Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exceptional storytelling, but lots of violence, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
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The Last of Us
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 59 parent reviews
Parents say that this game is a powerful and emotional experience that combines intense violence and strong language with a deeply engaging storyline and character development. While some reviewers believe it is suitable for mature teens, others emphasize that the game's graphic content may not be appropriate for younger players and should be approached with caution based on individual maturity levels.
- emotional impact
- intense violence
- strong language
- character development
- recommend for mature teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 154 kid reviews
Kids say that the game is a masterpiece with a gripping narrative and complex characters, which is often described as one of the best they’ve ever played. However, many reviews highlight the excessive violence, strong language, and some inappropriate content, suggesting it may be suitable primarily for mature teens aged 13 and up, with parental guidance advised for younger players.
- masterful storytelling
- excessive violence
- strong language
- mature themes
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
THE LAST OF US takes place in the near future, after most of the earth's population has been decimated by a deadly viral outbreak. Mother Earth has reclaimed much of the planet, growing over many of the streets and buildings. As player, you must try to survive in this post-pandemic world. You play as a hardened middle-aged man, Joel, who vows to protect a 14-year-old girl, Ellie, from a number of threats -- including bandits with no regard for human life and zombie-like mutants who attack unprovoked. Joel protects Ellie as they make their way across the United States.
Is It Any Good?
This game is by far the best title to debut in 2013, and possibly one of the most engaging, entertaining and emotionally invested titles in a very long while -- but be aware it's rated "Mature" for graphic violence. Naughty Dog's talented designers and developers crafted a thrill ride that fuses clever combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration -- all tied together by a great story with well-written dialogue, excellent voice acting, and characters you genuinely care about. This is no easy feat for a game to nail all of these points, not to mention others like great pacing, tight controls, and high production values including near-photorealistic graphics and top-notch sound effects and music. When you've finished the solo campaign, multiplayer options add to the game's replayability. If you're 17 years of age or older and enjoy story-driven action games, don't pass on The Last of Us -- you won't find a better disc to sink your time and money into.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence. Naughty Dog's The Last of Us might have a lot of violence, but it's clear the protagonists don't want to engage in these confrontations if they can avoid them. Does that make the violence more palatable? Does it matter that Joel is protecting young Ellie from harm? Or is the game as bad as others that let you kill, virtually, for enjoyment?
How does the quest across the country in The Last of Us stand out from other apocalyptic titles? Does it feel similar to other games or movies? Is it significantly different? Why?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 3
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , using supporting evidence , Social Studies : events , exploration , government , Science : ecosystems and the environment , electricity , plants
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , decision-making , solving puzzles , Self-Direction : achieving goals , personal growth , work to achieve goals , Emotional Development : handling stress , moving beyond obstacles , persevering , Collaboration : meeting challenges together , teamwork , Creativity : imagination , Responsibility & Ethics : learning from consequences
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : June 14, 2013
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : January 3, 2026
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