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{{Infobox video game
| title = The Last of Us: Left Behind
| image = File:The Last of Us Left Behind cover.jpg
| caption =
| developer = [[Naughty Dog]]
| publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| director = [[Bruce Straley]]<br/>[[Neil Druckmann]]
| designer = Jacob Minkoff
| programmer = Travis McIntosh<br/>Jason Gregory
| artist = Erick Pangilinan
| writer = Neil Druckmann
| composer = [[Gustavo Santaolalla]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation 3]]<br/>[[PlayStation 4]]
| released = '''PlayStation 3'''<br>February 14, 2014<br/>
'''PlayStation 4'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA=July 29, 2014}}{{vgrelease|AUS=July 30, 2014}}{{vgrelease|EU=July 30, 2014}}{{vgrelease|UK=August 1, 2014}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[survival horror]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| media = [[digital distribution|Download]]
}}
'''''The Last of Us: Left Behind''''' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[survival horror]] video game developed by [[Naughty Dog]] and published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]. It was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] on February 14, 2014, as a [[Downloadable content|downloadable]] [[expansion pack]] to ''[[The Last of Us]]''; it was later bundled with ''[[The Last of Us Remastered]]'', an updated version of the game released for the [[PlayStation 4]] on July 29, 2014.{{efn|name=Remastered|''[[The Last of Us Remastered]]'' was released on different dates, dependent on territory: July 29, 2014 in North America; July 30, 2014 in Australia and Europe; and August 1, 2014 in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/feature/a580523/games-out-this-month-10-biggest-releases-for-july.html |title=Games out this month: 10 biggest releases for July |last1=Mathé |first1=Charlotte |last2=Reynolds |first2=Matthew |publisher=[[Digital Spy]]. [[Hearst Corporation]] |date=July 1, 2014 |accessdate=April 15, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XngjxQT8 |archivedate=April 15, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref>}}
''The Last of Us: Left Behind'' is played from a [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective, and players use firearms, [[improvised weapons]] and stealth to defend against hostile humans and [[Zombie (fiction)|zombie]]-like creatures infected by a mutated strain of the ''[[Cordyceps]]'' fungus. [[Stealth game|Stealth]] combat utilizes a gameplay mechanic called "Listen Mode" that allows players to effectively locate enemies through a heightened sense of hearing and spatial awareness. The game also features a crafting system, allowing players to customize weapons through the use of upgrades.
Following its announcement, ''Left Behind'' was anticipated due to the critical success of ''The Last of Us''. It was acclaimed by many reviewers, with praise particularly directed at its story, [[Character arc|characterization]], and depiction of female and [[LGBT themes in video games|LGBT]] characters. It [[List of accolades received by The Last of Us|won year-end accolades]] from several [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]].
==Gameplay==
{{see also|The Last of Us#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of The Last of Us}}
''The Last of Us: Left Behind'' changes little from the basic gameplay of ''The Last of Us''. As such, it is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[survival horror]] game that uses a [[Virtual camera system#Third-person view|third-person perspective]]. The game involves gunfights, [[melee]] combat and a [[cover system]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/12/10/naughty-dog-reveals-the-last-of-us-at-2011-vgas/ |title=Naughty Dog Reveals The Last of Us at 2011 VGAs |last=Wells |first=Evan |work=[[PlayStation Blog]] |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |date=December 10, 2011 |accessdate=October 6, 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6T7B9EzaT |archivedate=October 6, 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Throughout the game, players control Ellie; Riley is controlled by the [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]].<ref name="announcement">{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/12/10/naughty-dog-reveals-the-last-of-us-at-2011-vgas/ |title=Naughty Dog Reveals The Last of Us at 2011 VGAs |last=Wells |first=Evan |work=[[PlayStation Blog]] |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |date=December 10, 2011 |accessdate=October 6, 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6T7B9EzaT |archivedate=October 6, 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> An added feature in combat is the ability to focus the attention of the Infected towards human enemies, by throwing objects to distract them. This results in a lower number of enemies to encounter, giving players a [[Positional advantage|tactical advantage]].<ref name="IGN Review"/> Throughout the game, players encounter locations and activities around the mall, such as a [[carousel]], [[photo booth]], [[Amusement arcade|video arcade]], [[mask]] store and [[water gun]]s. All of these locations and activities have some level of interactivity, allowing players to use them in different ways; for example, the photo booth allows players to select different mannerisms in which to pose for a picture, while using the water guns prompts players to soak Riley.<ref name="Wired"/>
==Plot==
In the aftermath of a fight that leaves Joel ([[Troy Baker]]) severely injured, Ellie ([[Ashley Johnson]]) searches in an abandoned mall for supplies to heal him. She discovers a medical kit inside a ruined military helicopter. While making her way back to Joel, Ellie is impeded by the Infected and members of a human group; she fights them, and eventually meets with an unconscious Joel. There, she treats his open wound, and takes Joel away from the mall to find a hideout for the coming Winter.
