Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Last of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/#comments The Last of Us launches on June 14, simultaneously on Blu-ray and as a download through PSN. Those who choose the latter route on PS3 will find the game playable once the download has reached 50 percent, Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann has told Game Informer.

It's our first taste of PS4-esque functionality, just on the PS3 - as you'll recall, one of the major features touted by Sony is the ability to play games as they're downloaded. This is accomplished on the PS4 through the use of hardware dedicated to background downloading and processing.

Update: This is in regards to the PS3. We've added more clear language to that effect.

JoystiqLast of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnthe-last-of-usFri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/the-last-of-us-bricks-bottles-and-a-few-bullets/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/the-last-of-us-bricks-bottles-and-a-few-bullets/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/the-last-of-us-bricks-bottles-and-a-few-bullets/#commentsThe Last of Us preview When "survival" is trotted out as a game genre, it usually comes with implicit caveats. Developers often seem scared of the player, fearful of the controller-crushing outrage that surely results when a game constricts resources, punishes careless actions and dares to craft a deliberately unpleasant experience.

The Last of Us is a crafty, tense experience in which my attempts to attack bandits and disfigured creatures head-on usually resulted in a gruesome death. Upon starting a two-level demonstration of the game, I only had two bullets in my pistol - missing a headshot felt like a catastrophe. Surprise and caution enable success, just as cynical protagonist Joel constantly tells Ellie, a young girl who hasn't yet been turned dour by the terrible state of the world.

To grasp what's most important in The Last of Us, and what it might deem valuable in comparison to other games that blend stealth, scavenging and shooting, I asked Naughty Dog designer Ricky Cambier for some general survival strategies.

Gallery: The Last of Us (04/17/13)

Continue reading The Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets

JoystiqThe Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3the-last-of-usFri, 17 May 2013 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us does whatever it takes in second TV spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-last-of-us-does-whatever-it-takes-in-second-tv-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-last-of-us-does-whatever-it-takes-in-second-tv-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-last-of-us-does-whatever-it-takes-in-second-tv-spot/#comments
This video is the second TV spot Sony created for The Last of Us. The game is due out on June 14 for PS3

JoystiqThe Last of Us does whatever it takes in second TV spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3the-last-of-ustv-spotSun, 12 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/#commentsSony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil Sony has announced plans to build PlayStation 3 systems locally in Brazil. The consoles will be manufactured in Manaus by Sony Brasil Ltda., with the 250 GB version costing 1,099 Reals.

Major upcoming games The Last of Us and Grand Theft Auto 5 are getting localized releases in Brazilian Portuguese as well. A PlayStation 3 bundle featuring God of War: Ascension will hit stores in the region as part of the "Viva Em Estado Play" ("Living in a State of Play") marketing program in South America.

Sony says it's committed to investing in the local gaming development industry in Brazil, and Sony President Andrew House claims the manufacturing setup will "infuse the Brazilian economy with approximately $300 million over the next 12 months." As one more gesture of goodwill, the first ten consoles manufactured in Brazil will be given away to local gamers.

Continue reading Sony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil

JoystiqSony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brasilbrazilbusinessconsolesforca-brazilgrand-theft-auto-5industrylocalizationlocalizingmanufacturingmoneyplaystationportugeseps3sonythe-last-of-usTue, 07 May 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA['The Last of Us' PAL special editions showcased in trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/the-last-of-us-pal-special-editions-showcased-in-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/the-last-of-us-pal-special-editions-showcased-in-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/the-last-of-us-pal-special-editions-showcased-in-trailers/#comments
The PAL territories will have the option of two special editions for Naughty Dog's The Last of Us to pre-order.

The Joel and Ellie editions, both priced at €79.99, are mirror images of each other, focusing on either protagonist of the game. The sets include art book, wallpaper, comic, soundtrack and SackBoy/Girl for LittleBigPlanet.

The Joel video can be found above, with Ellie after the break.

Continue reading 'The Last of Us' PAL special editions showcased in trailers

Joystiq'The Last of Us' PAL special editions showcased in trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usWed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us dev diary tries to find beauty in a wasteland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-last-of-us-dev-diary-tries-to-find-beauty-in-a-wasteland/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-last-of-us-dev-diary-tries-to-find-beauty-in-a-wasteland/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-last-of-us-dev-diary-tries-to-find-beauty-in-a-wasteland/#comments
Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann likens the look of The Last of Us to "nature reclaiming its domain once we are gone."

JoystiqThe Last of Us dev diary tries to find beauty in a wasteland originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usWed, 10 Apr 2013 02:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Naughty Dog had to 'specifically request' female focus testers for The Last of Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/naughty-dog-had-to-specifically-request-female-focus-testers-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/naughty-dog-had-to-specifically-request-female-focus-testers-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/naughty-dog-had-to-specifically-request-female-focus-testers-f/#comments Naughty Dog hired a research firm to focus test The Last of Us, who then didn't bother to involve any women in the testing. "My big surprise during this process is that the research group wasn't planning on focus-testing female gamers," Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann told The Escapist. "It's something we had to specifically request. I hope this is a relic of the past that will soon go away."

