You play a father, Joel, whose daughter was killed during the early stages of a deadly fungal outbreak. It’s now 20 years later, and he has clearly suffered from the loss. When Joel is given charge of a girl, Ellie, about the same age his daughter was, he is resolute that he won’t be the father figure she clearly needs. Equally, the girl is independent, angry and scared, and won’t admit her need for his care. As the game proceeds through its 18-or-so hours of shooting, exploration and city traversal, you see this dysfunction soften both ways as they slowly gain deep understanding, appreciation and care of each other.

Travelling, shooting and surviving as Joel with Ellie means their relationship builds haphazardly, between and during the action. Even without direct control, you step into the shoes of a father’s heartbreak and feel responsible for its resolution.