Mainstream
The Last of Us – The most ambiguous ending
Emptiness.The only word I can use to adequately describe how I felt as the credits rolled to Gustavo Santaolalla’s musical masterpiece – ”The Path”. After a very intense 12-14 hours worth (approximately) of surviving in post-pandemic madness, I felt no means of satisfaction whatsoever as my most memorable gaming experience – The Last of Us finally reached it’s end. I had no pride of successfully tackling a rather difficult game, or conceive any means of accomplishment… I could barely muster a smirk. Just stone, cold emptiness.
Now, I am 99% certain that I was not the only person who indulged in Naughty Dog’s hard-hitting game of the year, that felt completely deprived of all means of happiness by the end of the final cut scene, but the question is, why were we left feeling so cold and confused? The answer my fellow gamers, is the fact our loose ends, remained untied and hanging. We had no closure. So, what I will attempt to do here, is perhaps ease your minds and open up some discussion regarding the very erratic sentimental side of the game.
An ending we just didn’t expect.. (*Spoilers*)
Let’s get the ball rolling with the utmost obvious of disappointments this game presented us with, the conclusive cut scene of the game.
On behalf of those with a less prominent memory of the ending of The Last of Us let’s journey back a little and freshen it up a bit.
Joel to the rescue (photo mode) ~
After hours upon hours of game play searching for the Fireflies, Joel and Ellie finally reach them only to find out that the surgery required to extract the ”cure” from Ellie is fatal and she will die during the process. Joel takes a turn for the worst, refusing to accept there is no other way and goes on a rampage, willing to kill everyone in the building if he must as he attempts to save his companion. After he reaches and saves Ellie from the clutches of the fireflies, Marlene makes one last attempt to stop him, a stubborn Joel resists and puts her out of her misery. The game then shows the cut scene of Ellie awakening in a car with Joel who tells her there were others just like Ellie who are immune so they didn’t need to experiment. Unsure, but still tired from the surgery prep, Ellie doesn’t persist.The famously disappointing ending then plays out in which Joel is rambling on to Ellie about how he will teach her to play guitar and what they can do after they return to Texas, Ellie all the while being unusually distant and uninterested in what Joel is saying. The game then comes to the cut scene in which Ellie is telling the story about what happened when she and her best friend Riley got bitten back in Boston. As Joel tries to reassure her that she shouldn’t blame herself and that no matter what you keep finding something to fight for Ellie interrupts him and asks him to swear that what he said about the Fireflies was true (regarding the fact there are others and they let her go), Joel lies, swearing it’s the truth. Ellie simply says ”okay”. With that, the game concludes.
Explain please?..
Now, there is a lot more in this ending than you’d initially choose to understand. Over the duration of the story Ellie has grown to love Joel, not as a farther or a lover as such, but simply as a companion. She looks up to him, and admires him hugely. Joel on the other hand has always had a companion, his daughter, his brother and then Tess. He knows nothing but companionship and caring for someone else despite his passionless exterior. So, when it eventually came down to it, he acted in order to save his companion.
Fireflies (photo mode) ~
I do however, see the more selfish side of his actions. He quite clearly told Ellie that you ”keep finding something to fight for”.This is hard evidence that Joel has to feel needed, that he always has to fight for something. After the loss of Tess, Ellie was all he had and I think after he saw past his stubbornness and truly thought on it, he could risk the disease lingering as fighting infected is not nearly as hard for him as facing loneliness. However, although I believe in Ellie’s innocence, I honestly don’t think for a second that she genuinely believed Joel anyway. She may have accepted his answer but I think she reserves judgement on whether or not she believes it. She knows Joel takes care of her so I think she accepts his selfish gesture as a sign that he will continue to do so.
The blossoming of the most touching friendship
Naughty Dogs developers main focus with The Last of Us, was to make the game solely orientated around the developing relationship between the two main protagonists. The fluctuations and progress in this relationship are ultimately supposed to make us empathise and completely engross us, this in turn makes the ending of the game that much more difficult to just accept.
Right from the moment they first encounter one another, we are desperate for Joel
An unlikely friendship (photo mode) ~
and Ellie’s friendship to blossom. With every hurdle in their journey we just wish it to bring them closer together. In this process the role of ‘the dependent one’ is batted back and forth until they both finally understand they need one another. Consequently, as an audience, Joel’s selfish act leaves us feeling incredibly dumbfounded as he actually brings himself to lie to her. It is almost like another one of the many set backs in their friendship. It is what prevents a happy ending in the sense that whatever happens after the games proceedings is the result of a lie. Despite our love for Joel for saving Ellie, he has also unknowingly hurt her which left us feeling awful.
Sorry, Joel… you aren’t bad really!
Okay, admittedly, maybe I have come down on Joel a bit hard. I mean, although the surgery is what Ellie initially wanted, she wanted it under false pretenses. She didn’t know the surgery would be fatal. Maybe if she would have had the choice she would have picked a life with Joel optionally instead, i’m sure we’d all like to think that would be the case anyway.
Joel (photo mode) ~
He is in some respects the hero, he guards her with his life quite literally throughout the entire story without fail and I mean hey, let’s give the guy some sympathy, would you want to be surviving alone in a world overrun by fungal faced freaks?
The Last of This
I honestly think the part of this game that holds the most emotion is the ending. In all it’s simplicity, it is actually the most intricate part of the game. There is so much we still don’t know or understand and so many questions left unanswered. It is a killer, I know, Honestly though, if it wasn’t for the lingering feeling of emptiness and not knowing, we wouldn’t want to indulge in this games magnificence time and time again. The Last of Us will stay with me and many others forever,
Ellie and Joel (photo mode) ~
Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.
From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Justin Kurzel
Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.
Rampage (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Brad Peyton
Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Simon McQuoid
Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Warcraft (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Duncan Jones
Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Roar Uthaug
Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.
Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.
Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.
Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.
But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.
Marvel Contest of Champions
While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.
Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG
Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.
And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.
Mortal Kombat
Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.
And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.
EA Sports UFC
The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.
Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.
Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.
The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!
The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming
With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.
Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:
The increasing legalization of online casinos globally
As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.
For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.
Virtual reality gaming
With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.
Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems
Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.
Game development
When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.
Top of the line Live Dealer Games
Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.
These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!
In Summary
Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.
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Tim Larkin
February 19, 2015 at 5:23 pm
Joel has to “keep finding something to fight for” because he has faith in life and living. It was not selfish, but it was an act of love for Ellie and his faith in living that compelled him to save Ellie. The assumption by the Fireflies was that Ellie was a cure, and killing her was the only way. But, that is not proven. That was faith in science. You might say Joel has faith in God, but the Fireflies had faith in science. (This plot element is similar to stem cell research and advocates for using aborted fetuses with the assumption that the cure for Parkinson’s will be solved.) So, why did Joel lie? He’s weak. I think Ellie wanted to know the truth about St. Mary’s, and got it, but she also trusted Joel enough to let go of the ugly details, so she said, “Okay”.