The Epic Crossroads: Uncharted's Momentous Decision Upon its Resurgence

Highlights

The next Uncharted game will need to decide whether to continue with the supernatural elements of the original trilogy or follow the grounded approach of Uncharted 4.

The future of the franchise will be determined by the choice to either incorporate fantasy elements or uphold a more sophisticated narrative approach. The upcoming game may strive to find a harmony between mature themes and a whimsical storytelling style, thereby impacting its characters and overall tone.

The Uncharted franchise, despite its current dormancy, is likely to return in the future due to its immense success both commercially and critically. The series' last major release was seven years ago, and it significantly transformed the franchise, suggesting that the next Uncharted game could have a distinctively different appearance. While there are numerous potential changes that the fifth installment could introduce, there is one crucial element of the franchise that must be either retained or discarded.

Analyzing the first three Uncharted games reveals a discernible formula. Nathan Drake assumes the role of a typical action hero, modeled after the likes of Indiana Jones. He relies heavily on his spontaneity, possessing just enough confidence, luck, and skill to navigate the plethora of perilous situations he encounters. These narratives are replete with betrayals, romance, and historical intrigue, all conveyed through the cleverness and charm of Drake and the other key characters. Uncharted 4 steered away from this formula in certain aspects, and it is imperative that the rumored upcoming game either upholds the series' established tradition or continues down an innovative path. The ultimate determinant will lie in whether the game adheres to a third-act trend.

The Next Uncharted Will Have Make a Decision About Supernatural Elements

The first three Uncharted games were known for their captivating stories, filled with charm, wit, and excitement. One notable aspect was their tendency to take a sudden turn into the realm of fantasy towards the end. Many players expected Uncharted 4 to follow suit with a similar narrative twist. However, contrary to expectations, Uncharted 4 opted for a more realistic approach in its final act.

If the upcoming Uncharted game continues the overarching story without being a reboot or remake, it has the opportunity to solidify this storytelling trend. If the game reintroduces the fantasy elements seen in the earlier games, Uncharted 4 will be seen as an exception, deviating from the new standard. On the other hand, if the next game follows Uncharted 4's grounded approach, it will reinforce the idea that the franchise has moved away from its supernatural origins. This direction may appeal to fans of the original games, while the latter option could be more appealing to those who appreciated the mature storytelling of Uncharted 4.

The future of the franchise will be shaped by the decision, as there are merits to both options. Uncharted 5 has the potential to be a significant departure with a new protagonist, central conflict, and gameplay mechanics. Naughty Dog may choose to preserve some of the fantasy elements from the original trilogy to maintain its identity. On the other hand, Uncharted 4 has been praised for its strong stand-alone story, mature themes, and swashbuckling adventure. If Naughty Dog wants to continue the series' mature identity, it may be best to move away from supernatural plots.

In recent years, Naughty Dog games have focused on dark, adult themes, deviating from the lighthearted style of Jak and Daxter and early Uncharted titles. While many players have resonated with these themes, others may desire a return to the developer's more playful storytelling approach. The next Uncharted game has the opportunity to strike a balance between these two approaches, but how it handles realism will greatly impact its character and tone.