Dialogue Choices | Limited options with no story impact |
As this comparison shows, The Last of Us does not deliver those substantial narrative branching points and freedom pillars we expect from RPG titans like Mass Effect, Dragon Age or The Witcher.
Why The Last of Us Fits the Action-Adventure Genre
While no RPG, The Last of Us absolutely crushes it as a top-tier action-adventure experience brimming with tense, thrillingly cinematic moments. Let‘s analyze why it exemplifies the genre‘s strengths:
Visceral Combat and Stealth Gameplay
The Last of Us features frequent combat, stealth and action set pieces to raise our pulses. With limited ammunition and crafting items, each encounter becomes a desperate bid for survival. Do we stealthily eliminate isolated enemies with shivs and bows? Or break out the nails bombs and Molotovs for an all-out firefight? The flexibility between stealth, action and strategy in every gritty skirmish makes the gameplay feel intensely immersive without sacrificing entertainment.
The Last of Us allows both guns blazing action or quiet, strategic stealth
Environmental Puzzles and Platforming
Like classics such as Uncharted and Tomb Raider, The Last of Us scatters environmental puzzles and climbing challenges between story beats. Whether maneuvering rusted vehicles, discovering hidden paths or scaling crumbled buildings, these segments break up combat with welcome variety. Solving spatial secrets ultimately rewards exploration – a signature of the action-adventure genre.
Cinematic Presentation
From breathtaking vista views to white-knuckle character moments, The Last of Us oozes cinematic flair. Its motion captured animations, stellar voice acting performances and sweeping musical score bring scenes to life. Each story beat flows seamlessly into the next thanks to slick editing and shot composition. Ultimately, playing The Last of Us feels like starring in a blockbuster interactive movie more than a stats-based RPG adventure.
So while Joel and Ellie‘s journey may be different than Geralt‘s or Commander Shepard‘s, The Last of Us undoubtedly stands among the best action-adventure experiences ever digitized. Just don‘t expect to spec your skill trees or change any outcomes along the way!
The Verdict: Action-Adventure, Not RPG
Ultimately, The Last of Us lacks those definitive RPG elements like character customization, branching narratives and stats management which grant freedom. Instead, its gripping linear story, cinematic presentation and blend of stealth, action and puzzles cement its action-adventure pedigree.
So while Joel and Ellie don‘t need our help guide their fates, we‘re fully along for an unforgettable ride from outbreak to epic conclusion in one of gaming‘s most impactful series ever conceived. Just be ready for feels – bring tissues!
