LO3 The Last of Us - Magazine Review

The Last of Us Game Review 10/10

This isn’t just a game you’re playing, it’s a way of life, and it’s a defining moment in the evolution of human kind. If you have played this game, well done your part of the master race and if not, what are you waiting for? This game has redefined the whole genre and dare I say it, the whole gaming platform itself. I would go as far as saying that Naughty Dog is ‘the’ best game developing company out there.  The game has many extraordinary aspects to it, but by far the best is the storyline. The storyline is essential to the gameplay and the story’s development; it allows you to truly connect with the characters and gives you an out of world experience. The Last of Us has completely reinvented the Action-adventure and survival horror genres.

20 years into a post-pandemic future, ridden of disease and treachery. Has the world given up? No they are still fighting, fighting for hope and freedom, led by the Fireflies, we, the protagonist are smuggling the last hope out of a city on full lock down. Good luck. You will travel all across a dystopian united states to deliver the cure and extract a vaccine. Oh did I mention that the cure is a 14 year old girl called Ellie, “mature beyond her years”, determined, selfless and a sharp shooter. Joel, a broken, closed off to the world around him. As most adults have been wiped out, Joel a survivor of the post-apocalyptic world, he has a clear view of the broken world before the change. Ellie and Joel are encountered by many friends and foes across their journey, acquiring new weapons and traits as they go.

This game has completely made Naughty Dog stand out and fight it out with the bigger rival companies, showing them whose boss. Compared to other games developed by the company, including Uncharted’s action packed story, The Last of Us has all aspects to be a perfect game; a heart gripping story, characters that the audience can connect with, beautiful scenery; some would say ruined by the mass amount of flesh eating infected, I say it adds to the atmosphere. The settings and scenery really helps to add to the immensely immersive narrative. Originally the game was produced for the PlayStation 3 system, but then was remastered for the PlayStation 4 system, not much had changed apart from the graphics being refined. This game would appeal to the target audience being fans of the genre and teenager, as it contains all the stylistic conventions of the genre and has a compelling narrative.

The only insult I could possibly aim at the game, which wouldn’t even shatter its impenetrable reputation; is that NPC’s in the game *cough* Ellie *cough* aimlessly run around, and literally requests piggybacks from cold blooded, psycho killers; making the element of stealth both a challenge and an ironic joke. The only other aspect I would critique is the fact that there aren’t many playable characters, apart from Ellie and Joel being the most memorable characters of all gaming history; it would be nice if they released a DLC for the game investing more of the story into characters such as Tess and Marlene. As Tess was killed off in somewhat of quick manner, leaving something of her character development to be desired, although she could be condescending and bossy at the best of times, it would be interesting to find out how she met Joel and delve into that story line. Talking about NPC’s Bill was a very memorable character remaining forever in my mind; he was downright rude, emotionless and shut off, a perfect representation of what everyone should be like in these circumstances. But I will always remember him for his warm embrace towards other people “Once upon a time, I had somebody that I cared about… It was a partner. Somebody I had to look after. And in this world, that sort of shits good for one thing; gettin’ you killed.” Did I mention he may or not be a violent sociopath.

The game overall is one of the best games I've played. I would heavily recommend this to anyone that has a console and opposable thumbs. Even if you've never played games before, pick this one up and have a go.

LO2 Comparison of Platforms

Dark Souls II Review

Play 237 – Matt Edwards

• Genre – Strategy

• Target Audience – Caters for large audiences. People that have played the previous Souls games.
• Narrative - Briefly mentions.

• Characters – Four different classes; The Warrior with a shield and sword, the sorcerer with a smaller shield and thrusting sword with the added bonus of spells, The Temple Guard with a compromise of melee and magic with his shield, axe, halberd and collection of miracles, Dual Swordsman with dual swords with heightened mobility. Contains a combat system that feels very weighted and more laboured than the previous game. Especially when it comes to the Warrior class being described as “Untameable.

• Gameplay – Similar gameplay to Dark Souls I.

• Platforms – PlayStation 3

• Personal Recommendations – Made recommendations for Dark Souls. Armoured Core.