Though it's tempting to say that's problematic for this particular game, the issue here isn't just that they were commissioned to gather feedback for a game with both male and female leads. The firm was commissioned to gather feedback for a game, which automatically means that its audience is not exclusively male. And focus testing that starts with a warped, unrepresentative group doesn't seem like it would result in useful data.

JoystiqNaughty Dog had to 'specifically request' female focus testers for The Last of Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focus-testingneil-druckmannplaystationps3the-last-of-usTue, 09 Apr 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us TV spot extends into a ferocious story trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-extends-into-a-ferocious-story-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-extends-into-a-ferocious-story-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-extends-into-a-ferocious-story-trailer/#comments
Sony took the short The Last of Us TV ad that aired on The Walking Dead's season finale, infused new life into it, and resurrected it as a full-blown story trailer. The Naughty Dog game looks to mix the studio's narrative focus with, as this trailer shows in brief cuts, some brutal-looking gameplay.

JoystiqThe Last of Us TV spot extends into a ferocious story trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3sony-computer-entertainmentthe-last-of-usTue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us TV spot infects the internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-infects-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-infects-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/the-last-of-us-tv-spot-infects-the-internet/#comments
The season finale of a zombie show seems like a good place to advertise The Last of Us, and Sony did just that during The Walking Dead.

JoystiqThe Last of Us TV spot infects the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usTue, 02 Apr 2013 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension enables The Last of Us demo May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/#comments Synergy! The demo for Naughty Dog's upcoming fungi-fueled survival game, The Last of Us, will be accessible on May 31, 2013, through copies of God of War: Ascension. The demo will be accessible through the front menu of God of War: Ascension, as Sony has previously revealed.

We've contacted Naughty Dog for further clarification as to whether this demo will ever be available to those without God of War: Ascension. The Last of Us was originally due on May 7, until it was pushed back to June 14 worldwide.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension enables The Last of Us demo May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionnaughty-dogplaystationps3psnsceathe-last-of-usFri, 08 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us on the horrors of echolocation and fungus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-last-of-us-explains-the-horrors-of-echo-location-and-fungus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-last-of-us-explains-the-horrors-of-echo-location-and-fungus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-last-of-us-explains-the-horrors-of-echo-location-and-fungus/#comments

It's difficult to be truly original in the broad universe of zombie-esque creatures, but the team at Naughty Dog gave it their darnedest with The Last of Us. Take a look at how the visual and audio styles came to life - and to death. Mostly death.

JoystiqThe Last of Us on the horrors of echolocation and fungus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usThu, 28 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us delayed to June 14 worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-last-of-us-delayed-to-june-14-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-last-of-us-delayed-to-june-14-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-last-of-us-delayed-to-june-14-worldwide/#comments The Last of Us is now scheduled to drop on June 14 around the world, delayed from its initial launch date of May 7. Developer Naughty Dog says it needs a few more weeks to polish the game, in a statement on the PlayStation Blog:

"As we entered the final phase of development for The Last of Us, we came to realise just how massive Joel and Ellie's journey is. But instead of cutting corners or compromising our vision, we came to the tough decision that the game deserved a few extra weeks to ensure every detail of The Last of Us was up to Naughty Dog's internal high standards.

"As a team we pride ourselves on setting a very high quality bar for every aspect of our games - gameplay, story, art, design, technology and more. We want to make sure The Last of Us raises that bar even further - for ourselves, and most importantly, our fans.

"The extra wait will be very short and your patience will be rewarded. Update your calendars. You won't even have to change seasons. The Last of Us will be available June 14, 2013. Until then, know that we will be working extremely hard to deliver an experience that matches your high expectations."

We found the demo for The Last of Us to be positively infectious.

JoystiqThe Last of Us delayed to June 14 worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DelayNaughty-Dogplaystationps3SONYthe-last-of-usWed, 13 Feb 2013 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Infectious sounds of terror in Naughty Dog's 'The Last of Us']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/infectious-sounds-of-terror-in-naughty-dogs-the-last-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/infectious-sounds-of-terror-in-naughty-dogs-the-last-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/infectious-sounds-of-terror-in-naughty-dogs-the-last-of-us/#comments Infectious sounds of terror in The Last of UsIn Naughty Dog's upcoming PS3 exclusive, The Last of Us, the narrative inspiration for the parasitic plague wreaking havoc on civilization is ripped from a segment in the BBC-produced documentary series, Planet Earth. The segment delves into the natural actions of a fungus known as "cordyceps." The fungus takes over an insect before it bursts from the host's body in an effort to spread its spores to other insects, wiping out colonies.

