Why The Last of Us Part III Wouldn’t Make Sense (And That’s Okay)

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Ever since Neil Druckmann mentioned that no more The Last of Us games are planned due to the team’s dedication to their future project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, I can’t help but wonder: What could a potential The Last of Us Part III look like? Who would be its main character and what would the plot entail? These thoughts have been swirling in my mind.

Although Druckerman has repeatedly stated that The Last of Us Part III isn’t in development, there have been whispers about potential internal work on a third installment. However, one might wonder why such rumors are being spread and whether they hold any weight. Does it truly make a difference in the grand scheme?

Would The Last of Us Part III even work? Let’s find out.

Main Characters

In my view, The Last of Us Part II effectively wraps up the character journeys of Joel and Ellie. From where I stand, delving deeper into Ellie’s sorrow and pain seems unnecessary, as she has already dealt with the repercussions of her decisions and chosen resilience amidst adversity, opting to persist in the face of life’s hardships.

In order for Ellie’s tale to continue, it should be resumed at a later stage, with her having grown older and wiser from the experiences she had after Part II ended. Starting immediately would not work; we need some time to fully grasp all that has transpired so far.

What About the Cure?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but echo the sentiment that while the Clickers and the Cure are significant elements in The Last of Us, they aren’t the heart of the story. Instead, it’s about humanity’s struggle to endure a merciless world and the transformation we undergo, either devolving into our basest instincts or rising above them. I’ve often remarked that The Last of Us serves as a barometer for empathy, and wrapping up this series with an unrealistic ‘happily ever after’ seems incongruous with its gritty reality.

In simpler terms, since Abby’s story is now more prominent, telling Ellie’s story further could lead to an inconsistency in viewpoints.

The general interest in The Cure seems to have waned as it could potentially undermine the main ideas of the game. Yet, there’s a part of me that thinks Ellie, who has recently been given another opportunity to live, might choose to give herself up to the Fireflies, going against Joel’s philosophy and her own character development. However, from a storytelling perspective, it seems illogical for her to sacrifice herself in this scenario.

What About Abby and Lev?

In another approach, Abby and Lev from The Last of Us series possess hidden talents that could make for an interesting change in Part III. Highlighting these characters might offer a new perspective. Nevertheless, Naughty Dog may encounter criticism from certain players who harbor harmful, sexist viewpoints.

If Druckmann and Naughty Dog choose to expand their narrative beyond Seattle, a change of location like California could be intriguing. Characters like Lev have potential for further development, and while Abby’s storyline is well-rounded, a dynamic reminiscent of Joel and Ellie might work, with Abby taking on the role of mentor and Lev as the eager apprentice. However, this setup seems somewhat repetitive when considering the original game’s plotline, making it less appealing upon reflection.

A Completely New Experience?

As a gamer, I can barely imagine what Part III might bring, considering how epic the conclusion of Parts I and II were. It’s probably because the creators at Naughty Dog were trying out something new – dabbling in live-service multiplayer shooters. Unfortunately, it seems those didn’t quite make the cut for release.

In HBO’s show “The Last of Us Season 2,” directed by Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann, could provide valuable insights for the franchise’s growth by elaborating on plot points that were only hinted at in the game. This upcoming season might delve deeper into the background of the Seraphites and Abby’s group, aspects that were barely addressed in the original game. The allure of this TV series lies in its ability to provide a unique storytelling experience while maintaining fidelity to the core themes of the game, sans the challenging puzzles involving ladders and planks.

There’s no real compulsion for Naughty Dog to produce another The Last of Us game, and it’s perfectly fine if they don’t. The series has already crafted a compelling duology, delving into the ethically ambiguous side of humanity. It’s comforting to see that Naughty Dog and Neil Druckmann are progressively shifting away from the series, starting with their fresh concept, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Frankly, I’m quite looking forward to it.

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2025-03-13 15:12