Weeks earlier, Ellie's friend Riley ([[Yaani King]]) surprises Ellie at their boarding school, returning unannounced after many weeks. After revealing that she has become a member of the Fireflies—a revolutionary militia group—Riley takes Ellie to a nearby abandoned shopping mall, discovering that the electricity is functioning. As the two girls play around in the mall, Ellie frequently seeks the reason behind Riley bringing her there. Though initially hesitant to answer, Riley reveals that she has been assigned to another group of Fireflies in a different city, and wished to see Ellie again despite being forbidden to. When Ellie pleads for Riley to stay, the latter abandons her Firefly pendant. In response, Ellie impulsively kisses her. Drawn by the noise of their activities, the Infected pursue Ellie and Riley; the two attempt to escape, but are bitten. They consider suicide, but choose to embrace their final hours together.
==Development==
[[File:Neil Druckmann SDCC 2014.jpg|150px|thumb|[[Neil Druckmann]] worked as the creative director on ''The Last of Us: Left Behind'', writing the game's story.|alt=A 35-year-old man with curly black hair talking into a microphone, looking at something to the left of the camera.]]
[[Naughty Dog]] began developing ''The Last of Us: Left Behind'' following the release of ''[[The Last of Us]]'' in June 2013. Following the decision to create single-player downloadable content for the game, the development team immediately decided that the story would focus on the character of Ellie; they found that players of ''The Last of Us'' were interested to learn about events in Ellie's life prior to the events of the main game, particularly the events involving [[List of The Last of Us characters#Riley|Riley Abel]], whom Ellie mentioned in ''The Last of Us''. In addition, they found that some players were interested in the events that occurred between the Fall and Winter segments of the main game, in which Ellie cares for an injured Joel. This led to the team deciding to contrast these two events against each other, feeling as though it helps the story's pacing. Game director [[Bruce Straley]] said that the team felt the story justified the development of ''Left Behind''.<ref name="From Dreams"/>
[[File:AshleyJohnson cropped.jpg|150px|thumb|left|[[Ashley Johnson]] portrayed Ellie in ''Left Behind'', reprising the role from ''The Last of Us''.|alt=A 30-year-old woman with long, blonde hair, smiling at someone to the right of the camera.]]
