10 Reasons The Last Of Us Is STILL The Best Video Game Of All Time
3. An Ambiguous Ending
Upon reaching the game's conclusion, the player will more than likely stare for quite a while at the blank screen as the credits come and go. The Last of Us' final moments are abrupt and undoubtedly jarring the first time around, but upon further reflection it's clear that the game could not have ended any other way. The final exchange of words between Joel and Ellie are profoundly honest, and despite Joel's blatant lie, the responses each character gave one another were perfectly fitting for their character.
As Ellie regains consciousness, Joel's selfish actions are questioned. Ellie's immunity from the infection was a glimmer of hope for humanity, yet Joel's inability to part ways with a friend meant his relationship with Ellie would continue to be built on a lie.
Ellie's acknowledgement of Joel's account of events is met with a simple 'okay', and as the screen cuts to black the player is free to speculate if Ellie knew Joel was being truthful.
If so, does she condone his actions? Does this mean that Ellie knows how much she means to Joel? Or does she simply believe him?
Hopefully time will tell.