Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usset a standard of cinematic storytelling in 2013. Nearly ten years on, it’s still incredible what a stunning achievement that game was on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Now, it’s back with a from-the-ground-up remake ofThe Last of Us Part 1for the PlayStation 5.
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The voice acting and performances of the actors took video games to the next level proving that they could hold their own against any big-budget Hollywood film or Netflix TV show. It’s more than a big budget to make a great game with a gripping story. Games like TheLast of Us Part 1need characters the player cares about in its protagonist and the supporting cast. This list will look at some of thebest character-driven games that fans ofThe Last of Part 1should play.
Updated June 23, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:Thanks to the success of HBO’s Last of Us TV series, the games have seen a resurgence inpopularity, sales increased, and now the remake of the first game has made it onto PC.
Even though the PC version has had a shaky launch, the studio has already released patches to improve the performance from a technical standpoint. With more work to be done, it is a good idea to see whatgames will keep The Last of Usfans interested. This list is updated to include some recent hits that fans of Ellie and Joel will appreciate.
10Resident Evil 4 Remake
TheResident Evilseries is a different kind of horror story fromThe Last of Us Part 1, it’s less of a character drama, but the thrills, pacing, and atmosphere will appeal to fans of blockbuster schlock-horror stories like theResident Evilportray.
Taking amore Lovecraftian approach to horror,as opposed to the Romero-like Zombie action of its predecessor, theResident Evil 4 Remakeis a masterclass in action horror, world-building, and creating fantastic set pieces that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Players take on the role of Leon as he’s trying to rescue Ashley Graham, the president’s daughter, from the clutches of a religious cult in Spain. The remake also utilizes Ashley more effectively than the original game, with stealth and puzzle-solving missions that help make her a more interesting character.
9God Of War: Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarokis an award-winning sequel and gripping action-adventure title that continues the journey of Kratos and his son Atreus. The bond between father and son and Atreus' desire to become his own person while attempting to change the course of destiny and protect those he loves.
In a tale of warriors, gods, and Viking fantasyGod of War: Ragnaroktells a very human story that fans ofTheLast of Us Part 1will appreciate. The voice performances from all the cast are spectacular, especiallyStargate SG-1’sChristopher Judge in the role of Kratos. Judge deservedly won the best voice actor award at the 2022 Game Awards show.
8Plague Tale: Requiem
Plague Tale: Requiemis the visually stunning sequel that continues Amica’s treacherous journey to cure her brother Hugo’s disease while running from Inquisition. Everything great about its predecessor is improved on theRequiem,with larger areas to explore and a more formidable Amica in stealth situations.
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Requiemretains the vulnerability felt by Amica and Hugo as she must protect her brother at all costs. The sense of defenselessness and fear of separation is reminiscent ofThe Last of Usand something that fans of Ellie and Joel’s adventures will be familiar with. The relationships between Amica, her brother Hugo and Lucas, who joins the siblings from time to time, have an incredible development arc.
7God Of War (2018)
One of the most impressive aspects of theGod of Warreboot was how the series matured. No longer is Kratos a screaming, rampaging annoyance. Instead, he’s a quieter, more composed warrior coming to terms with fatherhood amid his growing relationship with his son Atreus.
The fantastic performance of new voice actor Christopher Judge certainly contributed to Kratos' newfound likability. Thanks to his relationship with his son, Kratos grows as a character, expressing more empathy as the journey unfolds. He’s trying to teach Atreus how to be strong and capable, but he’s naturally concerned with ensuring his son can control his growing power and keep his rage in check.
6As Dusk Falls
Despite being a horror game,TheLast of Us Part 1is a character drama highlighting the growing relationship between Joel and Ellie. One of the best character dramas of 2022 isAs Dusk Fallsfrom Interior Night, a studio created by formerHeavy Raindeveloper Caroline Marchal.
More of an interactive graphic novel than a movie-like experience likeHeavy Rain,As Dusk Fallsplays and feels like a TV box set. It’s a nuanced family drama that unfolds based on the player’s choices. There are moral dilemmas, multiple paths the story can take, and great characters.
5Resident Evil Revelations 2
After the action-heavyResident 5andResident 6,fans hoped the series would return to its survival horror roots. That hope came to pass in the spin-off titlesResident Evil Revelations1 and 2. Arguably the best of the two is the sequelResident Evil: Revelations 2,with its cooperative play.
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Resident Evil Revelations 2plays perfectly as a single-player game, as one can switch between characters at will. It isn’t as dramatic asThe Last of Us Part 1,and — as with all RE games — the style is more in line with a B-Movie. However, the episodic nature portrayed some of the best character development in the series. Even characters like Barry Burton get a chance to shine by outlining his strained relationship with his daughter Moira.
4Ico
Launched in 2001,Icostands the test of time as one of the finest examples of games as art. The visual style and sound design are beautiful and timeless. The game has become one of the most influential of all time.
There is a sense of loneliness and despair as the protagonist is left alone as a sacrifice in a giant stone castle. However, the protagonist soon becomes the hero rescuing a young girl named Yorda. The strong bond and companionship grow as the boy leads Yorda through the castle by hand, defending her from the shadow monsters who lurk within the castle walls.
3Horizon Forbidden West
Launched in 2022,Horizon Forbidden Westis the sequel to one of the PS4’s best titles,Horizon Zero Dawn. The protagonist Aloy is usually a solo adventurer, so the character doesn’t have the same kind of companionship Joel and Ellie have inThe Last of Us Part 1.
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However,Horizon Forbidden West’sworld-buildingand unique post-apocalyptic setting will appeal to fans ofThe Last of Part 1.Horizon Forbidden Westis also a spectacular AAA experience with incredible set pieces. The combat is varied, and the characters Aloy interacts with are always interesting.
2Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
As one of the most meaningful narratively driven action games available isHellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. It’s a linear game, and Senua is only accompanied - on her journey - by the voices in her head. It’s a haunting experience with some of the best sound design in a generation. It’s a game that needs a headset on to appreciate it.
The Pictish warrior Senua is one of the best protagonists of a generation, and her story and character development convey her struggle with psychosis with skill and care. The combat is simple to pick up and beautifully executed. LikeThe Last of Us Part 1,Hellblade’s story will stay with the player long after it’s finished.
1A Plague Tale Innocence
It’s hard to fathom that such a beautiful game likeA Plague Tale: Innocencelooks and performs as well as it does, came from a small independent studio. It’s a visually stunning game set in 14th Century France during the Hundred Years' War. It remains one of the mostwell-crafted stories in two generations.
Amicia is the game’s protagonist, a 15-year-old French girl forced to mature and survive in a dark and violent world. Her family was murdered in their home by French Inquisition soldiers. She makes her escape with her younger brother Hugo, a boy that appears to have supernatural powers. Despite the period and setting, Amicia’s journey echoesThe Last of Us Part 1’s Ellie, where childhood is lost, and survival is the only way of life.
The Last of Us Part 1is available now for the PC and PlayStation 5.