''Left Behind'' was written to focus on the relationship between Ellie and Riley, and to recount the events that defined their later personalities.<ref name="GSpot interview"/> Riley was chronologically introduced to Ellie in ''[[The Last of Us: American Dreams]]'', a comic book written by creative director [[Neil Druckmann]] and artist [[Faith Erin Hicks]]. The team used the comic as a reference point when developing the relationship between Ellie and Riley, becoming particularly interested in having the chance to see more of their relationship;<ref name="From Dreams"/> Druckmann felt that they would not have developed ''Left Behind'' if ''American Dreams'' hadn't been written.<ref name="Wired"/> Druckmann felt that the story of Joel and Ellie's relationship in ''The Last of Us'' dealt with survival, loyalty and love, and that Ellie and Riley's relationship in ''Left Behind'' deals with similar themes. Straley felt that the themes involve love, lost and devotion, pondering the extent that one goes to protect those they care about. [[Ashley Johnson]] portrayed Ellie in ''Left Behind'', reprising her role from ''The Last of Us''. To portray Riley, the team cast [[Yaani King]]; Johnson has noted that it was interesting to act against someone different, and that King fit the role immediately. King felt intimidated to become part of a large project, and was worried about "fit[ting] in".<ref name="From Dreams"/> The team found it interesting to tell the story of Riley, as players of ''The Last of Us'' were already aware of the effect that she had on Ellie; ''Left Behind'' sees Riley's behavior change Ellie, resulting in the latter's focus to fight in order to save those close to her. The team were also interested in Ellie's behavior around Riley; she is perceived as being more playful.<ref name="From Dreams"/> In ''Left Behind'', Ellie and Riley share a kiss; the team explored omitting the kiss from the game, but felt that it was imperative to the story, and that it strengthened the relationship.<ref name="GSpot interview"/> Though initially he only felt that Ellie viewed Riley as an influence, Druckmann later considered her romantic appeal, and decided to explore the concept.<ref name="Wired">{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/2014/02/last-of-us-dlc-interview-long/ |title=Inside the Mind Behind the Brilliant New Last of Us DLC |last=Hudson |first=Laura |work=[[Wired (website)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=February 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 3, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WkaQbeBN |archivedate=March 3, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
While writing ''The Last of Us'', Druckmann had a general idea of the events that would shape Ellie's identity; when conceiving the story direction for ''Left Behind'', he found that these events were suitable.<ref name="GSpot interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-last-of-us-developers-talk-left-behind-dlc-spo/2300-6417282/ |title=The Last of Us Developers Talk Left Behind DLC [SPOILERS] |last=Mc Shea |first=Tom |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=February 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 3, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WkXhCHHx |archivedate=March 3, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Druckmann felt that omitting the nature of the argument between Ellie and Riley, which took place prior to the events of the game, allowed players to draw their own conclusions. The team found various sections of the game interesting, such as the references to [[Facebook]] and [[Halloween]], as the characters are unaware of their meaning.<ref name="Wired"/>
The smaller time frame of development for ''Left Behind'' gave the team an opportunity to trial mechanics and ideas that they were unable to test on the main game. With the game's combat, an added feature was to allow players to focus the attention of the Infected towards human enemies, allowing an easier escape. The gameplay was also more focused on the characters, as opposed to the combat, to allow players to relate to them more.<ref name="From Dreams">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7WEeNH_C2I |title=From Dreams - The Making The Last of Us: Left Behind |people=[[Naughty Dog]] |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |year=2014 |accessdate=March 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WiDzMkly |archivedate=March 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> The gameplay sequences were designed to contrast with other moments of Ellie's life; for example, the water gun fight with Riley is contrasted to the gunfights with enemies.<ref name="Wired"/> The team found that creating some gameplay mechanics was a challenge, with even fewer combat scenarios in ''Left Behind'' than in ''The Last of Us''.<ref name="GSpot interview"/> The animation of the masks also presented a challenge, due to the number of [[joint]]s; it took various iterations before the final design was implemented.<ref name="Wired"/>
==Reception==
===Critical response===
{{Video game reviews
| width = 28 em
| GR = 90%<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/739571-the-last-of-us-left-behind/index.html |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind for PlayStation 3 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWovRlhn |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| MC = 88/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-last-of-us-left-behind |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWnx2FLO |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| CVG = 7/10<ref name="CVG Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/449442/reviews/review-the-last-of-us-left-behind-is-poignant-but-paltry-review/ |title=Review: The Last of Us Left Behind is poignant but paltry |last=Cowen |first=Nick |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWo7JABp |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| EGM = 8.5/10<ref name="EGM Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-the-last-of-us-left-behind/ |title=EGM Review: The Last of Us: Left Behind |last=Patterson |first=Eric L. |work=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=EMG Media, LLC |date=February 13, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWoHvDFS |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| EuroG = 10/10<ref name="Eurogamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-14-the-last-of-us-left-behind-review |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind review |last=Harman |first=Stace |publisher=[[Eurogamer]]. Gamer Network |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWoQuHXK |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| GI = 8.75/10<ref name="GameInformer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_last_of_us_left_behind/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/14/an-emotional-look-into-ellie-39-s-past.aspx |title=An Emotional Look Into Ellie's Past - The Last of Us: Left Behind |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWocxhNz |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-last-of-us-left-behind-review/1900-6415658/ |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind Review |last=Mc Shea |first=Tom |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=February 13, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWoZ3fGt |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2014/02/14/the-last-of-us-left-behind-review |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind Review |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |authorlink=Colin Moriarty |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWnzQ6so |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| Poly = 8/10<ref name="Polygon Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/13/5406740/the-last-of-us-left-behind-review-friends-til-the-end |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind review: friends till the end |last=Kollar |first=Philip |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWolbFU8 |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| VG = 7/10<ref name="VideoGamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/last_of_us_left_behind_review.html |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind Review |last=Miller |first=Simon |publisher=[[VideoGamer.com]]. Pro-G Media |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWpNVeVd |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
}}
''The Last of Us: Left Behind'' was released to critical acclaim. [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Normalization (statistics)|normalized]] rating in the 0–100 range, calculated an average score of 88 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews", based on 69 reviews.<ref name="MC"/> [[GameRankings]] assigned it an average review score of 90% based on 40 reviews.<ref name="GR"/> Reviewers praised the character development, story and subtext, gameplay and combat, and depiction of female and [[LGBT themes in video games|LGBT]] characters.
Tom Mc Shea of [[GameSpot]] found the story insightful,<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and [[IGN]]'s [[Colin Moriarty]] named it one of the game's standout features.<ref name="IGN Review"/> Matt Helgeson of ''[[Game Informer]]'' wrote that the writing "shines", and that it significantly assisted with the development of the characters.<ref name="GameInformer Review"/> Henry Gilbert of [[GamesRadar]] felt that the story was "intermittently intense, tragic, humorous, and even poignant".<ref name="GamesRadar Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/last-us-left-behind-review/ |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind review |last=Gilbert |first=Henry |publisher=[[GamesRadar]]. [[Future plc]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=April 28, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrzJH4A2 |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s Samit Sarkar wrote that ''Left Behind'' "serves as a terrific side story" to the main game, but is "even more impressive" when taken on its own merits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/12/31/7475891/the-last-of-us-left-behind-best-two-hours-dlc |title=2014 in review: The Last of Us: Left Behind was the best two hours of the year |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=December 31, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrNuZ7p9 |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Nick Cowen of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' found the story "less satisfying" than ''The Last of Us'' due to its lack of new details about Ellie, but declared it "action-packed and enjoyable" nonetheless.<ref name="CVG Review"/>
The characters—particularly the relationship between Ellie and Riley—received acclaim. ''Polygon''{{'}}s Philip Kollar appreciated the game's ability to portray realistic female characters, nothing that they "aren't easy stereotypes",<ref name="Polygon Review"/> while GameSpot's Mc Shea felt new appreciation for Ellie by seeing her actions around Riley.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Helgeson of ''Game Informer'' welcomed the addition of Riley, noting that she is "played with the same level of emotional depth and subtlety" as other characters.<ref name="GameInformer Review"/> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''{{'}}s Tim Martin praised the "interplay" between the Ellie and Riley,<ref name="Telegraph Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-reviews/10668770/The-Last-of-Us-Left-Behind-review.html |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind review |last=Martin |first=Tim |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]] |date=March 1, 2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WWp6UNQw |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref> and [[Eurogamer]]'s Stace Harman felt that the game improves the understanding of Joel and Ellie's relationship.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> The character performances also received praise,<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/><ref name="GameInformer Review"/> with IGN's Moriarty and [[Kotaku]]'s Kirk Hamilton noting that the game improved as a result.<ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="Kotaku Review">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/the-last-of-us-left-behind-the-kotaku-review-1521786675 |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind: The Kotaku Review |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=February 14, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrHlyIDZ |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
[[Image:The Last of Us Left Behind - Ellie and Riley kiss.jpg|thumb|left|Ellie and Riley share a kiss. This scene received positive reactions from critics, who named it a "breakthrough moment" for video games.<ref name="Kotaku Breakthrough"/>|alt=Riley is kissed by Ellie; both are young girls.]]