Though first assumed to be an undead army, the infected in The Last of Us are living humans. Each stage of the infection modifies their physical and mental capacity. People in the first stage of infection - referred to as Runners - know in their hearts and minds that their instinct to attack uninfected survivors is wrong, but they cannot control the impulse to harm life around them. Later stages of the infection offer encounters with more ghastly creatures. At stage three, the infection blinds hosts and turns them into 'Clickers,' agressors with faces bloomed in blood and gore. These enemies rely on echolocation to sniff out survivors, bellowing a haunting sound that serves as warning for survivors to remain completely still.

With these rules and languages, The Last of Us establishes a terrifying new universe to explore.

Gallery: The Last of Us (02/04/13)

Continue reading Infectious sounds of terror in Naughty Dog's 'The Last of Us'

JoystiqInfectious sounds of terror in Naughty Dog's 'The Last of Us' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usMon, 04 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension includes early access to The Last of Us demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/god-of-war-ascension-includes-early-access-to-the-last-of-us-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/god-of-war-ascension-includes-early-access-to-the-last-of-us-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/god-of-war-ascension-includes-early-access-to-the-last-of-us-de/#comments God of War Ascension includes early access to The Last of Us demoThe Blu-Ray of Total Recall came with a God of War: Ascension demo. Now the chain of demos continues: when you buy God of War Ascension, it will in turn come with a demo for The Last of Us.

The demo won't be on the disc when Ascension comes out May 7, but it will enable early access to the one-chapter sample of The Last of Us at a later date. "Just load the God of War: Ascension disc into your PS3 and find The Last of Us listing on the main menu," Eric Monacelli, Naughty Dog Community Strategist explained on the PlayStation Blog. "There, you'll find details on how you can obtain The Last of Us demo for free as soon as it becomes available."

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension includes early access to The Last of Us demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogod-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3the-last-of-usThu, 24 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us special editions in US all about Survival, Post-Pandemics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-special-editions-in-us-all-about-survival-post-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-special-editions-in-us-all-about-survival-post-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-special-editions-in-us-all-about-survival-post-p/#comments The Last of Us special editions in US all about Survival, PostPandemicsThe Last of Us doesn't want its special editions to feel lonely, so it has two for the US: the Survival Edition, available at retail and online for $80, and the Post-Pandemic Edition, which is GameStop-exclusive and runs $150.

The Survival Edition, pictured above, includes a hardcover art book and issue one of The Last of Us: American Dreams, complete with an exclusive variant cover, both from Dark Horse. It comes with a steelbook case featuring Ellie and Joel, and includes the Sights and Sounds DLC pack. Sights and Sounds comes with the game's original soundtrack from Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla, a dynamic theme for PS3, and the Winter Joel and Winter Ellie PSN avatars.

The Post-Pandemic Edition, shown below, is available only at GameStop, and it includes the steelbook case and American Dreams comic from the Survival Edition. The bulk of its price seems to come from a 12-inch statue of Joel and Ellie from Project Triforce, which has an estimated retail value of $200. Post-Pandemic comes with the Sights and Sounds DLC and the Survival multiplayer DLC pack (that's not confusing), which has bonus XP, a melee booster, in-game currency, customizable items, and bonus Ellie and Joel skins once the game is completed.

These both differ from the UK special editions of The Last of Us, also announced today.

Continue reading The Last of Us special editions in US all about Survival, Post-Pandemics

JoystiqThe Last of Us special editions in US all about Survival, Post-Pandemics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationpost-pandemic-editionps3special-editionsurvival-editionthe-last-of-usTue, 22 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us UK special editions come in Ellie, Joel flavors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-uk-special-editions-come-in-ellie-joel-flavors/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-uk-special-editions-come-in-ellie-joel-flavors/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-last-of-us-uk-special-editions-come-in-ellie-joel-flavors/#comments Last of Us Special editionsThe Last of Us gets the VIP treatment in the UK, where it has two, slightly different, retailer-exclusive special versions, the Ellie Edition and the Joel Edition. The Ellie Edition, pictured above, is available only at GAME, and includes a mini artbook, the first issue of Dark Horse's The Last of Us: American Dreams, the Survival multiplayer DLC pack, the Sights and Sounds DLC pack, a LittleBigPlanet Ellie skin, and the game package, collectable poster and Dualshock skin featuring Ellie's face.

The Joel Edition contains exactly the same things, but with Joel's face and skin (ew) instead of Ellie's; take a look at that version below. The Survival DLC pack includes bonus XP, a melee booster, in-game currency and customizable character items for multiplayer, and bonus Joel and Ellie skins after the single-player game is completed. The Sights and Sounds pack features the official soundtrack from Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla, a dynamic theme for PS3 and the Winter Joel and Ellie PSN avatars.

All pre-orders, from any retailer in the UK or US, get the Sights and Sounds DLC pack. Pre-orders from US GameStops and snag the Survival DLC, too.

