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The brightly-colored building blocks may not have changed much over the years, but for whatever reason, LEGO has never been hotter. The brand now associated with some of the most anticipated video games AND animated films has survived a parade of fads...but can they survive the end of the world?

That's the question posed in a new fan-made mash-up video, re-imagining the world and character of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us in a more LEGO-centric fashion. The results are impressive to say the least, and might forever change what properties you feel could work when given the LEGO treatment.

It goes without saying that some of the darker, more contemplative or bleak aspects of The Last of Us are sabotaged by the bright, colorful visuals of the mash-up. Although it's worth remembering that The Last of Us actually began its life as an entry in the Jak & Daxter series - so perhaps the clash of sensibilities seen in the video isn't so outlandish after all.

But in all honesty, the creator of the video (YouTube user Brian Anderson) deserves serious credit; once the initial shock and laughs at seeing Joel and Ellie re-imagined as LEGO figures wears off, the gameplay simulated in the video is actually fairly impressive. Fan mash-ups are usually good for a snicker or two, but after seeing just how well the character designs and combat were lifted into the LEGO aesthetic, we share the creator's sentiments: if LEGO The Last of Us was ever released, we'd play it in a heartbeat.

The odds of that happening are a longshot, to be sure, but The Last of Us is certainly as promising a story and property as others adapted to the format, even if it may not have the longevity of, say, Star Wars or Harry Potter just yet. Is there reason to hope? Well, Naughty Dog is clearly in favor of DLC down the road, and with no immediate plans to bring The Last of Us to the PS4, a re-imagining may be the next best thing. But we wouldn't hold our breath.

So what did you make of the mash-up? Was it as promising to you as we feel, or was it the video's cliffhanger that has your curiosity piqued? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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The Last of Us is available on the PS3 now.

Follow Andrew on Twitter @andrew_dyce.