Online Video Review - Games Radar - http://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-2-review/

• Genre – doesn’t mention the genre of the game, possibly because this video is optional and you need to search directly for this game therefore you should already know what genre it is.

• Target Audience – If you’re watching the video review, then you’re more likely to be the target audience of the game, therefore they don’t need to explain it. Where as in the magazine it’s more generalised as there are a more diverse selection of games.

• Narrative – You’ve been newly bred as an undead and you’re exploring the kingdom of Drangleic of hopes of breaking the curse and restoring your humanity. Lore and more into the story is found with item descriptions and through NPC’s dialogue.

• Characters – Bosses designs can sometimes be underwhelming because they just look like “normal sized dudes in huge armour”

• Gameplay – Enough changes from Dark Souls I to make it slightly different, captures the essence of the original. Gameplay is very challenging and rewarding. Makes you memories the attack patterns of enemies and the hidden items. Gameplay is a mix between Demon Souls and Dark Souls as in there is a hub, your home town called Majula. More branching paths, more route options than previous games to make sure if you’re struggling with a boss you’ve got something else to do. Paths are very complex and have a lot of environmental varieties. Bosses are sometimes overwhelming and seemed like they are thrown at you. Bosses were sometimes underwhelming as in they don’t have much technical physicality’s. You can change your character mid-game to make your characters traits more suitable or to equip important and helpful items. Allows you to hold a torch in your other hand, allows exploring of darker areas and gives you more of a grip on enemies and bearings in darker areas. Interesting level design and bosses. A new feature has been added to the game making it possible to warp between bonfires/ checkpoints, makes the manoeuvrability much easier.

• Personal Recommendations – Dark Souls I

Over all thoughts

The online video review was able to be much more open about their opinions, discuss the negatives and positives of the game. Whereas the magazine review had to be much more formal and couldn’t comment on their opinion as much and focused on the details of the game. The video review contained a lot of gameplay about the bosses and various area's as they were being mentioned through out the video, where as the magazines images weren't especially of relevance apart from the diagrams showing the different classes. The online video review went into much more detail than the magazine, as the online video review was specifically for that game on that web page, where as the magazine was for a wide variety of games and therefore couldn't go into immense detail in every game. The online video review similarly to the magazine review able to talk about the differences and similarities between the souls games and make judgments about the fighting styles and game mechanics within the games. Both reviews went into detail on the fighting mechanics and into each class and its capabilities, talking about the advantages and disadvantages of both.

The reason why the magazine had to be more formal and less critical is because it has a specific audience which is subscribed to them and has to please them and advise them about the games that they should buy, also the magazine could be sponsored or being funded by the games they review and therefore have to be more careful on what they say. Where as the online review was specifically there to state their opinion and criticisms about the game, e.g. when they described the warrior class as "Untameable" and when they stated some of the bosses looked like “normal sized dudes in huge armour” . The online review didn't even mention the genre of the game, possibly because the video is optional and you'd have to search specifically for that review of the game and therefore should already know the basics about the game including the genre. The magazine review had stated the genre and the game mechanics etc. because it has to inform the reader specifically on what they should be getting if they buy the game.

The online review was able to spoil some story plots and key moments in the game, as their audience is targeted at people that have already played the game or a game in the series. They talked in depth about the challenges, design and individual bosses in the game. The magazine review stated the platform that the game was available on again because they have to inform their audience on all the details about the games, including genre and platforms that the game is available on. Both games made personal recommendations towards the other games in the Souls series being Dark Souls and Demon Souls. As both reviews as aimed at a wide audience, the specified readers are people that have played the previous instalments in the series and are able to make the connections along with the writers. To conclude both reviews both the magazine review and online video review went into detail into the aspects of the game and the game mechanics etc. but only the online video review was able to state their opinion clearly, whether positive or negative.

• http://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-2-review/

LO1 Game Analysis of Fallout 4 - 9/10

Fallout 4 - Tested on the PlayStation 4 Platform

The genre of Fallout 4 is open world, action role-playing. The game can be changed from first person to third person by the press of a button. It shows stylistic conventions of the genre by including action with guns and violence, a whole array of weapons to choose from. Also you are able to take control of the protagonist and immerse yourself in that storyline. Compared to other games within the genre, it differs quite a bit, the narrative is more directed and clear.

