Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be crystal clear: this is not for kids. Not for young teens. Not for 'mature' 13-year-olds. This is a hard M-rated game with graphic violence that would make many adults uncomfortable.

That said—for older teens who are genuinely ready for mature content, The Last of Us is legitimately exceptional. It's the game that proved video games could tell stories as sophisticated as prestige television. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is beautifully written, the world-building is immersive, and the ethical questions it raises are genuinely thought-provoking.

But you're watching (or playing through) brutal violence, disturbing imagery, and some truly dark human behavior. There's a torture scene. There are implications of sexual violence. People get their heads blown off in graphic detail. The infected are nightmare fuel.

If you have a 17+ teen who loves narrative-driven games, handles horror well, and you're comfortable discussing heavy themes together, this could be a meaningful experience. It's the kind of game you might even play together and discuss afterward. But if there's any doubt about readiness, wait. It'll still be a masterpiece in a year or two.

The 2013 PS3 version still holds up remarkably well, though the remastered versions look better. Either way, this is a 'when they're ready' situation, not a 'let's push the boundaries' one.

Age Fit

This is firmly 17+ territory, and honestly, many 17-year-olds might find it intense. Mature older teens who can handle graphic violence and dark themes will find one of gaming's most acclaimed experiences. Younger kids? Absolutely not.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

This is a post-apocalyptic survival game centered on violence, death, and humanity's darkest impulses. While the father-daughter relationship between Joel and Ellie is emotionally resonant and models protection/loyalty, the overall tone is bleak, brutal, and filled with graphic violence against both infected creatures and humans. The pacing includes intense combat sequences and stealth kills. Not emotionally healthy for younger audiences.

Imaginative

78

Exceptional world-building in a fungal-infection apocalypse with richly detailed post-civilization environments to explore. The narrative is deeply creative and emotionally complex, examining survival ethics and human connection. However, it's a linear story-driven experience rather than one that invites player creativity or building. The exploration and environmental storytelling are top-tier, but players follow a predetermined path.

Safe

20

Contains intense graphic violence, gore (dismemberment, headshots with visible detail), disturbing imagery of infected humans, strong language, and mature themes including torture, cannibalism references, and child endangerment. The multiplayer mode involves competitive PvP combat. While it lacks predatory monetization (no IAP, no loot boxes), the content itself is definitively M-rated material with significant trigger warnings. This is absolutely not safe for unexpected viewing by children.

Enriching

82

Widely regarded as one of gaming's most sophisticated narratives, exploring complex ethical questions about survival, sacrifice, parental love, and the cost of hope. Character development is exceptional, building empathy through nuanced performances. Challenges players to think about moral gray areas and the consequences of choices. Requires strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving. However, all this depth comes wrapped in extremely mature content.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely one of gaming's best stories with film-quality performances and emotional depth that rivals prestige TV
Explores complex ethical questions about sacrifice, survival, and what we owe each other when civilization collapses
The relationship between Joel and Ellie is beautifully developed and will wreck you emotionally (in a good way)
Teaches strategic thinking, resource management, and consequence evaluation in high-stakes scenarios
For mature teens ready for it, this can spark meaningful conversations about morality and the human condition

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What to Watch For

Graphic violence throughout—headshots, melee kills, dismemberment, blood and gore are core gameplay elements
Extremely mature themes including torture scenes, implied sexual violence, cannibalism, and child endangerment
Intense horror atmosphere with jump scares and disturbing infected creature designs
Strong language peppered throughout
The multiplayer mode involves killing other players' characters in PvP combat

Conversation Starters

"Joel makes a huge choice at the end—do you think he was right? What would you have done?"
"The game shows people doing terrible things to survive. Where's the line between survival and losing your humanity?"
"Ellie and Joel's relationship changes throughout. What made them start trusting each other?"
"If society collapsed tomorrow, what skills or knowledge would actually matter? What from school would be useless?"
"The infected aren't really 'zombies'—they're people taken over by fungus. Does that make killing them different?"

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