The Last of Us review

The Last of Us is our answer to the best PS3 game of all time. Sony's launch announcement describes a game set twenty years after a cordyceps outbreak, in which Joel smuggles Ellie out of a military quarantine zone to a group called the Fireflies. Play mixes weapon crafting, scavenging, a listen mode and stealth, and the publisher noted that Metacritic listed it as the highest rated game across all consoles for 2012 through 2013. It also shipped with Factions, an online mode where players back the Hunters or the Fireflies in four versus four Survivors and Supply Run matches on seven maps. A used disc lists at $17.99 at DKOldies, far below the $59.99 launch price. The trade-offs are tone and pacing: it is rated M, and fights are tense rather than fast. For a PS3 shelf, this is the first disc to own.

Who it is for

Players who want the strongest story on the console, with stealth, crafting and an online mode on the side.

Price

Used PS3 disc from $17.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $17.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Single-player story following Joel and Ellie across a post-pandemic United States
• Weapon crafting, scavenging, listen mode and stealth in every encounter
• Factions multiplayer where you side with the Hunters or the Fireflies
• Survivors and Supply Run modes, four versus four, on seven maps at launch
• Season Pass at launch for single-player DLC and extra multiplayer maps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sony says it was the highest rated game across all consoles from 2012 through 2013 on Metacritic
• Strength: Scarce ammo and crafting make each fight a decision
• Strength: A used copy costs a fraction of the $59.99 launch price
• Weakness: Rated M for blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes and strong language
• Weakness: Slower and bleaker than the Uncharted games
• Weakness: Factions online play depends on Sony keeping PS3 servers running

Key facts

• Developer: Naughty Dog
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
• North American release: June 14, 2013
• ESRB: Mature
• Launch price: $59.99 standard edition

Where it ranks

The Last of Us is No. 1 in our Best PS3 Games of All Time verdict.