The narrative of the game is that the protagonist has been the victim of a nuclear fallout world, as the nuclear bombs were dropped him and his family were evacuated underground where they were frozen for over 200 years. But his child was abducted and his wife murdered, your task is to now wander the post-apocalyptic lands full of nuclear fallout and mutated creatures and brain rotten ghouls to search for your son, Shaun.  Your other main objective is to lead the minutemen, and recruit a new group. The story heavily informs the gameplay, it affects how your health works, and part of your health bar is depleted if you come into contact with anything radioactive. It also affects the scenery and background that the character is travelling across, full of rusted vehicles and infected rivers. It also affects the characters drive and ambition to survive, the reason why you’re scouring the lands. The narrative affects how you approach new characters; it makes you cautious and uneasy around them in case they are hostile. The story directly connects with the target audience being fans of the role playing genre, this game allows you to indulge yourself in the immersive narrative of the protagonist and escape reality.

Fallout was originally created by Interplay Entertainment, but now Bethesda Softworks now own the right to produce all the games. Its setting is atom-punk retro-futuristic and the artwork is influenced by the post-war culture of 1950’s America. The game was published by Bethesda Softworks. Unlike the previous two titles of Fallout, Fallout 4 didn’t use the Gamebyro engine, but used the Creation Engine previously used in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game runs at 1080p and 30 frames per second. The production of the movement of the character was enhanced to make combat smoother. Elements such as game mechanics manage to enhance gameplay by making it seem more realistic and easier to control, it makes combat smoother and jumping and running more realistic.

Characters are extremely relevant to the target audience, as seen as the target audience is fans of the genre, action-role playing, it is very important that the character development and personalities and portrayed perfectly in order for the audience to immerse themselves in the game. The more interesting and the more their relevance to the story line, the more the players will connect with them. The characterisation matches the conventions of the genre by having characters that are; driven, developed and immersive. In terms of the strength of the characters, they are very original and developed and very strong in that respect. Some of the main characters are; the Protagonist, Shaun, Sturges, Codsworth, Mama Murphy.

The challenges of the gameplay are to maintain your health, scavenge for supplies and participate in battles which contain a mix of stealth and strategy. As well as navigating across the lands trying not to come in to contact with radioactive materials. There are various difficulties, ranging from easy to difficult, which is perfect to engage the players which are enticed by their specific play style and difficulty. This can also be enhanced by the gameplay constantly evolving and being developed by having update and releasing DLCS’s. Some of the main elements of the gameplay are key to the games success are; the ability to switch from first to third person, containing a layered armour system, base building, a dynamic dialogue system and in depth crafting system as well as immersive gameplay. The gameplay directly engages with the narrative by holding true to the story and following a path, also the fact that supplies need to be scavenged and conserved. As well as having a Pip Boy app to enhance the gameplay further.

The target audience for this game is generally teenagers and young adults, as well as fans of the action-role playing genre. It appeals to the teenagers by having a lot of action and player interaction, as well as a wide array of weapons. It connects with the fans of the genre by having an immersive narrative and characters that can be connected with, producing an indulging experience. In comparison to other games targeting the genre, it is fairly similar, as seen as the target audience is directly linked to the genre, other games will show similar stylistic conventions and therefore have similar qualities.

The platform that the game is available on is the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. I don’t think that it is suited to any one of these consoles in contrast to the others; they are all suited towards the game. The Pip Boy app however can be used to connect with the consoles but not the PC. The game is suited to all these platforms by being able to support and process the frame rate and high quality graphics of the game.

LO1 Game Analysis of Infamous Second Son - 8/10

Infamous Second Son - Tested on the PlayStation 4 Platform

The genre of this game is action-adventure game. This game is a 3^rd person based game that allows you to take control of the protagonist, set in an open world for you to explore over the city of Seattle in a democratic-esque setting. It shows stylistic conventions of the genre by the player being able to take control of the protagonist. Also the game contains power ups and traits that can be upgraded, and decisions that can be made that effect the development of the story and influence certain mission objectives. It stands out to other games in the genre, as it focuses on a man with super human capabilities known as “Conduits” this gives the player a more interactive and interesting experience in comparison to other games.

