Talk about an emotionally intense opening to a game, and one which has players invested in the protagonist right from the outset. The prologue section of The Last of Us initially has players controlling Joel's daughter Sarah, 20 years before the main events of the game, as the initial Cordyceps outbreak begins, and all hell breaks loose. After a brutal car crash, the player now has control of Joel, as he frantically tries to carry Sarah to safety. However, they are eventually confronted by a soldier, who subsequently opens fire on the pair, mortally wounding Sarah before Joel's younger brother Tommy can dispatch the soldier. As Sarah screams in pain, Joel frantically tries to comfort her, but it's not long before she dies in his arms. It's a devastating and extremely well-acted, gorgeously presented moment that's easily on par with the opening to any great movie. It also has major implications for Joel, as when he meets Ellie moments later, it explains his growing paternal bond over her and his controversial actions later in the game: he's already lost his daughter, and feels some sense of vicarious redemption if he can keep Ellie safe.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