Continue reading The Last of Us UK special editions come in Ellie, Joel flavors

JoystiqThe Last of Us UK special editions come in Ellie, Joel flavors originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ellie-editionjoel-editionNaughty-Dogplaystationps3special-editionthe-last-of-usTue, 22 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us behind the scenes vid shows how mo-cap becomes final copy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/the-last-of-us-behind-the-scenes-vid-shows-how-mo-cap-becomes-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/the-last-of-us-behind-the-scenes-vid-shows-how-mo-cap-becomes-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/the-last-of-us-behind-the-scenes-vid-shows-how-mo-cap-becomes-fi/#comments
This video for Naughty Dog's The Last of Us introduces the Tess character, played by Annie Wersching (Renee Walker in 24). It also neatly shows off the effects of what's required to get from motion-capture to final animation, and those bauble-dotted mo-cap suits which are always fun.

Gallery: The Last of Us (12/14/12)

JoystiqThe Last of Us behind the scenes vid shows how mo-cap becomes final copy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motion-capturenaughty-dogplaystationps3sony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usFri, 14 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us pre-order bonuses detailed, trailer unveiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-last-of-us-pre-order-bonuses-detailed-trailer-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-last-of-us-pre-order-bonuses-detailed-trailer-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-last-of-us-pre-order-bonuses-detailed-trailer-unveiled/#comments
Naughty Dog revealed the pre-order bonuses for The Last of Us this weekend, hot on the trail of the new trailer from the VGAs, which you can watch above. As for the pre-orders, they're split into the stuff all participating retailers are offering and the additional in-game content GameStop is bundling in.

All participating pre-orders include the game's official soundtrack, a PS3 dynamic theme based on the box art, and 'Winter Joel' and 'Winter Ellie' PSN avatars. That sounds perfect for a game confirmed for late spring - May 7, 2013, to be specific.

Pre-order at GameStop and you'll also get multiplayer goodies on top of the soundtrack, theme, and avatars. Those goodies include bonus XP, a melee attack booster, customizable character items, bonus skins, and a bit of extra in-game cash to help you on your way. Naughty Dog confirmed earlier this year that multiplayer would be coming to The Last of Us, but not in the form of campaign co-op.

JoystiqThe Last of Us pre-order bonuses detailed, trailer unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3SCEAsony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usvga-2012Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us finds a friend in all of us May 7, 2013 [update: video pulled]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-last-of-us-finds-a-friend-in-all-of-us-may-7-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-last-of-us-finds-a-friend-in-all-of-us-may-7-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-last-of-us-finds-a-friend-in-all-of-us-may-7-2013/#comments
The evil fungus of The Last of Us is among us on May 7, 2013. Check out the new trailer beyond the break!

Update: Sadly, this trailer's been pulled. We'll update this post (and the rest of our VGA 2012 posts with video) as soon as it's back up.

Continue reading The Last of Us finds a friend in all of us May 7, 2013 [update: video pulled]

JoystiqThe Last of Us finds a friend in all of us May 7, 2013 [update: video pulled] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3release-datethe-last-of-usvga-2012Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:39:00 EST<![CDATA[This Last of Us gameplay video lasts for a while]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/this-last-of-us-gameplay-video-lasts-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/this-last-of-us-gameplay-video-lasts-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/this-last-of-us-gameplay-video-lasts-for-a-while/#comments
During PAX, Naughty Dog publicly demonstrated the section of The Last of Us gameplay shown to press at E3, which was previously released in part here. Now you can see the fifteen-minute slice of (desperately clinging to) life for yourself, above.

Over fifteen minutes, you'll see some downtime movie talk, exploration of a run-down building, some stealth, and lots of fighting. You also see surprisingly little of the mutant monsters who have destroyed the world - their presence has required monstrous behavior from those not infected.

JoystiqThis Last of Us gameplay video lasts for a while originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogpax-2012playstationps3the-last-of-usWed, 05 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch The Last of Us from a dirty throne at PAX Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/watch-the-last-of-us-from-a-dirty-throne-at-pax-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/watch-the-last-of-us-from-a-dirty-throne-at-pax-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/watch-the-last-of-us-from-a-dirty-throne-at-pax-prime/#comments The Last of Us showing off a dirty bathroom at PAXAfter waiting in line for (probably) hours to catch a glimpse of The Last of Us at PAX Prime later this week, Naughty Dog will usher you into their special demo area: a bathroom. More specifically, demos for The Last of Us will be stationed in an area modeled after a bathroom featured in the game's announcement trailer. The Last of Us will not be playable, Naughty Dog confirmed to Joystiq.

If you get a chance to watch the demo, Naughty Dog is handing out exclusive t-shirts featuring survivors Ellie and Joel (see them after the break). In a PlayStation Blog post, Naughty Dog also revealed a gorgeous poster (seen above) developed by artist Alexander Iaccarino from That Kid Who Draws, that will be given away to PAX attendees.