The game directly leads on from the end of the last game, “Infamous 2” where the protagonist Cole McGrath, stops a viral infection that would kill the whole population but save the conduits, therefore killing all conduits in the process. Between the events of these two games the conduits have risen again and for their own safety have been locked up by the antagonist called Brooke Augustine who is a conduit herself who wields the power of rock. The protagonist, Delsin Rowe attempts to put a stop to her wrath and free conduits and create equality all and show the public who the real threat is. The story heavily informs your gameplay, it makes you very hostile towards incoming characters and enemies depending on your chosen decisions and play styles. The story directly connects the target audience, as the target audience is generally fans of the genre and teenagers. It would connect with teenagers because the protagonist is a young adult and is seen as a role model, even though the player doesn’t go through the problem of having super human capabilities and having a whole country hunting you down, it’s the inspirational way in which he dealt with his problems dead on without any hesitation.

Sucker Punch Productions started development of the game when the PlayStation 4 console was still in production. Teams from the production of the game had help in designing the PlayStation 4 itself. The new hardware let the particle system that helps light up Delsin’s face when he uses his neon powers.  The increased memory bandwidth help the game designers render the characters with a higher fidelity. The game was designed with the feel that the protagonist would feel weightlessness and therefore this influenced the combat in the game to be more fluent and clean. Also it helped the player to control the player more easily with more control, making it seem more realistic.

The main characters are; Delsin Rowe the protagonist, Brooke Augustine the antagonist, Reggie Rowe the brother, Fetch an assailant. These characters are essential to the players experience and the story development, how the characters interact with each other presents their personalities and play styles. These characters are relevant to the target audience as most of them are teens to young adults which would relate to the target audience.  The characters relate directly to the conventions of the genres, being that every character has a back story and development, and also that the characters influence the story’s development. I feel in terms of the strength of the characters and their relevance to the stories progression, they are very strong, the characters present in the game are very original and possess very instinctive personalities.

The challenge in the game is to collect the tools needed to upgraded your traits and gain new power capabilities. But the main challenge of the game is to fight the opposition with a certain level of stealth and skill and variety of skills and melee. There are different difficulty levels in the game, ranging from easy to difficult, so the difficulty that is picked is based on the players play style, depends on if the player prefers a challenge or not. The best gameplay aspects of the game are definitely without a doubt the combat and super human capability aspect and the movement aspect. The gameplay is directly linked to the narrative as the story entails the protagonist having conduit powers fighting for freedom, which is presented in the gameplay. The game is constantly evolving to keep the players attention by; releasing new DLC’s to develop the narrative and character development, as well as constant updates and bug fixes to make the sure the gameplay is as smooth and interesting as possible.

The target audience is generally fans of the action-adventure genre, so anything that shows stylistic conventions of the genre would appeal to that specific target audience. Also the main target audience is teenagers, which links to the protagonist being a young adult which lets the player sympathise and connect with him. The game appeal directly to the target audience with the protagonist going on an adventure full of action, with the main character having superpowers, its everyone’s dream to have super powers, it’s a chance for everyone to relive their childhood. If other games of the genre are trying to appeal to the same target audience, they show stylistic conventions of the genre. The game stands out to other games in the genre by presenting superpowers in a successful way, other games are more realistic.

The game is available on the PlayStation 4 platform only. It is suited to this platform as the company that produced the game helped with the making of the PlayStation 4 system, to enhance the gameplay for their game. The online capabilities of the PlayStation 4 system allow the console to link to the internet and present exclusive expansions. Also there is a microphone and speaker on the controller, allowing the player to take part in phone calls, and the touch pad is pressed down to absorb energy for the protagonist’s powers.

