The Last of Us....

[SecondCircle]

I figured I would take the time to shed some light on a piece of great storytelling. It wasn't here on lit, in a bookstore, or even in a book for that matter. It was a video game.

Now I know that probably caused more than a few to roll their eyes, but I'm not sure if people realize the capabilities of games nowadays. We ain't just dealing with Pac Man or even Super Mario Bros anymore. There are now games designed for an adult's entertainment. The Last of Us is such a game.

The game is set in the near future of 2030ish, and a global epidemic has wiped out much of civilization. This "epidemic" is easiest to describe a zombie apocalypse. <pause for second roll of eyes and back click from half of viewers> This isn't some same ole tale like we are used to though. The "infected" are diseased by a wild strain of fungus that grows around the brain and renders a person mad and in a primal state of mind. As the disease wears on, it eventually causes fungi to grow out of a person's face and head. This not only makes them look creepy as shit, it makes them blind so that they have to click and use echolocation to hunt prey.

But this game does not center around the "infected", but rather focuses on the aftermath, the crumbling world it left behind. There are quarantine zones where people retain some sort of civility, while many more live in surviving bands of opportunistic scavengers, all who are just trying to survive.

That's really what the game is about. Survival. And it doesn't let you forget it. You play as a smuggler, Joel, who lives taking odd jobs and such to scratch a living. He was around for the fall of civilization, and even lost a loved one at the beginning of the game in a sequence that almost brought tears to my eyes. Events lead Joel to take a job smuggling a 14 year old girl to another quarantine zone for a band of rebels. Turns out, the disease that turns people into cannibals in a matter of hours has had no effect on young Ellie for weeks. She may be a cure.

The visuals and graphics in this game are amazing. I only say so because the facial animation here has come a long way from PacMan's pixel snapping maw. The voice over work and believable and emotional facial animation is as good if not better than watching a movie. The story isn't something groundbreaking, but it delivers better than most shit I've watched or read.

I couldn't help identifying with Joel on his grim and tired outlook on life. He's a guy that has to do what is necessary to survive, be it good or bad. The game is a bit extreme sometimes, but its all psychological in keeping with the theme of survival. Sneaking by a band of scavengers who would kill you just for the food and supplies in your bag or the clothes on your back is tense and requires quick thinking. The story of survival is constantly being woven.

There are times where you have to choke a guy to death from behind, or stab him, or blow his head off to get to safety. This may sound like more "violent video game" crap, but it honestly plays into the harshness of survival the entire time. Hearing Joel and Ellie's dialogue is realistic and rewarding. You can't help but fall for Ellie, whether she's hunkering beneath you behind cover while scavengers lurk about, or telling you about a new comic book she found.

Look I guess what I'm trying to say is that this game has phenomenal storytelling. It scared me, had me on edge, pulled some heartstrings, shocked me, and left me with an open jaw. Storytelling is in more places than we think. This game did a better job of it than a lot of things I've seen lately. I just figured I'd put that out there in case anyone wants a great interactive form of entertainment that weaves a damn good tale.

Sorry for the length. (No pun)

 

[sr71plt]

So, yet another video game encouraging folks to stockpile automatic weapons and scratch their violence and vigilante itches by killing everything that moves? That does sound erotic and needed here on the AH.

I do wonder if middle America is ever going to wake up to the underlining causes of all these crazy guys going wild and shooting up schools, theaters, and shopping malls.

And, no, I'm not commenting further on a thread such as this posted to Literotica.

 

[SecondCircle]

That was exactly the kind of view on games that I had hoped wouldn't be attributed to a game of this merit.

Yes. There is violence and guns in it. There is killing. But as I said, it isn't just senseless killing for the sake of entertainment. It tells a story of survival and the extremes that two protagonists are pushed to in order to carry on.

Games like this are completely underrated by a large portion of people, who only take them at face value and say, "oh well that's just about running around and killing people with shotguns and zombies running around eating people."

That is exactly the opposite of what this game is about. And it accomplishes so much more than simply "entertaining." It weaves an unforgettable story of human survival and companionship. A GAME did that. That's my kudos.

I could also argue that many books, just like technological media, sport just as much if not more vulgarity and violence. No one says much about them though cuz they aren't "ruining our kids minds."

This isn't a mindless game that makes a mockery of killing. It tells a story. Much like one in a movie. But one you can interact with. Typical rants about how games like this are awful (usually from the May-December crowd) are pretty much unfounded, simply because no one took the time to sit down and give it a try. I had hoped we'd moved on from this line of thinking, but I suppose not.

