The success ofThe Last of Usfranchise has become even more impressive recently, with the game series receiving its own HBO TV adaptation that opened the IP to swathes of new fans. Despite this recent triumph, the series is clearly not ready to take a backseat, with other gaming projects being in the works for the IP.
For example, it was announced in 2019 thatThe Last of Uswould be receiving a standalone multiplayer title, marking a new foray for Naughty Dog into a purely multiplayer project. Given the prior success ofThe Last of Us’Factions multiplayer mode, it is clear to see why this upcoming project is so highly anticipated, but the title would do well to feature tasteful cameos from some minor characters to further link the release to past franchise installments.
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The Last of Us Multiplayer Details
AlthoughThe Last of Usis best known for its immersive and layered singleplayerexperience, the multiplayer mode of the first title is lauded by many for its strategic and addictive gameplay. The multiplayer of the originalThe Last of Usundoubtedly influenced the popularity and overall success of the release, and so it is no wonder that Naughty Dog has continued its multiplayer development for the franchise.
Surprisingly, 2020’sThe Last of Us Part 2launched without a dedicated multiplayer mode, with Naughty Dog stating how the title’s multiplayer became so ambitious and expansive that it was going to be released as its own standalone release at a later date. While not much is known about this mystery multiplayer release beyond this, it is likely that at the very least it will maintain the gritty and strategic PvP gameplay of the originalThe Last of Usmultiplayer.
Potential Cameos In The Last of Us Multiplayer
As well as maintaining thecore gameplay framework ofThe Last of Us’prior multiplayer experience, the standalone nature of this upcoming release indicates the presence of an even more expansive and detailed level of overall gameplay. With Naughty Dog also confirming how this multiplayer release will have a similar level of narrative storytelling as the mainline franchise titles, it is clear that NPCs and character interaction is going to play a significant role within the game.
When considering this, Naughty Dog would be remiss to not include cameos from some minor but recognizable characters fromThe Last of Us’main overall story. While it would be great fan service forthe likes of Ellie or Abby to make appearanceswithin this game, such high-profile cameos would run the risk of taking away from the isolated story of the multiplayer release. Due to this, it would be smarter for Naughty Dog to include cameos from the likes of Bill and Maria. In the case of the former, players can pass through his town and see if he is still thriving, while Maria can be talked to occasionally if Jackson is treated as a hub area.
This would tangibly link the upcoming multiplayer release to the core story ofThe Last of Us, making the game truly feel a part of the franchise’s wider universe while allowing the game room to establish its own unique motifs and story beats. Given therecent success ofThe Last of UsHBO showand the amount of eyes that are now on the franchise, the upcoming multiplayer game does not need to rely on big name appearances to draw players, yet introducing familiar minor roles from the main games would offer a tasteful world-building nod to the first two titles.
The Last of Us Part 2is available on PS4.
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