LO1 Game Analysis of Bloodborne - 10/10

Bloodborne - Tested on the PlayStation 4 Platform

Bloodborne is an action role playing game.  It shows stylistic conventions of the genre by having cut scenes and NPC’s that are both enemies and allies, it also has a main protagonist that is fully customisable in weapons and armour. It fits in very well with other games from the genre, it’s very unique and an original concept but it adds diversity to the genre.

The story of Bloodborne is that a plague has spread across area, turning men and women into blood thirsty beasts. The plague is called The “Bloodborne Disease.” The worst of which is the healing church which turn into the most dangerous of enemies. A new born child beckons the new moon, which in turn beckons the plague. At the start of the game you sign a contract to become a hunter and rid the plague, so your job is to go around the various area’s defeating bosses and developing the story to eventually end the dream. Ending the dream would allow you to enter The “Waking World.” You mysteriously wake up in the city of Yharnam during the night of the hunt. The hunter seeks out something called the “Paleblood” for reasons unknown. As when you’re a hunter you are bound to your dreams, when you die you re awaken in the Hunters Dream. The story makes you very cautious when approaching new characters, as the game gets progressively darker as the game progresses. The story heavily informs the gameplay, as it inspires your goals and ambitions as the player. The story directly connects with the target audience as it has a gripping story and interesting game mechanics.

The game was directed by Hidetaka Myasaki, developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Bloodborne began development in 2012 under the working title of Project Beast. Produced by the same company responsible for Dark Souls and Demon Souls. Simpleplygon was used during the creation of Bloodborne, it was used to process models and (LOD) Models that helped to enhance the graphics. A lot of thought and consideration went into the game mechanics and game physics, as every detail was thoroughly thought out when it came to; Health bar, Stamina bar, items in inventory, items in storage and lore behind each item etc.

The characters are extremely relevant to the story, as some characters are needed to progress in the game, where as some characters are optional but offer more into the lore behind the game, which is very helpful throughout the game. I think the variety of allies and enemy characters appeals to the target audience, as it adds a bit of curiosity when meeting new characters. Although even when characters seem friendly they may turn. The genre is action role playing and the characters in the game allow you to fully experience the life of a hunter and the sort of people you would interact with. Also the NPC’s offer some interesting boss battles as they are available to help you in various battles. The main characters in the game are; Gharman – The first hunter, The doll, Eileen the crow, Ludwig, Patches and Ioesefka etc. I feel the characters are very strong in terms of personality and adding to the story, but there just isn’t enough NPC’. If there were more characters to interact with it would add to the story and allow the game to develop further.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, players control a fully customizable protagonist, gameplay is focused on weapon based combat and exploration. Players battle original enemies varying in strength and skill, including bosses, using items such as axes and firearms and journey through the story which will progressively give you more insight into the reasoning behind the “Nightmare.” While interacting with Non-player characters, collecting key items involved in the story you can take on optional quests and boss battles, including the Chalice Dungeons. The Chalice Dungeons get progressively harder and more difficult to navigate, but it gives you a chance to level up and stock up on ritual materials. The gameplay is constantly evolving to keep the players attention as the player progresses further into the game, the level of difficulty increases and the player has to be more alert and focus their attention more. The game is also being constantly developed by constant updates sorting bugs, and DLC’s being released for the game to expand the game and story.

The target audience of Bloodborne is teenagers and young adults, but more specifically the original fans of the Dark Souls and Demon Souls series. The director has admitted in wanting to appeal to the original audience but also trying to expand their audience by opening the concept to new people hoping they would become a fan of the series. There are various indicators that the game is directed towards Dark Souls and Demon Souls fans as well as the general audience, as the concept of the game is the same but also contains a more laidback attitude with original concepts hoping to widen their fan base. Also the fact that the game contains extensive gore and horror implies that the game is aimed at teenagers and the young adults. The game is really original compared to other games aimed at young adults and teens, being more focused on First Person Shooters and Football games, this game really diversify the games available for teen and young adult gamers.

The Platform that Bloodborne is available on is PlayStation 4. I think the game is very suited to this platform as the controllers allow full controller of the protagonist. As well as having the touch screen on the controller available for contacting other players through various positions. Also the fact that the game is available on current gen consoles allows you to interact with players all over the world and speak to them as well through microphones. Also the current gen consoles allows the gore and detail of the game to be me much more extensively shown, through the current gen consoles having improved graphics.