 

[SecondCircle]

I had HOPED that this was a relevant thing to post here, because of the outstanding storytelling involved in the game. It exceeds what common ideas of games held for them as "standards." In other words its a great damn story.

Just thought that even if it wasn't "erotic", people would still appreciate a referral to a good story. We all like good stories here, right?

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I had HOPED that this was a relevant thing to post here, because of the outstanding storytelling involved in the game. It exceeds what common ideas of games held for them as "standards." In other words its a great damn story.

Just thought that even if it wasn't "erotic", people would still appreciate a referral to a good story. We all like good stories here, right?

I am a gamer, but Last Of Us falls into the same category as Uncharted (made by the same people), Tomb Raider, and such. Games I don't play.

However, I do enjoy me some Deus Ex (original and Human Revolution) where you can outright avoid violence almost completely (the original game can be beat without picking up a single weapon or inventory item). they also have some of the more complex story telling in video games. So I can see where you are coming from.

I just don't have much to say on the subject at this point in my life (I'm not particularly good at breaking down these types of things for analysis).

 

[Catchalot]

Actually I just got done watching my 23 year old son beat it last night. The storyline was absolutely perfect, and they did a great job with the dialog as well as the CGI to match it. This game broke many of the typical stereo types used in many games now days.

Another game I was really impressed with was Heavy Rain, from a few years back.

I've learned to ignore the people that want to blame real world violence on games. Before games, it was blamed on literature, and comic books, even cartoons.

 

[SecondCircle]

Actually I just got done watching my 23 year old son beat it last night. The storyline was absolutely perfect, and they did a great job with the dialog as well as the CGI to match it. This game broke many of the typical stereo types used in many games now days.

Another game I was really impressed with was Heavy Rain, from a few years back.

I've learned to ignore the people that want to blame real world violence on games. Before games, it was blamed on literature, and comic books, even cartoons.

Right this is all I was trying to say. That great storytelling can be found in video games like this, and that if you love a great suspense and drama, playing The Last of Us would be equivalent to watching your favorite show on TV or reading your favorite story series. Its rewarding and worth the money to buy it.

I just though that since we here at Lit love a good story that maybe someone would try this and see how great this game really is.

I've never before felt so drawn in and concerned for characters in a game. Joel and Ellie's relationship took center stage in this one, and it tugged at the heartstrings. Its like this Father daughter bond that blossoms right before your eyes, even as you're playing every step of the way. I felt constantly worried for Ellie's well being, and aware that my actions could result in her harm. When a game can make you feel that way, they did something special.

But of course, all games are good for is promoting guns and violence and wasting away our minds. And I suppose erotica makes us sinful degenerate perverts, TV is hypnotizing us, gays are evil satanic harbingers of AIDS, and every president that takes office is actual the Antichrist.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I also hear good things about LA Noir, which is more about detective work than shooting people (although I have heard some of that exists too), and The Walking Dead games, which I have no idea what they are as I am not a Walking Dead fan...

 

[lovecraft68]

So, yet another video game encouraging folks to stockpile automatic weapons and scratch their violence and vigilante itches by killing everything that moves? That does sound erotic and needed here on the AH.

I do wonder if middle America is ever going to wake up to the underlining causes of all these crazy guys going wild and shooting up schools, theaters, and shopping malls.

And, no, I'm not commenting further on a thread such as this posted to Literotica.

The big problem with these games is they do have ratings and kids of a certain age cannot buy them.

Problem is the parents just buy the game for them anyway. Then they go back to surfing facebook and playing SYMs or maybe the "cool" parents play the game with the kids.

I remember the uproar Grand theft auto had a few years back. I am not sure you would be familiar with it so I will tell you.

The car thieves could pick a hooker up and rape her.

Ah yes, kids these days.

 

[SecondCircle]

Games have moved forward so much now. They are just mindless ways to waste a few hours on anymore. They aren't Pong, or race cars, or silly children's toys any longer.

Many games today are for an adult audience (and intended for those who understand that it is simply entertainment and not to be taken to any extreme). They have sprawling narratives and loads of back story and lore. They require a lot of thought, problem solving, instinct, and attention to detail. They contain loads of art and ingenious design. Games simply have a more meaningful purpose than just "playing a game."

Many people still argue that they are stupid irrelevant wastes of time and money and only serve to rot our brains and erode our society. To that I say,

"So do books then."

