There has been a general assumption that human beings are inherently selfish. However, I consider this to be a more complex matter. I believe everyone has a right to serve themselves, but it should be to the point where it doesn’t affect others.
The minute it crosses that boundary and impacts people, you stop your innate desires. Even at our core, we are wired to protect our loved ones. But the question arises: Is it worth it, even if it destroys the entire humanity?
Key Takeaways
- The Last of Us and Marvel’s Spider-Man have endings in which both protagonists have to decide whether to save the world or their world.
- I believe Joel selfishly decided to save Ellie, who was not even his daughter and was ready to serve the world.
- Peter shows his heroics and sacrifices his beloved aunt for a greater cause, which makes him a special protagonist.
Two of Sony’s best-selling exclusives brilliantly summarize the rich tapestry of human nature, backed by aspects of self-preservation, empathy, and moral reasoning. Marvel’s Spider-Man and The Last of Us are two titles that make me question and compare the actions of their protagonists during the game’s ending.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Selfishness of Love
Ninety percent of the time, I find games to be just enjoyable. However, The Last of Us’ conclusion was tugged at the strings of my heart. I was forced to confront the very essence of humanity and our capacity for selflessness.
During the conclusion, Joel made an unimaginable choice. Ellie, the girl immune to fungal infection, posed as the last hope for a cure that required his death. Despite the catastrophic consequences for the world, Joel’s decision to save Ellie was a testament to the power of love.
It was also a sign of the inherent selfishness that accompanied it. Seeing Joel snatch humanity’s last hope seemed like an inconsiderate action. All the hardships he endured to bring Ellie to Salt Lake City just felt like worth for nothing.
But if you look at the bigger picture in Joel’s eyes, it did make sense. When Joel lost Sarah, he lost a piece of himself too. Ellie’s presence brought back that piece.
Joel became a father-like figure again, and in the conclusion, he wasn’t willing to lose another Sarah. This showed his choice of prioritizing his happiness while putting thousands or millions of lives at stake.
The Last of Us’s overall point was to display human beings’ inconsiderate side. Nonetheless, it underscored a fundamental aspect: the people we love define our world. Without them, what’s there to fight for?
A Hero’s Burden
Conversely, the Spider-Man universe presented a different yet similarly heart-wrenching situation. Burdened by Uncle Ben’s mantra, “With great power comes great responsibility,” Peter Parker faces the ultimate test of saving his beloved Aunt May or the world from grave danger.
Aunt May was more than a guardian for Peter: she was Peter’s moral compass. Her guidance, emotional anchoring, and wisdom were the pillars of Peter’s identity as Spider-Man stood upon. Sacrificing his only life support embodied the typical superhero dilemma: the need for many versus the need for the few.
The decision would also be excruciating if I were in Peter’s shoes. Aunt May’s sacrifice would definitely be devastating, but on the brighter side, it saved countless lives. That was Peter’s exact step; he prioritized the greater good over personal loss.
This decision highlighted that some sacrifices are necessary for the greater good, even if they come at a greater loss. Unfortunately, this is the kind of selflessness a superhero is expected to display.
The Human Condition
Both narratives explore a broader aspect of human nature, contradicting personal loyalty and collective responsibility. They challenge us to reflect on what we value the most: our duty to humanity or the people we immensely love.
Personally, I will always find myself leaning toward preserving my relationships, even if it comes at the cost of someone else’s life, someone who is not close to me or I don’t know about. Even the thought of losing my Aunt Mays and Ellies scares the hell out of me.
However, as a gamer who wholeheartedly felt the stories of both immersive worlds, I will call Peter’s decision the right one. This is not because of his selflessness but the courage he showed that eventually cemented his place as the great Spider-Man in the game.
On the other hand, Joel was too fragile to let go of Ellie easily, so he made sure to save his world. This decision ultimately soured their relationship. This is why his character stands in the grey area to date and is considered flawed.
Nevertheless, this reminds us that being human means making impossible choices. Such decisions leave an incredible mark on our hearts and prepare us for later stages of life.
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Ever since I was introduced to the gaming realm, I have discovered a whole new world of creativity and adventure. Although I travel through the structured world of business studies, I find my true solace in imaginative writing and thrilling actions in RPG games. That’s exactly what I do: blend both of my passions to create appealing literary pieces. From Hellblade to Metal Gear Solid, third-person games are my go-tos. Join me on my journey as I unveil some classic gaming details and witness the gaming domain through my lens.
If you’re up for a duel in Injustice, find me on Steam.
