That’s why there are so many Black Friday deals at Fanatical this weekend. Yes, you can get a lot of games at affordable prices. That’s all well and good. But you get more than just a game. In a world where Cordyceps sinensis is not only the ingredient in the magical lattes that middle-class hippies like me drink, but also the source of a global pandemic, you’ll go through various experiences, have your heart stolen, have your soul bewitched, and learn about the redemptive power of love as you try to escape from zombie-like creatures. If it looks good, you should go get it The Last of Us Part 1one of the best story games of all time, is half the price at Fanatical.
To be honest, I hate zombie stories. I don’t like the apocalypse. That’s my personal preference. I prefer stories that make me dream and take me to the world I actually want to visit. Then I watched “The Last of Us.” what happened to me? Was it incredibly emotional, heart-breaking storytelling? Was it Bella Ramsey’s performance, a subtle combination of childlike playfulness and survivor rigor? Was it Pedro Pascal’s sad daddy eyes (definitely that)? Could it be a combination of all of those things? After watching so much of the show, I absolutely had to play the game.
And oh my, I wasn’t disappointed. Yes, I arrived late to the party. Perhaps you do too. If you’re into post-apocalyptic worlds and zombie stories, stay here. If you’re interested in emotional honesty, beautiful storytelling, rooting for the characters, and having your heart twist and twist like a wet towel, stay here. Yes, I cried.
This game, everyone. I’m a romance type of gal. I love the enemies-to-lovers arc, I love the slow burn, I love the longing. And surprisingly, after a father-daughter story rather than a romance, I got exactly that fix. Joel and Ellie are cynical middle-aged smugglers and severely traumatized teenagers who are strangers when they first meet and don’t really like each other. However, Joel has to take Ellie across the country. She is the only person known to be immune to the infectious disease that wiped out humanity, and is the person for whom a vaccine could be created. The game follows their journey across cities, towns, and landscapes filled with multiple dangers from the infected and human militia alike. They go from “I can’t stand what you’re saying” to “I will destroy anything or anyone who tries to harm you, because that’s how much I love you.” Oh my god.
That’s what makes this game special to me. We watch these two characters trust and depend on each other and ultimately learn to love again. In a world ravaged by loss, anxiety, violence, and trauma, their bond brings them healing and a new sense of purpose. It’s not a zombie game. This is a game where you learn how to love again when it feels impossible to love. It’s all carried through with beautiful dialogue and top-notch acting.
Okay, that teeth It’s also a game about zombies. Yes, that part is pretty fun too. You can sneak around inside the building, but I love sneaking around. To survive, you must be strategic in how you choose your weapons and upgrade your skills. Shoot all over the place like a berserker…maybe it will work depending on the situation? But most of the time, being cautious is the best policy (well, this definitely applies to me, because trying to err on the side of caution has never worked for me). The action scenes are paired well with meditative walks and rides, allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery and just breathe with two beautiful characters who slowly fall in love.
Am I doing too much? Am I exaggerating the qualities of this game? Maybe, who knows, but I don’t care. Naughty Dog worked a spell on me, and they too broke my heart. I think the real heartbreak happened in The Last of Us Part 2, but we don’t need to get into that right now. We never need to go into that.
So what now? At Fanatical you can get this absolute treasure for 56% off, £22.24 instead of £49.99. Don’t wait too long. This deal is only available until Tuesday, December 2, 2025. If you don’t understand that beforehand, your heart may never be broken.
