Summary
The Last of Ushas a large roster of characters, though it’s a good idea not to get too attached to anyone, as the game’s world is a ruthless one. Though Joel and Ellie take the lead, characters like Tess and Dina are also unforgettable. Players find out a lot about these characters, but not so much in the case of Maria.
FutureThe Last of Usgames should delve further into Maria’s character, as she plays an important, occasionally maternal, role. This could be done by having Maria join in on Ellie’s adventures, or by having a character close to her, like Tommy, be playable.
Maria in The Last of Us Franchise
Maria appears to have a knack for establishing and maintaining safe settlements. She and her father created a settlement in Jackson, Wyoming which she supplies with electricity through the use of a hydroelectric power plant. FollowingTommy’s departure from the Fireflies, he crosses paths with Maria and the two get married.
It is clear that Maria is a strong leader who cares deeply about the families in Jackson. She can be stern when needed, but sometimes even she can’t control Ellie when she has her mind set on something. This is seen whenEllie insists on seeking revengeagainst a group that harms one of her loved ones.
Maria Remains a Mystery
Though Maria plays an important role in the franchise, very little is known about her. Players aren’t told about her history and how she became the strict but fair leader that she is. There also isn’t much detail given regarding how Tommy and Maria met and fell in love. All these questions could be answered in the nextThe Last of Usgame.
How The Last of Us 3 Can Avoid Sidelining Maria
To avoid sidelining Maria, she could become acompanion NPC who goes on adventures with Ellie. Though she has been established as a caretaker of the settlement, that doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t travel out of Jackson to prevent threats from approaching. This would give Maria more screen time and a chance to delve into her history.
Alternatively, players could find out more about Maria from having a playable character that is close to her. The most obvious choice is Tommy, though after theevents ofThe Last of Us Part 2, he does not seem fit for much more action. Nevertheless, playing as Tommy would give greater insight into how he met Maria and how their love flourished.
Who Will be the Playable Character in The Last of Us 3?
It is impossible to predict which character will be playable in thenextLast of Usgame.The Last of Us Part 2already illustrated that the franchise is willing to subvert expectations, allowing players to control characters from different factions, blurring the lines between heroes and villains. This makes it possible that the next game could place less emphasis on Ellie and more on characters such as Abby.
Maria is one of the franchise’s most memorable characters, brave enough to stand up to formidable figures like Joel when needed. Despite this, she has a deeply maternal side, and she wants the best for everyone in her settlement. Instead of treating her like a minor character, the nextThe Last of Usgame should shine the spotlight on her and allow players to learn more about this intriguing figure.
The Last of Us Part I
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards, now rebuilt from the ground up for the PlayStation 5 console.In a ravaged civilization, where infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Joel, a weary protagonist, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone. However, what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal cross-country journey.- Completely rebuilt using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology with advanced visual fidelity, fully integrated DualSense™ wireless controller features, and more.- A total overhaul of the original experience, faithfully reproduced but incorporating modernized gameplay mechanics, improved controls, and expanded accessibility options.- Feel immersed in improved environmental storytelling, effects, facial animations, and enhanced exploration and combat.