Game director Bruce Straley will be at the PlayStation booth (#222) on Saturday, September 1, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 2, from 11:00am to 12:00pm to sign posters.

Continue reading Watch The Last of Us from a dirty throne at PAX Prime

JoystiqWatch The Last of Us from a dirty throne at PAX Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PAX-Prime-2012playstationps3the-last-of-usMon, 27 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us and the process of creating a cutscene]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-of-us-and-the-process-of-creating-a-cutscene/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-of-us-and-the-process-of-creating-a-cutscene/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/the-last-of-us-and-the-process-of-creating-a-cutscene/#comments
It's quite the process to create a cutscene in The Last of Us - from the animators to the actors doing the motion-capture to the end result in-game, it takes a lot of effort. Developer Naughty Dog has given us a behind-the-scenes look at how one scene in particular was made, which is, to be quite frank, equal parts fascinating and daunting.

But, hey, if all this insight isn't your thing, then at least you get to watch people run around in funny suits. There's got to be some value in that, right?

Continue reading The Last of Us and the process of creating a cutscene

JoystiqThe Last of Us and the process of creating a cutscene originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationgamescom-2012motion-capturenaughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usWed, 15 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Gamescom media megapost: The Last of Us, Assassins Creed: Liberation and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sony-gamescom-media-megapost-the-last-of-us-assassins-creed-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sony-gamescom-media-megapost-the-last-of-us-assassins-creed-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sony-gamescom-media-megapost-the-last-of-us-assassins-creed-l/#comments Sony Gamescom media megapost The Last of Us, LBP Vita and Karting, AC3 Liberation and more
Welcome friend, to Joystiq's Sony Trailer and Gallery Wildlife Preserve. Here, you will find trailers for upcoming Sony games and/or games exclusive to Sony systems, cohabiting in a forced amalgamation of their natural habitats.

Take for instance, The Last of Us' Gamescom trailer, chilling majestically above like a panther stalking its pray. Or perhaps, take a trip through the reserve's front gates and take a gander at LittleBigPlanet Vita and LittleBigPlanet Karting, Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation, Tokyo Jungle, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and the Vita's suite of AR card games, all from the safety of your own virtual Jeep.

Continue reading Sony Gamescom media megapost: The Last of Us, Assassins Creed: Liberation and more

JoystiqSony Gamescom media megapost: The Last of Us, Assassins Creed: Liberation and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARAssassins-Creed-3-LiberationGamescom-2012littlebigplanet-kartinglittlebigplanet-vitaplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sly-cooper-thieves-in-timeSonythe-last-of-ustokyo-junglevitaTue, 14 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nate Wells leaves Irrational Games for Naughty Dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/nate-wells-leaves-irrational-games-for-naughty-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/nate-wells-leaves-irrational-games-for-naughty-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/nate-wells-leaves-irrational-games-for-naughty-dog/#comments BioShock Infinite art director Nate Wells just left Irrational Games, and today he's revealed it's for a new gig at Santa Monica-based Naughty Dog. Wells announced the news on Twitter earlier today, though didn't say much more beyond that - it's unknown whether or not he'll have any hand in Naughty Dog's next game, The Last of Us.

Wells was one of three high-profile vacancies at Irrational Games last week, which was soon followed by one high-profile hire: Epic Games alumnus Rod Fergusson. In a follow-up piece, Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine commented on Wells' departure and BioShock Infinite's new art director, Scott Sinclair.

JoystiqNate Wells leaves Irrational Games for Naughty Dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-directorIrrational-Gamesnate-wellsnaughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usMon, 13 Aug 2012 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch The Last of Us Comic-Con panel without waiting in line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/watch-the-last-of-us-comic-con-panel-without-waiting-in-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/watch-the-last-of-us-comic-con-panel-without-waiting-in-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/watch-the-last-of-us-comic-con-panel-without-waiting-in-line/#comments
Watch The Last of Us ComicCon panel without waiting in line

Naughty Dog waxed poetic about The Last of Us in front of a packed panel room at San Diego Comic-Con, sharing design processes and story hints, and you now have a front-row seat (which is more than we can say when we were actually there).

We've already covered the new character announcement, a cranky old man with a familiar name and face. In the above video creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley discuss the intricacies of post-apocalyptic survival with Joel and Ellie, while actors Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson and W. Earl Brown talk performance capture.

JoystiqWatch The Last of Us Comic-Con panel without waiting in line originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2012Naughty-Dogplaystationps3SDCC-2012the-last-of-usWed, 18 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Bill, the grizzled elderly gentleman in The Last of Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/meet-bill-the-grizzled-elderly-gentleman-in-the-last-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/meet-bill-the-grizzled-elderly-gentleman-in-the-last-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/meet-bill-the-grizzled-elderly-gentleman-in-the-last-of-us/#comments Meet Bill, the grizzled elderly gentleman in The Last of Us
Bill's doing fine on his own ... then Ellie and Joel come busting through his boobytraps, calling on old favors for him to piece together a workable vehicle. Like so many characters we've seen in The Last of Us, Bill isn't what we'd call "all there." The end of society will do that to a man, it seems.

