Uncharted is Sony’s star first-party franchise on PlayStation 3. It’s risen to prominence in Naughty Dog’s spectacular library of games, all three series games are undoubtedly PS3 killer apps, and each release has proved to be narrative game-changers for the industry. However, despite Uncharted only recently entering the limelight, I posit that the series needs a break. It’s the only thing fitting for Uncharted’s continued relevance.
The series’ ream of emulators could be its downfall. Uncharted left a great impact on game design with its cinematic approach and immersive, setpiece moments, but rarely is Uncharted’s brand of action-adventure gameplay improved upon by those who draw inspiration from it. However, a string of emulations can make any new installment of the source material seem rather tired. This is evident in the world of first-person shooters, with Doom 3, the sequel to genre-founding Doom, being received in far from the most incredible fashion after comparisons were drawn with other shooters that had built upon the series’ foundations.
The Uncharted series may not survive by branching out from gameplay expectations. Having a hub-world a la Tomb Raider might sound good on paper, but the series currently relies on working within a tight narrative and environmental structure. Bringing the same story and characters into a game that isn’t fast-paced, globe-trotting pulp would just be bizarre. The latest Tomb Raider worked because it was a reboot and therefore could play loose with expectations.
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What about a reboot, then? Well, it wouldn’t be wise so soon after the last installment. Sure, Tomb Raider: Legend was a reboot far more linear than its predecessors, and Legend was met with generally positive reviews, but it didn’t have much to compete against considering that the prior release was The Angel of Darkness. Prince of Persia’s second reboot was critically acclaimed but failed to garner the consumer attention of the much-loved Sands of Time trilogy; I think that the stylistic changes came too soon.
I don’t like to suggest the total removal of risk, but surely it is safer and more interesting for Naughty Dog to move onto a new project? Naughty Dog has launched a new series for each PlayStation console, and each time this has met with success. There is a significant danger that sticking with Uncharted could cause lasting damage to Naughty Dog and its hit series.
Besides, Naughty Dog may be doing itself a creative disservice by sticking with Uncharted. Sure, they have two teams, and The Last of Us creative director and writer Neil Druckmann spoke with zeal about what PS4 could offer to stories. But a deep story with subtle themes might go against the pulpiness of Uncharted, which threatens to derail what makes Drake’s adventures so fun in the first place: outlandish action that doesn’t require too much thinking.
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My greatest fear is Naughty Dog moving on to another franchise and passing the baton to another developer. Sure, Uncharted: Golden Abyss was well received, but it wasn’t praised as highly as Naughty Dog’s Uncharted games. However, it stuck to the Uncharted formula. If a new developer didn’t have Naughty Dog’s eyes upon it, they might take the series into uncharted territory (sorry) and disappoint longtime fans who have come to expect certain gameplay elements and production standards.
A permanent retirement isn’t the answer, but an Uncharted sabbatical is certainly in order. Then, sometime in the future, Drake and his cohorts can return and the series can once again change the gaming landscape. Surely its departure is a better option than increasing irrelevance?
Let me know your thoughts on where the Uncharted series should head in the comments below.