Sony saved the best for last at its E3 2012 conference, with new footage from Naughty Dog’s latest project, The Last Of Us.

The gameplay video showcased the post-apocalyptic adventure game’s gritty mood, intense atmosphere and survival aspects. The two main characters, a man named Joel and a 14-year-old girl named Ellie, are trapped in a world where a mysterious plague is ravaging the city. Thus, Naughty Dog’s latest graphics engine is put to good use here, with realistic effects and character models that give off an excellent impression of a city in ruins.

The game’s combat system is enhanced by what Naughty Dog calls the “Balance of Power AI” system, where enemies react to different fighting styles and situations. As such, the E3 gameplay video also showed combat in action.

With gory headshots and constant profanity, this is easily Naughty Dog’s first Mature-rated affair, and as such, it’s not for the kiddies. However, The Last Of Us is a compelling title that has definitely become one of this year’s most anticipated games.

The Last Of Us will be published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PS3 by either the end of 2012 or in early 2013.

Check out the official E3 trailer below:

Will Whitehurst
Will joined the Operation Rainfall Campaign soon after news broke of that infamous French interview about Xenoblade. Subsequently, he got actively involved and became a staff member in July/August 2011. He is currently the head of the Japanese translation team, and loves to play, discuss, debate and learn more about games. Will gravitates towards unconventional action games and RPGs, but plays pretty much anything except Madden. He is also currently attending college, honing his Japanese skills and preparing for medical school. (Coincidentally, Trauma Center is one of his favorite game series of all time.)
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