The Last of Us: Left Behind DLC ‘a bit more fun’

Left Behind, the first bit of story-driven content released for Naughty Dog's The Last of Us, will have a bit more of a "playful" feel to it. That's not to say it'll lack the realistic qualities of a bleak post-apocalyptic world, but the way you will experience these realities — through the eyes of two teenage girls — will offer a totally different aspect.

"It's definitely different," actress Ashley Johnson (Ellie) said of the upcoming DLC. "It’s a little bit more “fun,” because you have two teenage girls going through a mall."

"It’s kind of like a post-pandemic version of two teenage girls hanging out. Definitely not a normal hangout! It’s very different — a little more playful," she continued. Adding to the differences, Johnson explained that Left Behind will have combat "familiar" to the original campaign, but "there are some new touches and nuances, too."

As for Ellie, Johnson teased that you'll get to meet the "real" her. "She’s in the quarantine zone prior to the events of The Last of Us — it’s her and her best friend Riley — what they do and how they live their lives in this world," she hinted. "You’ll definitely see a more playful side to Ellie and get to know her a bit better. You’re going to see a lot of different sides to the character that you definitely didn’t see in The Last of Us. I’m excited for people to experience it!"

Left Behind acts as a prequel "of sorts" to the main campaign in The Last of Us. It explores the relationship of Ellie and her best friend Riley as they attend a military boarding school in the Boston quarantine zone. Those who already played the campaign might remember Ellie mentioning being bitten by one of the Infected while with Riley. When asked if this was something we'll learn more about, Johnson offered, "There's a lot you'll find out about Ellie. You'll just have to play it and find out!"

Left Behind doesn't yet have a firm release date, but it's expected to arrive in early 2014.

[PS Blog]