The Last of Us is a masterpiece because of how much it meant to my wife

PlayStation Enthusiast: Jason Rodriguez, who is so burned out by single-player adventure games, holds The Last of Us in high regard. That's because it's a game that means a lot to his wife, and evidently, it also strengthened their marriage while also giving them new bonding moments when gaming.

[wiserthanthou]

Great article! I have tons of games that I love just because of how much they mean to someone I know and how much fun we had playing it together.

[JJasonRodriguez]

Thank you. I like how people are able to appreciate other games more just because others do as well.

[GottaBjimmyb]

But someone you know liking a game does jot make it a masterpiece, get the sentiment, just think the title and some of the argument is flawed.

[Exari]

yeah, the title is kinda shitty... "my wife loves the game, therefor it's a masterpiece!"

maybe if he rearranged the same words, like "tlou means so much to me, because my wife thinks it's a masterpiece"? idk..

[GottaBjimmyb]

@exari yes that is the quote I think he may have intended and is certainly more reasonable, and frankly, relatable.

[I_am_Batman]

It's a great game for sure. I don't know if I'd go as far as to say it's a masterpiece because there is a lot of room for improvement in my opinion but as far as story and writing goes it's an excellent game. I can't wait to see how TLOU2 will improve on the first one. The gameplay reveal at E3 was nuts. Hopefully we're getting to see some infected soon.

Initially I really wanted them to go for infected animals in the sequel but seeing that Days Gone is already going for infected animals I'm not sure if it would be a good move.

Off-topic: Why is Oliver_Twist's comment above marked as inappropriate? Is it inappropriate to state an unpopular opinion?

[JJasonRodriguez]

I’m not sure. I even replied and agreed with what he said. Can anyone who views it set it to inappropriate if that’s the case?

[KwietStorm_BLM]

It's a PlayStation exclusive and we're on N4PS4G. That's the only reason I can think of. I completely disagree with his comment about the gameplay mechanics, but to be marked inappropriate is way passed stupid. The Last Of Us plays like a survival game, whether it's the inventory management, the health system, or the tools and resource crafting. If someone feels that's a chore, they probably just want something less demanding like Uncharted or another shooter.

This whole site needs a revamp, from reply structure to seeing who's upvoting and downvoting, to putting trolls in their own sub-site until they learn to behave. It's childish as hell on here and it's the same people every day.

[AspiringProGenji]

Wrong reply

Ignore

[Baza]

You mad bro?

[antz1104]

Because this site is biased and broken.I love TLOU but you're right they're entitled to an opinion.

[Ricegum]

I'm a Playstation fan, but I agree. I have no idea why Oliver Twists comment is flagged as inappropriate. It seems like people just aren't allowed their own opinions anymore.

[King_Noctis]

There is no reason at all to mark his comment inappropriate. He didn’t attack anyone nor did he used any inappropriate words. I think the mods should look further into this marking system to prevent further abusion.

[BizarroUltraman]

Man stop this crap. Is everything a masterpiece cause your wife likes it?

[TheColbertinator]

Its an article on N4G so it must be true

[JJasonRodriguez]

> Man stop this crap. Is everything a masterpiece cause your wife likes it?

I’m pretty sure I tagged it as “Opinion” though. I do know it is critically-acclaimed — but at the same time, it had a deeper connotation even moreso as it’s something that means a lot to my loved one.

No need for any other strange or bizarre interpretations, Mr. BizarroUltraman. I’m sure you can relate to the above explanation and understand what was meant — especially for certain games which you personally didn’t prefer but someone else ended up liking. Hence, this leads you appreciate the game even more.

[Rimeskeem]

If that were true that is the single most narcissistic thing he could say.

[PhantomS42]

It must really suck to not have a special connection to someone that you gain a deeper appreciation for things because they see something special in it.

I loved the Uncharted games before I met my current girlfriend but when she sat down and watched me play through and loved the stories the games and that experience meant so much more to me than it did on my first playthrough.

[letsa_go]

His wife determines whether a game is a masterpiece or not, forget gaming websites, magazines, or awards shows! What she says, goes for all of us...don't you know this?

[Artemidorus]

So much of a masterpiece I didn't even finish the game.

[doggo84]

O no you just stripped TLOU of all the 200+ GOTY awards, 17 millions sales and 95% metascore. Now we know, it's not a masterpiece. Facts are facts.

[Smokehouse]

I’m wondering how many times you have used that line. Have you updated it at all? Surely it has sold more since you first used that 3 years ago.

[Artemidorus]

It my opinion I couldn't give a crap what scores or awards it has.

[Howardr007]

Probably best you stay away from such class.. you would only taint it

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Clenchbutcentral - what is this 'real creativity" you speak of. Can you enlighten me with a few examples? I love the game and don't need anyone to agree with my opinion, but you reek of salt.

[uth11]

it meant nothing to my wife. Guess that proves the game is garbage

[TheEnigma313]

Basically

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Someone else's opinion/experience will always be different to your own. You can troll all you like - it was still enjoyed by millions, critics and gamers alike.

