The Unbreakable Bonds of Characters: Why The Last of Us and Uncharted Remain Unforgettable

Highlights

The Last of Us and Uncharted are considered the best in their respective genres, with Naughty Dog's recent offerings receiving high praise.

The impact of The Last of Us and Uncharted's success has shaped Sony's approach to its first-party titles, inspiring other games to emulate their tone, gameplay, and character development. The exceptional storytelling abilities of Naughty Dog are demonstrated through the possibility of replicating or even replacing the central relationships in both franchises with fresh characters, opening up exciting avenues for future directions.

The Last of Us and Uncharted have established themselves as leaders in the gaming industry, with their exceptional gameplay and storytelling. These titles mark a turning point for Naughty Dog, as they move away from their traditional cartoonish platformers towards more mature and grounded narratives. These games have had a significant impact on Sony's approach to their first-party titles, inspiring others to incorporate similar tones, gameplay mechanics, and character development. While the characters in these series are undeniably remarkable, Naughty Dog has shown that their games can still excel even without heavily relying on them.

The Last of Us' Central Relationship Could be Replicated

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While Joel's presence is not prominent in much of the second game's story, his influence is undeniably felt throughout. The Last of Us 2 delves deeper into the interdependence between Joel and Ellie, surpassing the first game in showcasing their reliance on each other. Ellie's actions are heavily molded by her relationship with Joel, and the aftermath of the first game offers insight into his crucial decision. Naughty Dog's ability to forge a strong bond between these characters in 2013 is truly fascinating, leaving no doubt that they can achieve it again. The dystopian world of The Last of Us effectively enhances emotional moments and character connections, providing fertile ground for new experiences.

As demonstrated by Telltale Games in The Walking Dead's 400 Days DLC, a single cataclysmic event can give rise to multiple stories, and delving into them with greater intricacy could add a sense of grandeur to The Last of Us' setting. Joel and Ellie are the acclaimed creations of Naughty Dog's talented team, and considering the studio's expertise in both visuals and character development, it is not an unreasonable belief to say that the pair may not be indispensable to the overall product.

Uncharted has Successfully Abandoned Nathan Drake Before

Nathan Drake's charm is an essential aspect of Uncharted, but The Lost Legacy demonstrated that other characters can shine as well. Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, with their distinct personalities and great chemistry, not only lead the quest for the tusk of Ganesh, but also excel in the moments of conversation. This game proved that the Naughty Dog IP can thrive without Nate, and that his charisma can be effectively replicated or replaced with equally captivating characters.

While Uncharted revolves around a treasure hunt interrupted by villains and unexpected events, the quality of the protagonist is crucial. With strong storytelling abilities, a Drake-less Uncharted can still thrive and even surpass expectations. Joel, Ellie, and Nate have made their mark in gaming history, but their absence from the IP doesn't necessarily mean the end. Both The Last of Us and Uncharted have the potential to explore various compelling directions in their future endeavors.