WhenThe Last of Us 2launched in 2019, it was rumored to include a complex multiplayer mode. However,all signs of multiplayer were removed fromThe Last of Us 2’s marketing. Soon after release, fans discovered that developer Naughty Dog was hiring for a standaloneThe Last of Us' multiplayer game, which is set to arrive during a time when the gaming landscape is shifting. Commercial and economic difficulties have led to the cancelation of titles likeStar Wars: Battlefront 3, but this could be taken advantage of byThe Last of Us, as some ofBattlefront’s features - particularly offering control of core heroes and villains - would feel right at home in Naughty Dog’s title.
The Last of Us' multiplayer game was officially revealed during Summer Game Fest 2022, but aside from rumors that the title may be free-to-play, little is known about Naughty Dog’s upcoming shooter. With a wealth of characters and locations at its disposal, the title would do well to give fans control of their favorite hero or villain. Its best bet could be in adaptingStar Wars: Battlefront’s unique approach to killstreaks and power-ups.
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Battlefront’s Hero and Villain Units Could be Adapted for The Last of Us
TheStar Wars: Battlefrontseries allows players to utilize various heroes and villains. With the series' version of killstreaks, players can accumulate battle points by defeating enemies, completing objectives, or supporting allies. Once they accrue 4,000 points, they can respawn as a hero or villain of their choice, depending on team affiliation. Each team can only have a limited amount of heroes or villains active at once, with each unit boasting much higher stats than a basic infantry unit. For players who wish to jump straight into the action, DICE’sStar Wars: BattlefrontandBattlefront 2include a Heroes vs Villains mode where teams of four battle it out using only these special hero and villain units.
TheLast of Us' multiplayer gamecould offer a similar feature, granting fans access to the series' most popular characters. One way is simply to adaptBattlefront’s “battle points” approach, meaning if a player gets enough kills or captures enough locations in PvP, perhaps they could choose from characters such as Joel, Ellie, Abby, or Tommy for their next respawn. Likewise, defeating enough enemies or clickers in PvE could grant access to stronger infantry units or minor characters like Dina, Jesse, or Lev.
The Last of Us' Multiplayer Game Can Combine the Old and New
Naughty Dog’s multiplayer title could expand on the originalThe Last of Us' factions mode. With the additional groups and locations featured inThe Last of Us 2,a factions mode in which players lead a clan of survivors through 12 weeks of survival could elevate the upcoming multiplayer title above the competition. This mode could also provide an opportunity for players to take on the role of a specific hero character once the clan survives a certain duration or reaches a goal.
Were Naughty Dog to take a step further,The Last of Us' multiplayer game could featureoriginal characters and locations from HBO’sThe Last of Us. Given the title may be free-to-play, a mixture of characters from acrossThe Last of Us' various iterations would fit right in, as the genre is known for its crossover content. Fans hoping to play as their favoriteThe Last of Uscharacter in Naughty Dog’s multiplayer title will need to wait for more details, but luckily it is rumored to appear in just a few months at Summer Game Fest 2023.
The Last of Us’ multiplayer spin-off is currently in development.
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