The tone of Tom's review infers this game really connected with him, like any good piece of art should. Doesn't that alone make The Last of Us deserving of better than an 8.0? From what it sounds like, this game is a very compelling, intense, and emotional experience with great gameplay marred by some minor flaws.
Tom's review scores are typically conservative. But I noticed he also gave I Am Alive an 8.0. That game was decent, but had a of a lot of flaws. And from what I've read, probably more than The Last of Us along with lesser production values and emotional depth.
Giving both games an 8.0 doesn't mean Tom thinks they're equal in quality, but it does put both games at the same general level in the mind of the public, which I think is irresponsible for a professional game reviewer - especially one at Tom's level. Granted, I haven't played the Last of Us, so feel free to pick apart this post because of that. But limiting this game to an 8.0 because of some obviously very acceptable gameplay issues seems inconsistent, at best.
Seems like Tom just wanted his review to stand out - to be that guy who wasn't floored like everyone else. Maybe it was subconscious. Either way, ego should never find its way into a game review.
Wait... it's PS3 exclusive? But that's... No... NO. NOOOOOOOOOO -- *jumps through plate glass window on 5th story and smacks onto ground in bloody mess*
bassplayer55's comments