LO1 Game Analysis of Sneak - 6/10

Sneak - Tested on the iOS Platform

It’s a game built for young children. It’s a motion sensor game with a sound sensor, to alert when you get close. It’s a game where the participant has to sneak up on the phone without being alerted.  The genre of the game is Strategy/ Interactive Movie. As the game has elements of strategy to get around the obstacle and sneak up on the target and it also has elements of being interactive as the game can sense and hear you using the microphone and camera. It’s a very unique title compared to other games in the genre as a game like this hasn’t been done before, it’s a very diverse and original concept. It also has a definite end goal; where as other games of the genre are more varied.  This game doesn’t include cut scenes like a normal game of that genre would. It represents the genres very well, but some aspects aren’t included.

The narrative of the story is that you are trying to sneak up on a monster and trying to take a picture without being noticed by sound or touch. The first aspect of the story is to bait on the cuddly characters. The ultimate goal is to photograph all 5 beasties. This makes the child very sneaky and resort to stealth. The story definitely effects how you approach the characters, as you are taught to sneak up on the characters therefore it makes you act cautious. Since the target audience is children, it’s very easy to connect with them through an interesting game concept; Sneak has a unique games concept. The story informs the gameplay heavily as the story is exactly what the gameplay is. With each “Super Sneak” performed the player unlocks more cuddly characters and bait.

Sneak was created by Made in Me, the London based studio making children’s games, apps, books and toys using only thee finest of pixels. In the production process, the main aspects that were developed were; the graphics, the hearing capability and the sight of the app. As these are the key aspects of the game. Because these specific aspects were developed upon, it makes interesting game mechanics and game physics. As it uses the sights and hearing, it adds to the games overall presentation. These specific mechanics make the game what it is, original and diverse.

The characters are relevant to the target audience, as the target audience is young children and they react to anything brightly coloured and iconic characters. The characters created in this game, are cuddly monsters which would heavily appeal to children, and the fun approach to the game gives them a healthy attitude towards the characters.  I think the characterisation matches the conventions of the genre very well, as the characters are made very approachable and that’s why it’s very easy to interact with them hence the interactive movie genre. I feel like the characters are quite strong, but they are very simplistic and don’t stand out against iconic characters such as Mario and Sonic.

The challenge in the game is to photograph all five beasties, this makes the child resort to stealth and to stay very quiet and move very carefully. This is a challenge because depending on the different levels and intensities, it can be very difficult to sneak up to take a picture. The type of challenge engages the player heavily as you have to be much focused to actually finish the game, also the fact that the goal is to photograph all five makes you want to succeed.  Elements such as movement and hearing are vital to games success as you’ve got to think about these aspects thoroughly to finish the game. The narrative of the story is to photograph all the beasties this directly links to the gameplay as that is your end goal, through careful concentration and planning. The gameplay evolves to keep the players attention through the use of the different levels and intensities, the higher the level the harder the game and therefore the player has to be more alert and focus their attention on the game more.

The target audience is Family and young children, aimed at children 4 and 5 years younger. One of the indicators that the game is produced for children is the bright colours and iconic cuddly character, also the simple commands. The game appeal directly to family’s and young children as it is a game that involves the whole family and the bright colours and iconic characters add to the association with kids.  This game is a lot different to other games of the genre as it physically involves the participant and doesn’t just involve the screen. It also has lots of different senses, which also diversifies it from different games. Even though the target audience is children it can also appeal to everyone else as well as it has a fun interaction part and the end goal makes you keep want to play.

This game is available on iOS only. I’d say that it is very suitable to the platform it is available on as the app is easily accessible from the App Store and iOS is one of the more interactive platforms which suit the interactive side of the game. I think it could be suited towards PlayStation or X Box using the camera and microphone, I’d say its best suited to handheld consoles, because it’s easier to manoeuvre and place the phone down to sneak up on. It also suits the touch part of it when you have to take a picture. It is also available on Apple TV which I feel isn’t as suited as iOS hand held consoles.

