The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game developed by Naughty Dog, is renowned for its emotionally charged story and immersive atmosphere. Music plays an essential role in conveying the mood and emotion of the game’s story and the accompanying narrative. The score of The Last of Us was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla and it was designed to manipulate the emotions of the players for the better.
The game is set twenty years after a fungal pandemic had wiped out most of the population. The music in The Last of Us conveys a sense of desolation and loneliness. Santaolalla uses acoustic guitars, strings, and other instruments to create a mournful and melancholic atmosphere. The score has a sombre tone that reflects the loss and tragedy of the world in which the game is set. This helps to evoke feelings of sadness and despair.
The music in The Last of Us also has a hopeful quality to it. Santaolalla uses uplifting and optimistic pieces to remind the player that there is still hope, even in the darkest of times. These pieces often come at moments when the characters confront their challenges and display courage in the face of adversity. This helps to create a sense of inspiration and resilience, giving players the motivation to keep going.
The game’s soundtrack also helps to convey the emotional relationship between the two main characters, Joel and Ellie. The score is often used to emphasise the bond between them as they travel together across a ruined America. Certain pieces of music are used to reflect the strength of their connection and how it grows over the course of the game. This helps to strengthen the emotional impact of the story and makes the characters’ journey even more meaningful.
Overall, The Last of Us uses music to manipulate the emotions of the players for the better. Through its melancholic score and uplifting pieces, the game’s music helps to convey the desolation of the post-pandemic world, as well as the hope and resilience of the characters. It also helps to strengthen the emotional connection between the two main characters, making the story even more powerful.