The game received positive reactions in relation to its [[LGBT themes in video games|depiction of LGBT characters]]. The kiss shared by Ellie and Riley was described by Kotaku's Hamilton as "video gaming's latest breakthrough moment", declaring it "a big deal".<ref name="Kotaku Breakthrough">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/video-gamings-latest-breakthrough-moment-1524555480 |title=Video Gaming's Latest Breakthrough Moment |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=February 17, 2014 |accessdate=March 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Wj4CwDAy |archivedate=March 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Keza MacDonald of IGN wrote that the kiss was "so beautiful and natural and funny that [she] was left dumbstruck".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/the-significance-of-the-last-of-us-left-behind |title=The Significance of The Last of Us: Left Behind |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=February 19, 2014 |accessdate=March 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Wj4mdwu8 |archivedate=March 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Edward Smith of ''[[International Business Times]]'' felt that the kiss was "the first example of intimacy in a videogame that's meant anything", recognizing it as "an expression of both burgeoning teen sexuality and of ... friendship".<ref name="IBT Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/last-us-left-behind-review-1436809 |title=The Last of Us: Left Behind Review |last=Smith |first=Edward |work=[[International Business Times]] |publisher=[[IBT Media]] |date=February 17, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrzetvI8 |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Amplify, a project of the non-profit advocacy group [[Advocates for Youth]], reported that the kiss had attracted [[Homophobia|homophobic]] criticism from some players.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://amplifyyourvoice.org/u/hannahology/2014/06/02/the-last-of-us-gamers-left-behind-in-bigotry |title=The Last of Us: Gamers Left Behind in Bigotry |last=Le |first=Hannah |publisher=Amplify. [[Advocates for Youth]] |date=June 2, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrGj5W6L |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
Many reviewers found the gameplay and combat a refreshing difference from other games. Eurogamer's Harman commended the game's ability to link the gameplay to the story, noting that it adds "diversity and dynamism".<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> Helgeson of ''Game Informer'' praised the additional gameplay feature allowing players to force fights among the Infected and human enemies, naming such sequences "engaging",<ref name="GameInformer Review"/> while Martin of ''The Daily Telegraph'' appreciated the game's ability to contextualize the combat sequences.<ref name="Telegraph Review"/> However, some critics felt negatively about a gameplay sequence occurring late in the game, which requires players to kill a large number of enemies;<ref name="Polygon Review"/> GameSpot's Mc Shea noted that it felt "unnatural",<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and IGN's Moriarty called it "forced".<ref name="IGN Review"/> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s Eric L. Patterson wrote that players will feel "disappointed" if they play the game "more for the gameplay than the story".<ref name="EGM Review"/>
The world and environments of the game drew acclaim from many reviewers. ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar called the game's locations "beautiful",<ref name="Polygon Review"/> while Eurogamer's Harman wrote that the level design significantly improved the environments.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> Moriarty of IGN praised the setting within the mall, due to its regularity in "the real, pre-apocalyptic world".<ref name="IGN Review"/> Mc Shea of GameSpot also felt that the game's focus on exploration allowed the "well-realized environments [to] breathe",<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and Martin of ''The Daily Telegraph'' noted that Ellie's body size allowed for "quieter and faster" movement throughout the environments.<ref name="Telegraph Review"/>
===Awards===
''The Last of Us: Left Behind'' received multiple nominations and awards from [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]]. Following its release, [[GameSpot]] awarded ''Left Behind'' Game of the Month for February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-month-february-2014-the-last-of-us-lef/1100-6418082/ |title=Game of the Month - February 2014 - The Last of Us: Left Behind - Game of the Year 2014 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrMZxWdi |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> For the year 2014, the game was review aggregator GameRankings' highest-rated PlayStation 3 game,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html?site=ps3&cat=0&year=2014&numrev=0&sort=0&letter=&search= |title=Browse and Search Games — Highest Rated PlayStation 3 Video Games for 2014 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrLZaIhJ |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> and Metacritic's third highest-rated PlayStation 3 game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/ps3?year_selected=2014&sort=desc |title=Best PlayStation 3 Video Games for 2014 |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrLW6ckd |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref> GameSpot nominated the game for [[Game of the Year]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/game-of-the-year/ |title=Game of the Year 2014 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 18, 2014 |accessdate=January 16, 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrMt4wgn |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> and awarded it PS3 Game of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-last-of-us-left-behind-ps3-game-of-the-year/1100-6423913/ |title=PS3 Game of the Year - The Last of Us: Left Behind |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 19, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrMPB4bf |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> It also received Most Valuable Add-On Content at the [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards.<ref name="SXSW">{{cite web |url=http://sxsw.com/interactive/news/2015/congratulations-2015-sxsw-gaming-award-winners |title=Congratulations to the 2015 SXSW Gaming Award Winners! |last=Blase |first=Aurora |publisher=[[South by Southwest]] |date=March 14, 2015 |accessdate=March 15, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6X2JUcvLp |archivedate=March 14, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> The game's story received awards at the [[11th British Academy Video Games Awards]],<ref name="BAFTA15">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/238706/BAFTA_Awards_honor_Destiny_Monument_Valley_and_David_Braben.php |title=BAFTA Awards honors Destiny, Monument Valley, and David Braben |last=Nutt |first=Christian |publisher=[[Gamasutra]]. [[UBM plc]] |date=March 12, 2015 |accessdate=March 13, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WzYyENPQ |archivedate=March 13, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> [[IGN]] AU Black Beta Select Awards 2014,<ref name="BBSA">{{cite web |url=http://au.microsites.ign.com/bbsa2014/ |title=Black Beta Select Awards 2014 |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=February 20, 2015 |accessdate=March 4, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Wm06F4rg |archivedate=March 4, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> and the [[Writers Guild of America Awards 2014|67th Writers Guild of America Awards]];<ref name="WGAA">{{cite web |url=http://deadline.com/2015/02/wga-award-winners-2015-writers-guild-awards-winners-list-1201373012/ |title=WGA Award Winners & More — 2014 Writers Guild Awards |publisher=[[Deadline.com]]. [[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=February 14, 2015 |accessdate=February 15, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrMU3bpN |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> the game's ending also won Best Memorable Moment from IGN Australia.<ref name="BBSA"/> The character of Ellie received Most Valuable Character at the SXSW Gaming Awards, while Ashley Johnson's performance as the character won an award at the British Academy Video Games Awards.<ref name="BAFTA15"/> The game was also recognized as being innovative; it was nominated for the Games for Change award at [[The Game Awards#2014 awards|The Game Awards 2014]],<ref name="TGA2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/12/06/here-are-the-winners-of-the-game-awards-2014.aspx |title=Here Are The Winners Of The Game Awards 2014 |last=Futter |first=Mike |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=December 5, 2014 |accessdate=April 18, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6XrMM1QKq |archivedate=April 17, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> as well as the Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award at the SXSW Gaming Awards.<ref name="SXSW"/>
==References==
;Notes
{{notelist}}
;Footnotes
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://thelastofus.com/|Official ''The Last of Us'' website}}
{{Naughty Dog}}
{{The Last of Us}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Last of Us: Left Behind, The}}
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