7. It Was Inspired By More Than Just Zombies
The Last Of Us drew from a variety of sources spanning movies, documentaries and books. Beyond the obvious Walking Dead influences, there's the general idea of environmental deterioration in a depopulated world; a subject that was explored in The World Without Us by Alan Weisman which presents a scenario wherein cities and towns are overrun by forests and vegetation after humanity ceases to exist. Other sources of literary inspiration include Polio: An American Story by David Oshinsky, and City Of Thieves by David Benioff; the former influencing Naughty Dog's depiction of a disease-ridden populace, the latter influencing the strong bonds formed by two survivors in an oppressive environment. Film influences included the likes of The Road and No Country For Old Men, with the latter providing insight into how the team would convey tension through a more subdued and low-key soundtrack.