JoystiqMeet Bill, the grizzled elderly gentleman in The Last of Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billnaughty-dogplaystationps3san-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2012sceasdcc-2012sony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usMon, 16 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us adds another survivor, Bill the angry old man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/the-last-of-us-adds-another-survivor-bill-the-angry-old-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/the-last-of-us-adds-another-survivor-bill-the-angry-old-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/the-last-of-us-adds-another-survivor-bill-the-angry-old-man/#comments The Last of Us adds another survivor, Bill the angry old manBill is a new character in The Last of Us, set as a supporting actor in Joel and Ellie's main storyline, Naughty Dog announced at its San Diego Comic-Con panel. The first look at Bill, who is portrayed via performance capture by William Earl Brown, shows him as a crotchety, tough old man with a safe house that Ellie and Joel break into, apparently setting off all kinds of booby traps along the way.

The introductory cinematic cutscene suggests Joel and Bill have a history, and as is expected for the game, it's a relationship based mainly on four-letter words and raised voices. The scene sets Joel and Ellie up to scavenge around the town for parts so Bill can build a car for the main duo's escape.

We assume that earlier in his life, Bill helped another group of lost souls survive a zombie apocalypse. He's surprisingly nice for a mean old man.

JoystiqThe Last of Us adds another survivor, Bill the angry old man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usw-earl-brownFri, 13 Jul 2012 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony plans Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, PS All-Stars panels for SDCC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/sony-plans-last-of-us-beyond-two-souls-ps-all-stars-panels-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/sony-plans-last-of-us-beyond-two-souls-ps-all-stars-panels-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/sony-plans-last-of-us-beyond-two-souls-ps-all-stars-panels-fo/#comments Sony plans Last of Us, Beyond Two Souls, PS AllStars panels for SDCCSony has rounded up everything it's is doing at the San Diego Comic Con next week, and between the panels, the announcements, and various playable game on the floor, there's a lot going down. The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls (which each made a big splash at E3) are getting panels of their own, while The Unfinished Swan panel will show off the upcoming game's art. The PlayStation All-Stars panel will reveal two more playable characters for the upcoming cross-franchise beatdown.

Additionally, the GT Academy National Finals will be taking place near the convention center in the Gaslight District, complete with a chance for passers-by to join the tournament at the last minute. There'll be plenty of demos on the show floor too, including quite a few PS Vita games. Joystiq will, of course, be in attendance at the show this year, and we'll bring you every crumb of Comic-Con news we can find.

JoystiqSony plans Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, PS All-Stars panels for SDCC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>last-of-usplaystationplaystation-all-starsplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspsan-diego-comic-consdcc-2012sonythe-last-of-usvitaWed, 04 Jul 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us multi isn't campaign co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-last-of-us-multi-isnt-campaign-co-op/#comments The multiplayer portion of The Last of Us will not be campaign co-op, Naughty Dog recently told Gaming Examiner. The possibility of cooperative play hasn't been ruled out entirely, as the developer noted, "We're not ready to talk about the details of how multiplayer will be implemented, however we can say that it is not co-op within the main campaign."

It's still possible we'll see cooperative play offered in discreet episodes, as Naughty Dog did with the Uncharted series. Of course, there's the possibility for adversarial multiplayer as well, though that seems a bit ... inappropriate given the heavy subject matter in The Last of Us.

JoystiqThe Last of Us multi isn't campaign co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opmultiplayernaughty-dogplaystationps3sceasony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usThu, 28 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us tops E3 Game Critics Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-last-of-us-tops-e3-game-critics-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-last-of-us-tops-e3-game-critics-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-last-of-us-tops-e3-game-critics-awards/#comments Game Critics Awards weenarsOf the games shown at E3, The Last of Us has been named the best of them, according to the Game Critics Awards, the honors given to games by a shadowy secret cabal of attending journalists. Naughty Dog's survival game earned "Best of Show," "Best Original Game," "Best Console Game," and "Best Action/Adventure Game," along with a "Special Commendation for Sound."

There were a few awards that went to other games, surprisingly. Among the other big winners were the Wii U for Best Hardware, Dance Central 3 for Best Social/Casual Game and Best Motion Simulation Game, and Sound Shapes for Best Handheld/Mobile Game.

Continue reading The Last of Us tops E3 Game Critics Awards

JoystiqThe Last of Us tops E3 Game Critics Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012game-critics-awardskinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3the-last-of-usvitawii-uxboxTue, 26 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us not hitting (or shooting, or sneaking) until 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/the-last-of-us-not-hitting-or-shooting-or-sneaking-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/the-last-of-us-not-hitting-or-shooting-or-sneaking-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/the-last-of-us-not-hitting-or-shooting-or-sneaking-until-2013/#comments The Last of Us not hitting or shooting, or sneaking until 2013
The last we heard about The Last of Us arriving at retail, it was pinned to "late 2012/early 2013." That date seemingly shifted to a less definitive "2013" recently, as Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley told Jimmy Fallon as much on last night's Late Night.