LO1 Game Analysis of The Last of Us - 10/10

The Last of Us - Tested on the PlayStation 3 Platform

The Last of Us is an action-adventure, survival horror game. It shows stylistic conventions of the genre by being a generic scary game, with weapons and the idea to search for survival gear and to generally to survive. It also shows stylistic conventions of the genre by having a group of enemies, searching the area, also the beautiful settings in contrast to the distorted and diseased infected being hostile towards you. It sits in very well, it is definitely one of the best games of this genre, and reinvented the genre and has shown that the story is essential to creating a great game.

You are the protagonist, the story is set 20 years into the future in a post pandemic world, overrun by infected. There are safe zones scattered around, heavily guarded and the people inside are treated like prisoners, the resistance fights these safe zones for freedom, they are called the “Fireflies.” Your goal is to deliver the cure known as Ellie, to the hospital at the other side of the country and reunite with the fireflies to create a vaccine. You are the protagonist known as Joel and you travel across the country with Ellie, meeting friends and foes across the way. The story makes you approach characters carefully as you are seen to think that they are hostile. The storyline heavily impacts the gameplay, it informs how you play, why you play and how you search for supplies and conserve ammo. The story thoroughly connects with the target audience, as the storyline is compelling and the characters are easily connected with, making the audience connect easily to the game.

The game was published by Sony Computer Entertainment, followed by a 3 year development led by Naughty Dog. The enemies in the game were programmed to make decisions based on scanning the environment and making decisions based on that, leading with successful outcomes, whereas Ellie was programmed to present her personality and attitude. The game was created in mind that the player would generally be low on supplies, to make it realistic, this also links to the characters being programmed for weightlessness which links to the combat being quick and clean. They used the game engine from the Uncharted series, but changed a lot of aspects to suit the current game more.

Characters in this game are arguably the most important aspect when trying to engage with the audience, they are very easy to sympathise and connect with. Ellie and Joel, the two main characters and all the NPC’s are essential to the games progression and audience interaction. Based on the personalities of the protagonists, this will appeal to specific target audiences, mainly being teenagers and people interested in this specific genre of gaming. The characterisation matches the conventions of the genre by focusing on the character and story development like any games in this genre would. I feel like the characters are very strong in this game, they feel like real people with real emotions and the story progression allows you to get to know them and sympathise with their circumstances and decisions they have to make.

The challenge in the gameplay is searching for supplies and trying to conserve ammunition, but at the same time surviving with a decent amount of health. Another challenge in the gameplay is the act of stealth, it is generally a mastered talent being stealthy, in this game it is essential to conserving ammo, and it’s a challenge because if you get caught at close range you are bound to die. There are different difficulties for the different types of players, there is new game plus to add to that already hardened difficulty carrying on with your upgraded perks and weapons. Some specific elements that are key to the games success are the; weapon variety, the variety of styles you can choose to play, the game mechanics etc. The gameplay and narrative coincide very well, they are essential to each other and the success of the game. The gameplay is constantly evolving to keep the players attention by releasing DLC’s to further the story line progression and expanding your arsenal of weapons so you can play in different styles.

The target audience are teenagers and generally people interested in action, adventure games as well as survival horror; it entices people that like storylines and character progression. The main indicator that the game is directed towards teenagers is that one of the protagonists of the game is a teenager; it allows the audience to sympathise and really connect with the story progression and the character. Where as an indicator that it is suited towards people that are a fan of the genre, is that the game indicates stylistic conventions of the genre very well to entice that specific audience. It compares to other games quite similarly when targeting the same audience, as they are all targeted to the same audience they have to implement features and aspects that would appeal to that specific genre, stylistic conventions of the genre; with teenagers is gore and action, and with people interested in this genre is the story telling aspect and character progression.

The Last of Us is available on PlayStation 3 and was later remastered for PlayStation 4 with better graphics. It’s suited to PlayStation 4 more because the better processor on the console allows the game to be played at a higher frame rate with better graphics. It is suited very much to this platform rather than Xbox, with the light up controllers changing colours to symbolise your characters health for example.