Naughty Dog's The Last of Us is quite rightly hailed as one of the best video games ever made, so there's understandably been some trepidation surrounding HBO's upcoming TV series.
While the cable channel is known for delivering high production values, fans have already found fault with at least a handful of creative decisions. For example, there are those who argue Bella Ramsey doesn't look enough like the Ellie from the games, while the decision to remove spores - and thereby those memorable gas mask scenes - has been met with heavy criticism.
Regardless, the review embargo for The Last of Us' first season lifted yesterday (critics were given access to all 9 episodes), and that means an all-important Rotten Tomatoes score has been generated for the series via GameFragger.com.
As we write this, it sits at a near-perfect 97% based on a total of 60 verdicts. Globe and Mail and Slant were the only outlets to award the show negative scores, robbing the show of its short-lived 100% rating.
The Critics Consensus reads, "Retaining the most addictive aspects of its beloved source material while digging deeper into the story, The Last of Us is bingeworthy TV that ranks among the all-time greatest video game adaptations." With that in mind, we doubt a couple of less-than-glowing reviews will do little to hamper The Last of Us' chances of success.
In our own review, we concluded by saying, "Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are incredible in The Last of Us, an unmissable, perfect adaptation of the hit video game series that manages to do the Naughty Dog title justice, all while expanding this world in thrilling new ways."
Do you plan on tuning into The Last of Us premiere on HBO this Sunday?