The Naughty Dog duo also gave Fallon a personal walkthrough of the gameplay we saw back at E3, with 100 percent fewer swears and 100 percent more Jimmy Fallon commentary. If you're into that kinda thing, we've got it above.

JoystiqThe Last of Us not hitting (or shooting, or sneaking) until 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruce-Straleydelayjimmy-fallonlate-night-with-jimmy-fallonnaughty-dogneil-druckmannplaystationps3release-datesceasony-computer-entertainment-americathe-last-of-usThu, 14 Jun 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us E3 demo video is brutal, bloody]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/the-last-of-us-e3-demo-video-is-brutal-bloody/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/the-last-of-us-e3-demo-video-is-brutal-bloody/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/the-last-of-us-e3-demo-video-is-brutal-bloody/#comments The Last of Us E3 demo video
Sony showed off a gameplay demo of The Last of Us today, demonstrating the stopping power of bullets and desk corners alike. This demo closed out Sony's E3 press conference today, and it did so with -- wait for it -- quite a bang.

Like, a head bang. Against a desk. Get it?

JoystiqThe Last of Us E3 demo video is brutal, bloody originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012playstationps3SONYthe-last-of-usMon, 04 Jun 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Troy Baker, the industry's 'new' Nolan North]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/troy-baker-the-industrys-new-nolan-north/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/troy-baker-the-industrys-new-nolan-north/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/troy-baker-the-industrys-new-nolan-north/#comments ImageIf you've spotted the assassin Kai Leng in Mass Effect 3, roamed the streets of Steelport spitting hot lead and one-liners as the voice of 'Male Caucasian 1' in Saints Row: The Third, or pillaged dungeons with the Scoundrel as your ally in Diablo 3, you're familiar with the industry's newest voice actor all star: Troy Baker.

Before his voice was featured in countless big budget video games, Baker's career was focused on music, playing in the indie-rock band Tripp Fontaine. Though Baker says music "came naturally" to him, he knew his life would revolve around some form of entertainment. "I knew from when I left my mother's womb that I was going to be a performer," Baker tells Joystiq.

Around 2004, Baker "stumbled" into doing car commercials, which led to a chance encounter that would shift his entire career focus. "Since we were doing album work at the same studio, it was just right place right time. So I started doing commercial work, and met Christopher Sabat who plays Vegeta in Dragonball Z." Soon he was cast in a slew of minor roles throughout the anime and video game world: various iterations of Dragonball Z, bit parts in Lupin III, roles in One Piece, Bloodrayne 2 and Mega Man X: Command Mission. Things started to explode, and did so with a sonic boom when he was cast as the memorable Frank Archer in Fullmetal Alchemist.

He was working frequently and with passion, but Baker's next big break came from another happenstance situation: being friends with a Gearbox Software employee.

Continue reading Troy Baker, the industry's 'new' Nolan North

JoystiqTroy Baker, the industry's 'new' Nolan North originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioShock-InfiniteProfileThe-Last-of-UsTroy-BakerWed, 30 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us demo offers a first look at Naughty Dog's direction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-last-of-us-demo-offers-a-first-look-at-naughty-dogs-directi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-last-of-us-demo-offers-a-first-look-at-naughty-dogs-directi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-last-of-us-demo-offers-a-first-look-at-naughty-dogs-directi/#comments ImageDespite being a huge bummer for everyone involved, the end of the world can at least be counted on as a magnanimous source of drama and spectacle. Naughty Dog's latest game, The Last of Us, aims to leverage the studio's sophisticated technology and credible presentation to forge a more intense connection between players and their on-screen avatars. If it succeeds, your actions will stem from the same paranoia, hesitation and fierce bravery coming from Joel and Ellie, two survivors of modern civilization's mysterious closure.

Continue reading The Last of Us demo offers a first look at Naughty Dog's direction

JoystiqThe Last of Us demo offers a first look at Naughty Dog's direction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DemoNaughty-Dogplaystationps3SCEASONYthe-last-of-usWed, 16 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take the scenic route through this The Last of Us trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/#comments Image
Even in the post-apocalyptic setting of The Last of Us, safety comes first when driving. Buckle that seat belt, Ellie!

JoystiqTake the scenic route through this The Last of Us trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usTue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us screens showcase the rest of us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/the-last-of-us-screens-showcase-the-rest-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/the-last-of-us-screens-showcase-the-rest-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/the-last-of-us-screens-showcase-the-rest-of-us/#comments Beyond Jack and Ellie, there are clearly some other folks in Naughty Dog's upcoming post-pandemic project The Last of Us. Folks, it would seem from the images below, who are either about to get smashed with bricks or are about to hit someone else with a beam.