 

[lovecraft68]

Games have moved forward so much now. They are just mindless ways to waste a few hours on anymore. They aren't Pong, or race cars, or silly children's toys any longer.

Many games today are for an adult audience (and intended for those who understand that it is simply entertainment and not to be taken to any extreme). They have sprawling narratives and loads of back story and lore. They require a lot of thought, problem solving, instinct, and attention to detail. They contain loads of art and ingenious design. Games simply have a more meaningful purpose than just "playing a game."

Many people still argue that they are stupid irrelevant wastes of time and money and only serve to rot our brains and erode our society. To that I say,

"So do books then."

You've just described the comic book industry as well. They used to be for kids. Now they are full of death gore gang rape and who knows what else.

To briefly touch upon my personal gun stance, its not the guns, they have been there all along, its the new wave of sick sadistic kids being raised on this garbage and parents who could care less what they do as long as they are out of their hair.

And I hate to tell you, but I ran a comic book store and we had x-box 360 tournaments. All your video game geniuses couldn't make change for a tn without a calculator. Solving you way out of a video warzone teaches jack shit in real life.

I know because I recently went and played airsoft with a bunch of my daughters call of duty fanatics and they weren't even close to well they were fucking stupid hows that?

Video games help in real life, Jesus H Christ.

One last thought. I love how all those poor kids with ADD who have to be in special classes and take meds can play this trash for hours.

And btw

A place for writers and readers to socialize and discuss the craft of writing.

 

[SecondCircle]

The big problem with these games is they do have ratings and kids of a certain age cannot buy them.

Problem is the parents just buy the game for them anyway. Then they go back to surfing facebook and playing SYMs or maybe the "cool" parents play the game with the kids.

I remember the uproar Grand theft auto had a few years back. I am not sure you would be familiar with it so I will tell you.

The car thieves could pick a hooker up and rape her.

Ah yes, kids these days.

Well that's not a problem with the software or the kids. That's a problem with the parents. The rating system is there for a reason. If a parent let's their kids play it, and be exposed to "raping a hooker" (which, um, no you can't rape them you can just hire them) then its their fault for the trauma that occurs.

See, MATURE people can take in this form of entertainment and not take it so seriously as to go and shoot up schools or "rape hookers" afterwards. We know its just a damn game, or book, or movie. As for the crazies that take it that seriously, that's the crazies fault. Not the media in which they indulged. Because at the end of the day, its your fault for flipping out.

I realize kids are gonna get a hold of stuff they ain't supposed to, but if they are instilled with the right moral code, they will be MATURE about it and not go find a hooker yo rape or a school to shoot up. They'll know its just entertainment.

 

[lovecraft68]

Oh, and books are a waste?

Books you have to use something called an imagination, you had to visualize things. Games are right there. You just point and shoot how mentally stimulating.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

The big problem with these games is they do have ratings and kids of a certain age cannot buy them.

Problem is the parents just buy the game for them anyway. Then they go back to surfing facebook and playing SYMs or maybe the "cool" parents play the game with the kids.

I remember the uproar Grand theft auto had a few years back. I am not sure you would be familiar with it so I will tell you.

The car thieves could pick a hooker up and rape her.

Ah yes, kids these days.

You didn't rape whores in Grand Theft Auto. you paid them for services rendered, which gave you a health boost. You didn't even see anything. How demented do you have to be to think that equates to rape? Talk about taking it a step too far.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I agree many comics have long much more than cheap entertainment. They have always been story-telling media, and it was just a matter of time before people started using them in literate ways.

Gaming is on the same trajectory. Dragon Age, for instance. And here's one that packs a hella punch for it's teensy size-- OFF

 

[desertslave]

You didn't rape whores in Grand Theft Auto. you paid them for services rendered, which gave you a health boost. You didn't even see anything. How demented do you have to be to think that equates to rape? Talk about taking it a step too far.

Wait, paying hookers for "services" gave you a health boost? Now that's perverse!

My son is a dedicated gamer, but he's into an entirely different genre. He vehemently dislikes FPS games, and is much more into puzzle-solving, if/then games. He has ADD but is amazingly self-disciplined...he can only stand to play for an hour or so, then he HAS to go out for a walk and/or do something else. I've always liked his choices in games. He's also very into the soundtracks and does his own writing inspired by the music.

My daughter and I like mindless zombie-shooting games. It's our bonding time.

 

[SecondCircle]

Oh, and books are a waste?

Books you have to use something called an imagination, you had to visualize things. Games are right there. You just point and shoot how mentally stimulating.

