Hello, fellow survivors! It’s your friendly neighborhood blogger here, diving deep into the fungal-infested ruins of one of the greatest video games ever created—“The Last of Us.”
Prepare to arm yourself with knowledge, as I reveal secrets and uncover facts that even the most seasoned players might not know. Grab your shivs and let’s sneak through the clicker-infested territory of hidden gems and Easter eggs!
1. A Soundtrack to Survive For
Did you know that Gustavo Santaolalla was the artist behind “The Last of Us’s” ethereal soundtrack? Yes, the very same who scored films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Santaolalla, who had never composed for video games before, brought an emotional depth that perfectly captures the game’s solemn yet hopeful tone.
But here’s a fun twist—some of the ambient sounds in the game aren’t just digital creations; they’re made by the instruments Santaolalla found in junkyards! Talk about recycling at its finest.
2. Not Just Any Old Poster
In the game, when Joel and Ellie are exploring the abandoned areas, you might spot a movie poster for a film called ‘Dawn of the Wolf.’ Sounds familiar? Well, it should! It’s a cheeky nod to the “Twilight” saga. Naughty Dog couldn’t resist throwing in a werewolf love story to parallel the fungal love story unfolding in their world. It’s like Easter eggs laying Easter eggs!
3. A Giraffe Out of Nowhere
One of the most iconic and uplifting moments in “The Last of Us” is when Ellie spots a giraffe outside of what remains of the Salt Lake City zoo. It’s a brief respite from the chaos and serves as a symbol of nature enduring humanity’s collapse.
But did you know that this scene was almost cut from the game? The developers felt it might disrupt the pacing but thankfully decided its emotional impact was worth the narrative pause. Can you imagine a world where Ellie and Joel didn’t stop to admire those long-necked beauties?
4. Arcade Easter Egg Hunt
Are you an arcade fan? If so, in the abandoned areas where Joel and Ellie find themselves, there’s an arcade machine called “The Turning.” This is actually a reference to the fictional in-game comic book series that Ellie is seen reading throughout their journey. The attention to detail here is next-level—it shows how the world of “The Last of Us” extends beyond just the immediate survival story.
5. A Voice from the Past
In one of the more poignant Easter eggs, if you pay close attention during the university chapters, you can hear Bruce Springsteen’s song “I’m on Fire” playing on a car stereo. This song isn’t just a random choice—it echoes Joel’s internal turmoil and loss, adding layers to his character through music. The Boss really knows how to set a post-apocalyptic mood, huh?
6. From Ants to Zombie Ants
The idea of a fungal apocalypse isn’t purely fiction. As mentioned, the game’s concept of the Cordyceps fungus is based on real-life fungi that infect insects, controlling their behaviors to spread spores. The developers took this terrifying natural phenomenon and asked, “What if?” leading to the disturbingly fascinating infection scenario in the game. Science fiction meets scientific fact!
7. The Name Game
Ever wondered about the names in the game? ‘Ellie’ is a homophone for the letter ‘L’, as in ‘Lives.’ Every aspect of “The Last of Us” is crafted to reflect survival, resilience, and the fight for life. Meanwhile, ‘Joel’ can be seen as a derivative of ‘Jo’, meaning ‘sweetheart’, which he certainly becomes to Ellie. Names are never just names in this world—they’re a part of the storytelling.
8. A Hidden Pandemic Reference?
And here’s a chilling coincidence—when you stumble upon newspapers in the game, some headlines from the early days of the outbreak eerily resemble those from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unintentional parallel gives the game an added layer of realism, reminding us how thin the line is between fiction and reality.
So there you have it, folks! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, I hope these facts add more depth to your next playthrough of “The Last of Us.” Until next time, keep your gas masks handy and your wits sharper. Remember, when life gives you Cordyceps, make Cordycep-ade! Happy gaming!
