The Last of Us is one the most highly anticipated titles of the year. Recently, select members of the media got a chance to play the 30 minute demo first shown at a Playstation event in Hollywood last week, revealing new details about the gameplay.
We also have a video featuring new gameplay as well as some new screens and concept art for the upcoming survival action title (via Polygon, All Games Beta).
In the new screenshots and video we get a closer look at the infected enemies Joel and Ellie will be going up against as well as another brief look at the setting. The 30 minute demo starts off in rainy Boston where, according to creative leads Neil Druckman and Bruce Straley, Joel and Tess conduct business as gun, drugs and ration smugglers. The two also smuggle humans, which is how Ellie falls into the story.
A fungus has turned many humans into deadly beasts. These beasts, as we have seen in the footage, come in two types, Clickers and Runners. Runners are humans who have recently been infected and aren’t blind yet, they are known to chase you relentlessly and work in teams.
As the fungus’ effects begin to set in, the individual becomes a Clicker. In this state the face explodes into the gross mushroom shaped deformity we have seen previously from the game. Clickers are blind they use echolocation to hone in on Joel. According to Polygon, who went hands on with the demo, being attacked by a Clicker is “essentially instant death.”
Joel has something called “Listen Mode” at his disposal. This is a way for him to focus and hear the sounds on the infected. In this mode visualizations allow Joel to zero in on the groans and footsteps the Clickers make, allowing him to basically “see” through walls.
Inventory management will also be a big part of the experience. Joel will make use of a gun but will have limited access to ammo. Players will have to make use of various environmental objects like bricks and planks of wood to stay alive. He also is able to sneak behind unsuspecting enemies and deliver a deadly choke or shiv attack to the neck.
There is also a strong focus on crafting. For example, if Joel finds scissors and some tape he can craft a make-shift knife. He then rifles through his back-pack putting together the item. Everything is make shift in the game including First Aid Kits and Molotov Cocktails, according to Polygon.
Check out the new gameplay footage and screens below. The Last of Us hits stores on May 7 exclusively for the Playstation 3.
Craig Hunter – who has written 1159 posts on The Jace Hall Show.
Craig Hunter is a main contributor for the Jace Hall Show and has been an avid gamer for over 15 years. He also freelances for a number of websites and magazines covering mobile products and emerging technologies.

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