I love it when people take things so literal.

I was saying that the storytelling in games like The Last of Us are so good that they stand on their own beside film and literature, and to exclude them as an art form in this sense would BE LIKE SAYING "books are garbage."

And of course we would pick the worst example of a game, like GTA, to paint all games with one broad stroke. That would be like using Hostel or the Saw franchise to explain how all movies are. Or using the Anarchy Cookbook to illustrate what literature is. I guess all blacks are gang members, all Mexicans are landscapers, all gays are hellbound, all dogs are dumb and smelly, and all chairs squeak. (This last sentence was sarcasm not to be taken literally.)

And no one is saying that games generate useful intelligence for real work application. But they are interactive and fun, and aren't as mindless as one might think.

If anyone has played The Last of Us, they know what I'm talking about. Its not even about "zombies" or killing or raping or any of that stupid shit. Its central theme is survival in a time of decaying humanity. Its literally as good as watching actors on your screen, and the facial animation is realistic and convincing as any movie.

And as a main point, again, the story is superb. Not "good for a game," or "decent considering technology," it's hands down awesome. Regardless of the medium. This is what games are capable of. A worthwhile entertaining experience akin to seeing a great movie or reading a good book.

And I didn't have to "rape" one person in the whole experience. (Sarcasm again, not to be taken literal.)

 

[Bramblethorn]

You've just described the comic book industry as well. They used to be for kids.

When?

In the '90s "Sandman" was telling stories about serial-killer conventions and a monster who ate eyeballs. In the '80s, I remember scaring myself with horror comics, although I couldn't tell you the names. In the '60s Robert Crumb was drawing Fritz the Cat. Wonder Woman was evangelising about the healing powers of bondage and spanking in the 1940s, and Tijuana Bibles go back at least to the '20s.

Comics have often been typecast as a kids' medium, but I don't think there was ever a period where they were only for kids.

Gaming is on the same trajectory. Dragon Age, for instance. And here's one that packs a hella punch for it's teensy size-- OFF

I have fond memories of Planescape: Torment. I haven't read a lot of novels that were as imaginative as that game.

 

[SecondCircle]

So this isn't a relative topic for the threads I guess, because it isn't erotic and doesn't "discuss" the craft of writing.

But I guess we can post the latest tornado disasters, rape scandals, political garbage, and all manner of things that have nothing to do with writing.

And I was trying to create that link. Writing, storytelling, drama..... I thought all this was in the same family. The storytelling in this game is why I brought it up for discussion. I had hoped that maybe someone had the same or similar experience, or even hated the story of the game.

Nope. Just more jabs at video games. They are just toys I suppose, without any relevance to anything in the world.

 

[TxRad]

So this isn't a relative topic for the threads I guess, because it isn't erotic and doesn't "discuss" the craft of writing.

But I guess we can post the latest tornado disasters, rape scandals, political garbage, and all manner of things that have nothing to do with writing.

And I was trying to create that link. Writing, storytelling, drama..... I thought all this was in the same family. The storytelling in this game is why I brought it up for discussion. I had hoped that maybe someone had the same or similar experience, or even hated the story of the game.

Nope. Just more jabs at video games. They are just toys I suppose, without any relevance to anything in the world.

It's not so much that it doesn't apply to story telling, it's just that you don't have many gamers in here for that type game.

 

[SecondCircle]

When?

In the '90s "Sandman" was telling stories about serial-killer conventions and a monster who ate eyeballs. In the '80s, I remember scaring myself with horror comics, although I couldn't tell you the names. In the '60s Robert Crumb was drawing Fritz the Cat. Wonder Woman was evangelising about the healing powers of bondage and spanking in the 1940s, and Tijuana Bibles go back at least to the '20s.

Comics have often been typecast as a kids' medium, but I don't think there was ever a period where they were only for kids.



I have fond memories of Planescape: Torment. I haven't read a lot of novels that were as imaginative as that game.

I think that's the main misconception about games, comics, and other "kid" entertainment, is that it's not just for kids. The mediums reach to a broader adult audience.

To most, assassin's creed is a game where you're an assassin running around on rooftops murdering people. No one ever talks about how deep and enriching the story is, since it is based in actual historical times. Seriously, I learned more about the Italian Renaissance from this game than from a textbook, and I love history. And its got as much depth, if not more, than The Da Vinci Code. (Strange as Leonardo da Vinci was actually in a few of those games.)