[doggo84]

Ok

[andibandit]

No it's not because of your wife....It's because my cat likes it.

[JJasonRodriguez]

😺

[Smokehouse]

Seems like a weird game to bond over.

[bigmalky]

Why? The story is engrossing. My missus wanted me to wait til she was in so I could play more. Same with Until Dawn, Beyond Two Souls and God of War.

Then she likes talking about the plot afterwards, much like a couple would after watching a movie.

[Smokehouse]

If you say so.

[bigmalky]

You must be a very lonely basement dweller. Poor you.

[Smokehouse]

Haha I guess I’m just not lucky enough to have a boring girl like yours. To where we have book club and discuss video game plots. Piss off loser.

[JJasonRodriguez]

> My missus wanted me to wait til she was in so I could play more. Same with Until Dawn, Beyond Two Souls and God of War.

Sounds awesome! Wife’s the same when she knows the story is engrossing. When I start playing FPS and strategy games though she just takes out her phone and goes back to Cooking Mama or Candy Crush. 😆

[bigmalky]

@Smokehouse

*I guess I'm not lucky enough to have a girl.

Fixed that for you, son.

[capjacksparrow]

It's my favorite game. As I've gotten older, I care less about mechanics (unless it's a multiplayer game) and more about story/character elements. The Last of Us still has the best storytelling, character growth, and pacing in the industry. All this is my opinion, of course, but nothing has topped it (for me), though the new GoW showed lots of promise and came close in some areas.

[CorndogBurglar]

The Last of Us is a masterpiece for a lot of reasons. None of those reasons are because your wife liked it.

You and your wife could have never played this game and it still would have been a masterpiece.

[JJasonRodriguez]

This was already explained yesterday in a couple of replies to other users. 🙂

[Howardr007]

Dude.. bravo .
That's what games are about..a sense of fulfilment ..nostalgia .
I've been chasing that feeling of playing Zelda on a rainy day pretending to be sick to stay off school to finish it, for as long as i can remember . To play games and feel other things than just simple entertainment is an achievement for the developer and the player
Your wife has good taste..
I think as a female they could relate to the sense of vulnerability to Ellie and the father/daughter feel with Joel.
I agree..the game is a masterpiece

[JJasonRodriguez]

Yep — being pregnant with our first child — and then seeing Joel lose his daughter and all the hell he and Ellie went through... those pretty much have her maternal instincts kicking in.

[bluefox755]

I had a similar experience. My girlfriend, who is typically not interested in gaming, was glued to the screen when I played TLoU.

[CrimsonWing69]

um... what?

I'm pretty sure this game is a masterpiece because it's an incredible game and not because of what your wife thought of it.

[Akarogg]

I know right

[JJasonRodriguez]

This was already explained yesterday in a couple of replies to other users. 🙂

[Howardr007]

That piss on your chips attitude of it being a masterpiece is nothing to do with your wife will follow you like a bad smell through life.
'Opinion' piece of why he thought the last of us was a masterpiece ... appreciate it for what it is...feminism is ruining society's dont be just as painful

Its a masterpiece because of how people respond to it.... otherwise it would just be a disk with absolutely no emotional value ..just because an experience of why the man enjoyed it differs to your own and the masses,It doesnt make it less valuable

[CrimsonWing69]

*yawn*

[KickSpinFilter]

Interesting I'm burnt out on MP FPS this generation.
TLOU game play was awesome, but I did do it on hard with hints and 2nd sense turned off. Best game I have ever played.

[SR38813]

Far from a masterpiece, it was a really good game but nothing wowed me about it that much

[BenRC01]

My favourite game of all time. Mature story telling and probably the only game in existence that doesn't presume we're all over-caffeinated 15yr olds.

[CarlDechance]

It was truly a materpiece. One of the best ever.

[The_Sage]

Great read!

[DrumBeat]

An unmitigated masterpiece, no doubt. Such a well made game.

[NotanotherReboot]

what?

[bujasem_89]

i have not see n4g this bad before, wow. people need to chill.

[AnubisG]

Jason,

This game was a masterpiece because of how well it was made and not because your wife loved it.

Also, why do you feel the need to let everyone on the internet know what your wife likes? Why do we all need to know something personal like that? Because it's a game?

This times we live in where people have this need to overshare stuff that is no ones business needs to stop. Facebook, twitter, instragam programmed people to share everything about themselves and their family.

Jason, with a do respect, even if this is an "opinion" piece, no one cares what you or your wife likes just the same as you don't care what any other random person on the internet likes. The difference is that the overwhelming majority of us don't post about it on N4G.

If anything, this belongs in your facebook feed.

You have a good day sir!

[ginganinja]

With all due respect, you're just a random person on the internet posting your opinion too.

[AnubisG]

Exactly!!!! But I'm not sharing my private life online.

[yeahokwhatever]

That makes ME a masterpiece...

[DrShoe]

It might help your wife if YOU get off the soy and get sone testosterone shots. This article is an embarrassing work of tripe.

[william_cade]

Great read. The Last of Us is such a remarkable game for so many reasons.