The Uncharted Series: Ranking the Games

6. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

In the mid-2000s, after the success of their previous franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter, Naughty Dog decided to venture into a new territory by creating a new franchise. They wanted to create a game that would be different from their previous colorful and cartoonish universes, while still utilizing their expertise in the shooter genre. The game would be a third-person view, resembling an Indiana Jones-like blockbuster, tailored for the PS3. In 2007, gamers were introduced to Nathan Drake, a charming and witty treasure hunter who quickly captured the hearts of players, drawing comparisons to the male counterpart of Lara Croft. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune became an instant fan favorite, incorporating various elements from beloved games such as Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Prince of Persia. The game’s convincing gameplay, featuring a wide range of movements and interactions for Drake, including cover mechanics, blindfire shooting, grenade throwing, and melee combat, captivated players. The game’s stunning visuals and realistic physics system made it a visual treat for players. Despite its flaws in terms of lifespan, enemy AI, and a lacking storyline, the game received decent ratings and anticipation for a worthy sequel from Naughty Dog. The game’s success paved the way for four more sequels, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, all of which received critical acclaim and commercial success. The Uncharted franchise is now considered one of Naughty Dog’s greatest achievements, and Nathan Drake has become an iconic character in the world of gaming.

5. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

The Uncharted series has been a massive success, but unfortunately, its spin-offs couldn’t quite match up to the main installments. Naughty Dog, the developer of the franchise, released a new standalone adventure, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, which was originally designed as a DLC. The game featured Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross as the main protagonists, and it was released just over a year after Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Although The Lost Legacy had some positive aspects, it was unable to overcome the flaws that were present in Uncharted 4. As a result, the game ranked fifth in terms of popularity, only saved from last place by some positive feedback from the community. Despite its shortcomings, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy did explore the relationship between the two treasure hunters, Chloe and Nadine, which was an intriguing aspect for fans of the series. The game also introduced some interesting innovations, such as an open-world section and more challenging puzzles, which addressed some of the previous titles’ criticisms. However, despite these new features, The Lost Legacy did not manage to establish itself as an essential part of the Uncharted franchise.

4. Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Uncharted: Golden Abyss stands out as a remarkable spin-off that managed to surpass expectations and deliver an exceptional gaming experience. The game follows the adventures of Nathan Drake, who embarks on a thrilling journey on the PlayStation Vita, seeking new challenges and opportunities to showcase his skills. As a prequel to the main series, Uncharted: Golden Abyss successfully captures the essence and quality of the franchise, maintaining a similar lifespan and offering a satisfying storyline that adds depth and richness to the Uncharted universe. One of the most impressive aspects of Uncharted: Golden Abyss is its technical prowess, which showcases the full potential of the PlayStation Vita. The game features stunning visuals, smooth animations, and fluid gameplay that immerses players in a world of adventure and excitement. From the lush jungles of South America to the ancient ruins of forgotten civilizations, Uncharted: Golden Abyss takes players on a journey full of breathtaking vistas, hidden treasures, and perilous challenges. What sets Uncharted: Golden Abyss apart from other spin-offs is its emphasis on combat, which adds a new dimension to the series’ gameplay. Rather than focusing on puzzles and exploration, the game offers a more action-packed experience that keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seats. The combat system is intuitive and responsive, allowing players to use a variety of weapons and tactics to overcome their enemies and emerge victorious. Overall, Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a must-play game that offers an impressive blend of storytelling, gameplay, and technical excellence. It is a testament to the creative vision and talent of the developers, who managed to create a spin-off that not only meets but surpasses the high standards set by the main series. Whether you are a fan of the Uncharted franchise or a newcomer to the series, Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a game that should not be missed.

3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

In the span of four years, Naughty Dog had released three exceptional games in the Uncharted series, making it one of the most iconic action-adventure and third-person shooter titles on the PlayStation platform. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, the third installment, solidified the franchise’s exceptional status following the critically acclaimed Uncharted 2. The game showcased Naughty Dog’s growth and mastery of the series, while also laying the groundwork for their future hit, The Last of Us. Uncharted 3 received outstanding reviews, with its stunning graphics, intense action sequences, and a captivating storyline, all contributing to its success. However, while the game was praised for its visual appeal, it fell slightly short in terms of longevity and story appeal, leaving some players wanting more. Nonetheless, Naughty Dog’s dedication to delivering thrilling and memorable gameplay experiences continued to win over fans and critics alike.

2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

As Nathan Drake embarked on his final adventure in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog had high expectations to surpass the excellence of the previous games. The game development team took their time to create an unforgettable experience, leveraging the advancements of the PlayStation 4 to create a stunning visual masterpiece. The game not only showcased the influence of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us but also elevated the franchise to new heights. Uncharted 4 received a remarkable rating of 19 out of 20, impressing players and critics alike with its compelling storytelling, refined gameplay mechanics, and a well-balanced mix of puzzles, gunfights, and stealth elements. The game featured an impressive attention to detail, with an intricate storyline that kept players engaged throughout the adventure. The characters were brought to life with superb voice acting and motion capture, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level. Despite its undeniable excellence, Uncharted 4 narrowly missed the top spot, but it remains a shining example of what video games can achieve as a storytelling medium.

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted is a game series that has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. Over the years, the series has seen numerous releases, but there is one title that stands out from the rest. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the game that took the franchise to the next level. It was a game that exceeded all expectations and set a new benchmark for action games on the PlayStation 3. Uncharted 2 built upon the success of its predecessor and delivered an even more immersive and thrilling experience. The game featured stunning graphics, realistic animations, and a captivating storyline that kept players hooked from start to finish. The gameplay was more refined, and the controls were more responsive, making it easier for players to navigate through the game’s complex environments. One of the most significant improvements in Uncharted 2 was the length of the campaign. The game was longer than its predecessor, giving players more time to immerse themselves in the world of Nathan Drake. The multiplayer mode was also introduced in Uncharted 2, allowing players to compete against each other and put their skills to the test. Furthermore, Uncharted 2’s storyline was filled with twists and emotions that kept players on the edge of their seats. The game’s narrative was not just about treasure hunting but also explored the complex relationships between the characters and their motivations. The characters were well-developed, and their interactions felt genuine, making players care about them even more. Overall, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was a game that took the Uncharted series to new heights. It was a game that set a new standard for action games on the PlayStation 3 and became a must-follow franchise. It was a game that delivered an unforgettable experience…