Continue reading The Last of Us screens showcase the rest of us

JoystiqThe Last of Us screens showcase the rest of us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3sceasony-computer-entertainment-americasony-santa-monicathe-last-of-usMon, 05 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us combat forces you to think through the situation, devs say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/the-last-of-us-combat-forces-you-to-think-through-the-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/the-last-of-us-combat-forces-you-to-think-through-the-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/the-last-of-us-combat-forces-you-to-think-through-the-situation/#comments Naughty Dog is looking to make The Last of Us the most realistic fungal-zombie-apocalypse game ever created. Game director Bruce Straley and creative director Neil Druckmann let slip a few details about combat mechanics in a video interview with Game Informer: Health will not automatically regenerate; Ellie, your AI companion, will be intelligent enough to throw bricks and other materials at your enemies, and she won't break your "stealth" mode; and it may include Uncharted-esque playable cinematics, but in more intimate environments.

Straley and Druckmann discuss combat moments as part strategy, part shooter, and say they're infusing the title with realistic reactions from NPCs and the protagonist alike. Watch the entire interview here.

JoystiqThe Last of Us combat forces you to think through the situation, devs say originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aicombatfungusNaughty-Dogplaystationps3SCEASONYthe-last-of-uszombiesMon, 13 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More The Last of Us story details emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/#comments Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley spent some time discussing The Last of Us' two main characters, its world and the changes that world has undergone in a video interview with Game Informer. The game is set 20 years after an apocalyptic fungal outbreak has decimated human society; what little humanity still exists has been relegated to military-controlled quarantine zones that operate under a brutal martial law.

Joel, our grizzled protagonist, is a black-market jack-of-all-trades in his late 40s, emotionally broken by the catastrophe and living his daily life at the edges of his waning moral boundaries. He is contracted by an unknown third party to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie outside of the quarantine zone she was born in, and as events unfold the pair find themselves trapped in the wilds of the dystopian, fungal zombie-filled wastelands, unable to return to the (relative) safety of the military zones.

Despite how jaded he has become, Joel cannot abandon Ellie to the ruins of the world, prompting an all-or-nothing expedition to a secret safe haven beyond the military's grasp. Sounds kind of like Resident Evil 4 meets The Dark Crystal meets the Will Smith version of I Am Legend. Consider our interest thoroughly piqued.

JoystiqMore The Last of Us story details emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationplotlineps3storythe-last-of-usThu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Naughty Dog considered new Jak & Daxter game, but decided on The Last of Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/naughty-dog-considered-new-jak-and-daxter-game-but-decided-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/naughty-dog-considered-new-jak-and-daxter-game-but-decided-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/naughty-dog-considered-new-jak-and-daxter-game-but-decided-on-the/#comments Before deciding on the post-apocalyptic survival adventure The Last of Us, Naughty Dog considered putting its team to work on a game starring a more familiar duo: Jak & Daxter. According to a Game Informer interview (quoted by VG247), Naughty Dog looked into a new Jak & Daxter game on PS3. "I don't know if this is going to make [fans] happy or sad," but we did explore the idea fairly extensively," company co-president Evan Wells said. "Something that we talked about early on was, 'Lets go back and apply what we've learned with the Uncharted games to Jak & Daxter.'"

Wells and the team realized, however, that an experimental Jak game wouldn't satisfy the fans, and working on a game like its predecessors wouldn't satisfy Naughty Dog. "We would end up limiting the direction that the company had this passion for while simultaneously not creating the game that fans wanted," he said. "We just realised we were going to just do everybody a disservice. So at that point, the conversations started to move in a new direction."

Wells suggested the possibility that the Uncharted team could work on the series. "I guess there's a possibility the Uncharted team could move on to Jak & Daxter. "It's still up in the air, but I wouldn't think that's going to happen because I think we'd run into all of the same problems with that team that we did with this team."

JoystiqNaughty Dog considered new Jak & Daxter game, but decided on The Last of Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evan-wellsjak-and-daxternaughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usMon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/#comments
How can you tell Naughty Dog is serious about the infectious danger in The Last of Us? Because while Uncharted's Nathan Drake made the half-tuck famous, Last of Us' Joel has apparently gone full untuck in these screenshots over on Game Informer. Not. Kidding. Around.

Elsewhere in the screenshots, we can see that part of the game takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so steel yourself for that (sorry). Weapons will break after being used in combat, so part of the challenge in wandering around the lush world is just staying armed. And that girl in the image above is Ellie, a teenager who will be following Joel around for part of his journey. Naughty Dog is working hard on her AI, and says she won't require a lot of micro-management while being escorted.

Game Informer promises 20 images of the game in its upcoming issue, but you can head to the website right now to see the other two shots on display. Full untuck, guys!

JoystiqThe Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elliefull-untuckjoellast-of-usnaughty-dogplaystationps3sonythe-last-of-usThu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST