Understanding The Game - The Last of Us 2

The Premise of the Last of Us 2

The Last of Us 2 is a hit video game developed by Naughty Dog company, and serves as a sequel to the original Last of Us game. The premise revolves around a post-apocalyptic world overrun with infected creatures, and it explores the human relationship dynamics in such a setting. One of the main characters is a young girl named Ellie - her age, growth, and development plays a significant role in the narrative of the game, and serves as a reflection of the journey the players undertake.

Game Mechanisms and Timeline

To understand Ellie's age in the Last of Us 2, one must also have a basic understanding of the gameplay mechanisms, particularly the timeline. The Last of Us 2 incorporates several flashbacks, which attributes to a nonlinear narrative. Additionally, players control different characters at different times, further complicating the passing of time. This adds a layer of complexity when deducing Ellie’s exact age.

Character Analysis - Ellie

Ellie, as a character, is integral to the game. In the Last of Us 1, she is introduced as a young girl who forms a deep bond with the game's lead, Joel. In the Last of Us 2, we see her growth and evolution. Understanding Ellie's age in this sequel not only aids in comprehending the narrative but also helps the players understand the motivations and actions of this pivotal character.

Ellie’s Age in The Last of Us 1

Ellie's Age in the Beginning

In The Last of Us 1, Ellie is introduced as a 14-year-old girl, living in a post-apocalyptic world. The events of The Last of Us 1 take place over the course of a year, therefore, by the end of the first game, Ellie turns 15. This detail will facilitate our estimation for Ellie's age in the sequel.

Ellie’s Development in The Last of Us 1

During the course of The Last of Us 1, we see Ellie transition from a naive, dependent child to a resourceful, competent young girl. This transformation happens gradually over time, subtly signifying her growth both in age and maturity.

Impact of Ellie’s Age on The Last of Us 1’s Narrative

Ellie's age and inexperience serve as significant driving elements in The Last of Us 1. They play into the narrative as she needs to rely on Joel, the protagonist for survival in the grim reality of their world. Moreover, her young age further amplifies the emotional impact of the game's climax.

Deducing Ellie’s Age in The Last of Us 2

The time-lapse between the two games

According to the game's developers, The Last of Us 2 takes place five years after the end of the first game. Therefore, if Ellie was around 15 by the end of the first game, she would be approximately 20 years old at the start of The Last of Us 2.

Ellie’s Maturation in The Last of Us 2

A clear indication of Ellie's age in The Last of Us 2 is her maturity. Ellie is far more independent, responsible, and capable in The Last of Us 2 – characteristic traits of a young adult. She is more adept at handling the threats of their world, demonstrating development from a dependent child in the first game to an independent adult in the sequel.

Ellie's Age and the Storyline

Ellie's age in The Last of Us 2 is a significant element in the narrative. Ellie, at 20 years old, operates as an independent entity, making decisions that directly impact the game's outcomes. Her age reveals her motivations and drives the story in unique ways, making understanding her age crucial for the players.