Uncharted: Exhilarating adventure since Drake’s Fortune in 2007
If you love an action-adventure video game, you’ve probably already discovered Uncharted, joining Nathan Drake, Victor Sullivan and Elena Fisher on at least one of their globetrotting escapades. Rich in graphics, characters, story and gameplay, the Uncharted series ticks all the boxes. Every instalment offers breath-taking scenery, death-defying free soloing, epic gun battles and intriguing puzzles – not to mention all the stunning treasures. But you already know that, right?
Puzzles: Seamlessly integrated within stunning gameplay
The big question
The big question: Will there be an Uncharted 5?
The latest game, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, was released on May 10 2016, selling over 2.7 million copies in its first week. So what gamers across the globe want to know is – will there be an Uncharted 5?
Libertalia: The former utopian pirate colony in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as a PlayStation exclusive, both parties have been fueling speculation. Naughty Dog kicked off the debate last October when Creative Director, Neil Druckmann, told Official PlayStation Magazine that Uncharted 4 would be the last game with Nathan Drake as the lead character. Druckmann reiterated this in January, telling The Sun newspaper that Uncharted 4 was ‘the end for Nathan Drake’. He’s also maintained that Naughty Dog would not be involved in the development of another episode, while indicating that Sony might continue the franchise.
The end for Nathan Drake?
Nathan Drake: The dramatic solo scene on the cover of Uncharted 4
From Druckmann’s statements, it sounds like it really could be the end for our beloved Nathan Drake. It’s worth noting, however, that Druckmann has been known to tell a fib or two before other major releases in order to pique interest. Even if Naughty Dog does exit the scene for future Uncharted games, Sony could easily work with another development studio, or use one of its in-house studios.
Nathan Drake: Not one to be out of action for long, Nate bounced back from a plane crash in Uncharted 3
If you didn’t already know, Sony actually owns Naughty Dog, having acquired the studio in 2001. This puts an interesting spin on things. Basically, if Sony wants Naughty Dog to develop Uncharted 5, ultimately, it’ll have to do it, with or without the blessing of Druckmann. Previous departures from Naughty Dog sparked rumors that creative differences over the direction of Uncharted 4 led to the resignations.
Alternative protagonists
Sully (Victor Sullivan): Older but well able to hold his own in sticky situations
If Uncharted 5 is developed without Nathan Drake, there are endless scenarios for the episode’s direction. Possible lead characters could be Drake and Fisher’s daughter, Cassie, Drake’s friend, Victor Sullivan, or Drake’s brother, Sam. Other suggestions include Charlie Cutter, who helped the heroes in Uncharted 3, and Marisa Chase, who teamed up with Drake in the portable Vita instalment, Uncharted: Golden Abyss. Of course, Uncharted 5 could take an entirely different route and introduce a brand new protagonist. An unknown lead character is a risky move, but it’s a distinct possibility.
Marisa Chase: Sassy, but a bit of a damsel in distress in Golden Abyss
A positive prognosis
A recent Vulture interview with Nolan North, the voice actor who plays protagonist, Nathan Drake, adds fire to the debate. North declared that should Sony want to continue the franchise, he would ‘certainly come back’. Whether Naughty Dog and Sony have been deliberately or inadvertently fueling rumors is an interesting question, but North’s statement definitely adds a positive prognosis to the one that Uncharted fans really want answering.
Nolan North: The acclaimed voice actor is happy to continue as Nathan Drake
The ultimate formula
Critical acclaim: The Uncharted games received Metacritic scores of between 80 and 96
For now, there is no clear answer as to whether there will be an Uncharted 5, and if it would still have Nathan Drake in the lead role. However, with even sequel sceptic, Neil Druckmann, admitting Drake is ‘at the height of his popularity’, impressive sales that are up 67% on the launch of Uncharted 3 and a dominating run at the top of the games charts, Uncharted 4 will undoubtedly bring in enough revenue and critical acclaim that Sony keeps the series going. We just have to keep our fingers crossed – in between treasure hunting and shooting baddies, of course – that Sony listens to gamers and gives us what we want: more Drake, more thrilling adventures and more immersive locations. Uncharted is the perfect action-adventure formula, and Sony is unlikely to miss out on the opportunity to be credited for another masterpiece, nor the hundreds of millions in revenue that it will bring.
Perfect gaming recipe: Nail-biting action in Uncharted 2’s iconic train level
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© 2016 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author. Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.
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