10 Reasons The Last Of Us Is STILL The Best Video Game Of All Time

As Joel's world comes crashing down following the tragic death of his daughter Sarah, his decline from father to survivor is more than justified.

Joel's introduction to Ellie is rather unspectacular, as her importance to the fate of humanity render her nothing more than contraband in his eyes. However, Ellie's endearing outlook on life as well as her infectious personality begin to alter Joel's attitude towards her, moving from a major annoyance to a valuable friend by the game's conclusion.

Ellie grew up in a world that had fallen years before her birth, and Joel's world crumbled when he lost his daughter some 20 years prior to the events of the game. Both characters are enduring a hostile world, and their hope for a brighter tomorrow rests largely in the hands of their counterpart.

Discovering that Ellie's life was the cost of a global vaccine, Joel's immediate response is to preserve the life of a friend, all the while ignoring how her death would be used for the betterment of humanity.

Joel didn't find a replacement for Sarah, instead he found a friend, and though born out of necessity, the friendship they share is undoubtedly the backbone of the game's narrative.