Comics inspire a LOT of movies, and I'm not just talking superheroes. Road to Perdition for example was a comic. It was not a children's comic either. Comics are rich in story and suspense just as much as any book or movie. Nowadays, games have come as far.

This is still an unfounded misconception of most entertainment today. "It's all just kids stuff," and "look what they put in video games and comics for the kids to get a hold of!"

Prejudice, ignorance, a plain stupidity.

So thanks to those who recognize the art and relevance of these "lesser" or "childish" mediums. If half of books and TV shows were as good as some of these games, I think it would blow people's minds.

 

[SecondCircle]

It's not so much that it doesn't apply to story telling, it's just that you don't have many gamers in here for that type game.

Hmm. That's pretty accurate. Just thought I'd throw it in for consideration, being as it was really good. And I hoped it would cast a different light on how they're perceived.

And I was actually addressing the posters that said it was relevant to this site.

 

[PennLady]

I was thinking as I read the OP that this sounds a lot like a Walking Dead app I've seen n the App Store. No surprise there, because any zombie or other apocalypse story that focuses on the survivors is going to share a few things thematically and otherwise.

For TheeGoatPig -- Walking Dead is an AMC TV following a group of people who survive a zombie apocalypse. And by surviving I mean, "have not yet turned into or been killed by zombies or killed by other people," because the zombie thing is still going on.

In TWD App, from what I read, you play someone who (as it sounds in SC's game) has to make decisions about what to do to survive and I think to protect someone. Sometimes this will involve (I assume) shooting zombies, and people, but that is not the sole goal of the game.

Can't say these are the types of games I'm interested in (I prefer trivia and puzzle games) but I certainly don't mind if others play them. And while I'm not going to blame video games for violence directly, I think that when we render violence as entertainment, when you are rewarded for violent behavior (and in games like GTA, I gather for illegal and violent behavior), then we have to expect that some people will be desensitized to it.

 

[slyc_willie]

Seeing that I am both an erotic author and I am going to school to get a degree in web-based gaming, I figure I should chime in.

I've seen quite a few interesting games with very good back stories. The much-hyped Defiance and another recent offering, Dishonored, are both filled with backstory. Just go online to SyFy.com and you'll find all sorts of additional storyline and details for Defiance. I haven't really gotten hooked into the show -- there's something missing from it, I just can't figure out what -- I am always impressed when a lot of work goes into the parts of a story we don't necessarily see.

More and more effort is being made to produce games that are not so much your classic arcade fare as they are immersive stories. Silent Hill had a very distinct, mature feel that freaked quite a few people out. It wasn't really a "game" as most people understand it, but an interactive story, a movie directed by the player. Definitely not for kids, although some ignorant parents allowed their kids to rent or buy it.

My main focus as I am designing my own game is to focus on the story as much as the gameplay. I've been taking cues from a couple of FTP online games -- Tera and Star Wars: The Old Republic -- which introduce rich stories and background elements. Absolutely one of the best console RPGs ever produced, which impressed anyone who played it, was Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. I never met anyone who played that who didn't freak out when they realized their character was actually the main villain. That kind of player involvement draws the line between just a cool game and a truly memorable, rewarding one.

 

[lovecraft68]

I can appreciate the talent of these people who write and design these games and everybody needs a hobby.

But it annoys me that people try to say these games are anything but a game. They teach nothing.

No matter how advanced the story you are following their story, going through their world and creating nothing. You are thinking nothing. They inspire nothing but a way to occupy your time.

Want though provoking or something that is fun, but a mental exercise as well?

Play old school D&D. When I say old school I mean none of the new online shit. I mean a set of hit dice some charts and a dungeon master describing the story and a circle of friends playing out the parts of characters and reacting to everything by visualizing the story and adding to it.

Now I am not saying that makes anyone a genius, but you did have to think and it did stretch the imagination and let creativity flow.

It wasn't a predetermined path you have to follow. Also half of these "smart" kids who "figure" the games out? Went out and bought the magazines that tell you how to beat the game.

And the connection here to writing is weak at best.

A couple of months ago the dojo put on a demonstration involving the pre teen class. They have "fights" but they are not spontaneous they are choreographed so the kids can show certain moves.

One demonstration involved one student being attacked by two others. The fight was not exactly realistic as one always held back while the kid fought the other, but it is for show.

I wrote down every move for them to follow and even a couple fo lines of crappy dialogue.

maybe I could post it and we could discuss it as a writing exercise.

I said it in another thread and I'll say it here. It is sickening that people post non writing threads here that belong in the GB under the guise of "they are mean there"