10 Video Game Villains That Were Totally Right
5. Marlene And The Fireflies - The Last Of Us
The Last of Us' postapocalyptic world has a pretty gray sense of morality, which is why you can't easily categorize its characters as good and bad guys.
However, because the game is played from Joel’s perspective, it’s safe to assume the player is supposed to take his side. And if that’s the case, then the Fireflies are definitely the villains, even though they are 100% right.
The Fireflies, a freedom-fighting organization spread across the entire US, is what sets off the events of the game. It’s their leader, Marlene, who asks Joel to deliver Ellie to their secret compound and allow the two to bond together.
However, what Marlene doesn’t mention to Joel is that Ellie is immune to cordyceps, and the reason he's supposed to deliver her is so that the Fireflies can sacrifice her to find a cure for the infection.
Naturally, because of their shared bond, Joel tries to save Ellie, killing everyone in the compound. His decision is understandable, and yet during the final mission, you can't help but feel betrayed.
Yes, no one wants to see Ellie die, but the idea that you've just let Joel sacrifice humanity's one chance at salvation is a hard pill to swallow.