Fans ofNaughty Dogare patiently waiting to see what the talented studio has in the works. It has been known for some time that a multiplayer spin-off forThe Last of Uswill be the studio’s next project, with it expected to be shown off in the near future - likely at the long rumoredPlayStation Showcase. However, what the developer will release beyond that is a lot less clear. A thirdThe Last of Usgame is a possibility, though a sci-fi game has also been heavily rumored.
Many are hoping that the leaks prove true and that a sci-fiNaughty Doggame does happen, as content like Savage Starlight andThe Last of Us 2’s collectible cards show that the studio can deliver interesting stories based on less realistic concepts. A sci-fi game would be a nice change of pace, too, asUnchartedandThe Last of Usboth embraced modern settings. If a Naughty Dog game does eventually take gamers to space, a reference to Ellie and her astronaut dream would be a must.
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Naughty Dog’s Sci-Fi Game Can Honor Ellie’s Impossible Dream
Obviously, withthe world ofThe Last of Usin such a ruined state, Ellie will never get her chance to explore beyond the stars. Still, her love for astronauts is brought up a few times throughout the series, with it also being mentioned in the incredibly successful HBO adaptation ofThe Last of Us. It’s a key character trait that leads to the unforgettable birthday flashback fromThe Last of Us 2, and stands as something that even the most casual fan will remember about Ellie.
Because space is one of Ellie’s passions, and something she would have been obsessed with had she grown up in a less hostile world,Naughty Dog’s sci-fi gamewould have a perfect opportunity to show some love to Ellie and her dream job. One fun way to do this is by including a different character with a name like Ellie in the project, or by having Ashley Johnson portray a new character that loves puns and says a few of Ellie’s best lines.
Alternatively, Naughty Dog could include an Easter egg on one of the maps that feature in this hypothetical sci-fi game. Perhaps a spacesuit can be placed somewhere on a moon that is covered in some of the patches from Ellie’s backpack, orEllie’s journalcan be found sitting on a planet with a gorgeous view. Even a more grim option like a skeleton with one of Ellie’s iconic outfits could be used, showing a timeline where she got her wish - even if she didn’t live as long of a life.
Considering that fans know nothing about this sci-fi game and how it will play, perhaps Naughty Dog could treat it as an RPG, allowing gamers to craft their own character. Naturally, many fans wouldremake Ellie, so including some of her clothes as well as customization options like her hairstyles and unique eyebrows could be a nice gesture. Her tattoo could even be a character customization option, allowing gamers to fully embody Ellie and give her the life she always dreamed of having.
Whether it comes in the form of an Ellie-like character portrayed byAshley Johnson, an environmental Easter egg, or character customization that allows players to make the protagonist look like Ellie, a Naughty Dog sci-fi game should pay tribute to one of the studio’s best characters. With developers referencing their past work in several unrelated games, as well as figures from other franchises,Naughty Dogincluding a nod to Ellie in a game that focuses on her favorite genre simply makes sense.
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