“The Last Of Us” was an Inspiration for the Director of “Heavenly Delusion” Anime

During the Production I.G panel for Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyo) at ACEN, director Hirotaka Mori revealed that the “The Last of Us” was an inspiration for the shows art direction.

Being a devoted enthusiast of the game, he not only purchased the art book but also actively advocated for the animated series to emulate its visual direction. He sought to ensure that the aesthetic appeal and artistic style of the game would be faithfully represented in the series, making specific requests to the production team to maintain coherence with the game’s distinct visual identity. His deep appreciation for the game extended beyond mere enjoyment, as he actively engaged in influencing the artistic direction of the animated adaptation, aiming to capture the essence and atmosphere that captivated him in the original game experience.

Heavenly Delusion unfolds the narrative of two weary wanderers traversing a nation decimated by an unspecified catastrophe, mirroring the premise of its counterpart.

Kiruko, a spirited bodyguard in her twenties armed with formidable firepower, accompanies Maru, her ward, who displays surprising prowess in martial arts and self-sufficiency.

In contrast to its predecessor, the animated series deviates significantly from The Last of Us in appearance, yet shares a multitude of parallels alongside notable distinctions.

Mirroring the dynamic of Joel and Ellie, Kiruko and Maru confront the typical challenges of a post-apocalyptic world: menacing bandits, enigmatic cults, and lethal creatures. Both pairs evoke empathy and exhibit remarkable survival skills.

Regrettably for them, the adversaries in Heavenly Delusion boast a distinctly psychedelic and often more terrifying presence compared to The Last of Us.

One of the standout features of Heavenly Delusion lies in its visually stunning aesthetics, particularly in moments of heightened tension. The series’ production style and pacing exude a cinematic quality, while the intricately depicted world oscillates between 2D and 3D animation seamlessly.

Anime Plot Summary –

Within the safety of the walls, youths are raised in a nursery-style setting by robots. While life there may appear stale on the surface, the children are full of potential and curiosity. In many ways it is like a slice of heaven. The outside world is a hellscape. It is almost entirely void of anything mechanical and is now inhabited by bizarre, yet powerful supernatural beings.

Maru, with the aid of Kiruko, is out there crisscrossing what was once Tokyo for heaven. But after searching for so long, maybe heaven is more of an untenable dream than a potential reality.

[Source: Denpa]