The Uncharted video game series is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed in history. This guide will walk you through the entire series, from the first game to the latest expansion. Learn about the characters, the story, and the gameplay, and find out why Uncharted is one of the best video game series of all time.
The Uncharted video game series is a third-person action-adventure game series developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The games follow Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who embarks on globe-trotting adventures to uncover lost treasures. The series is known for its cinematic storytelling, action-packed gameplay, and humor.
The Uncharted series has been a critical and commercial success, selling over 41 million copies worldwide. The series has also been praised for its representation of women in video games. In 2022, a film adaptation of the series was released, starring Tom Holland as Nathan Drake.
Table of Contents
The Games
The Uncharted series consists of eight main games, as well as two spin-offs and one standalone expansion. Here is a list of all the games in the Uncharted series:
- Main series:
- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
- Spin-offs:
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011)
- Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (2012)
- Standalone expansion:
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)
The Story
The Uncharted series tells the story of Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who is searching for lost treasures around the world. The games follow Nathan’s journey as he uncovers ancient mysteries, solves puzzles, and battles enemies. The series also explores Nathan’s relationships with his friends and family, and his own personal history.
The Gameplay
The Uncharted games are third-person action-adventure games. The gameplay consists of a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The combat is fast-paced and exciting, and the exploration is rewarding as you uncover hidden treasures and secrets. The puzzle-solving is challenging but fair, and it helps to break up the action.
The Characters
The Uncharted games feature a cast of memorable characters. Nathan Drake is the protagonist of the series, and he is a charming and charismatic treasure hunter. Other key characters include Victor Sullivan, Nathan’s mentor and partner; Elena Fisher, a journalist who joins Nathan on his adventures; and Chloe Frazer, a former enemy who becomes Nathan’s ally.
Main series:
1. Uncharted Video Game Series: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is the first game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2007 for the PlayStation 3. The game follows Nathan Drake as he searches for the lost treasure of El Dorado. Along the way, he must battle mercenaries, solve puzzles, and explore ancient ruins.
The game was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its cinematic storytelling, action-packed gameplay, and humor. The game also won several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2007 Spike Video Game Awards.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune:
- Cinematic storytelling: The game’s story is told in a cinematic fashion, with stunning visuals and a gripping plot.
- Action-packed gameplay: The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, with a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
- Humor: The game has a sense of humor that helps to break up the action and make the game more enjoyable.
- Characters: The game features a cast of memorable characters, including Nathan Drake, Victor Sullivan, and Elena Fisher.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is a great game for fans of action-adventure games. It has a great story, exciting gameplay, and memorable characters. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging game to play, then Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is a great choice.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- The game was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that developed the Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter series.
- The game was directed by Amy Hennig, who also wrote the game’s story.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Richard McGonagle as Victor Sullivan, and Emily Rose as Elena Fisher.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Greg Edmonson.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is a great game that helped to launch the Uncharted series into the mainstream. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you should definitely check out this game.
Uncharted Video Game Series: Among Thieves – A Sequel That Soared
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the second game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2009 for the PlayStation 3. The game follows Nathan Drake as he searches for the Cintamani Stone, a mystical artifact said to grant immortality. Along the way, he must battle mercenaries, solve puzzles, and explore ancient ruins in Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and more engaging story. The game also won several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves:
- Improved graphics: The game’s graphics were significantly improved over the first game. The environments are more detailed, the characters are more lifelike, and the action sequences are more visually stunning.
- Enhanced gameplay: The gameplay was also enhanced in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The combat is more fluid, the puzzles are more challenging, and the exploration is more rewarding.
- More engaging story: The story in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is more engaging than the first game. The characters are more relatable, the stakes are higher, and the twists and turns are more unexpected.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a great game for fans of action-adventure games. It has a great story, exciting gameplay, and memorable characters. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging game to play, then Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a great choice.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- The game was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that developed the Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.
- The game was directed by Amy Hennig, who also wrote the game’s story.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Richard McGonagle as Victor Sullivan, and Emily Rose as Elena Fisher.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a great game that helped to cement the Uncharted series as one of the best action-adventure game series of all time. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you should definitely check out this game.
Uncharted Video Game Series: Drake’s Deception – Unraveling Mysteries
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is the third game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3. The game follows Nathan Drake as he searches for the lost city of Iram of the Pillars, also known as the Atlantis of the Sands. Along the way, he must battle mercenaries, solve puzzles, and explore ancient ruins in the Middle East.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and more personal story. The game also won several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception:
- Improved graphics: The game’s graphics were significantly improved over the previous games. The environments are more detailed, the characters are more lifelike, and the action sequences are more visually stunning.
- Enhanced gameplay: The gameplay was also enhanced in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. The combat is more fluid, the puzzles are more challenging, and the exploration is more rewarding.
- More personal story: The story in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is more personal than the previous games. The characters are more relatable, the stakes are higher, and the twists and turns are more unexpected.
- In-game flashbacks: The game features in-game flashbacks that reveal more about Nathan Drake’s past. These flashbacks help to flesh out Nathan’s character and make him more relatable.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a great game for fans of action-adventure games. It has a great story, exciting gameplay, and memorable characters. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging game to play, then Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a great choice.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- The game was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that developed the previous Uncharted games.
- The game was directed by Neil Druckmann, who also wrote the game’s story.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Richard McGonagle as Victor Sullivan, and Emily Rose as Elena Fisher.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a great game that helped to further cement the Uncharted series as one of the best action-adventure game series of all time. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you should definitely check out this game.
Uncharted Video Game Series: A Thief’s End – The Grand Finale
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is the fourth main game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4. The game follows Nathan Drake as he retires from treasure hunting and tries to reconnect with his family. However, his past comes back to haunt him when he is forced to search for Henry Avery’s treasure. Along the way, he must battle pirates, solve puzzles, and explore ancient ruins in the Caribbean.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End video game cover
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and more mature story. The game also won several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2016 Game Awards.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End:
- Improved graphics: The game’s graphics were significantly improved over the previous games. The environments are more detailed, the characters are more lifelike, and the action sequences are more visually stunning.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End game screenshot - Enhanced gameplay: The gameplay was also enhanced in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. The combat is more fluid, the puzzles are more challenging, and the exploration is more rewarding.
- More mature story: The story in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is more mature than the previous games. The characters are more relatable, the stakes are higher, and the twists and turns are more unexpected.
- Bigger and more open-ended levels: The levels in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End are bigger and more open-ended than the previous games. This gives players more freedom to explore and experiment.
- Strong emotional connection: The game does an excellent job of building a strong emotional connection between the player and the characters. This is due in part to the game’s excellent writing and voice acting, but it is also due to the game’s focus on character development.
- Meaningful choices: The game gives players a number of meaningful choices throughout the story. These choices have a real impact on the story, and they help to make the player feel more invested in the game.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a masterpiece of video game storytelling. It is a game that will stay with you long after you have finished playing it. If you are a fan of action-adventure games, then you absolutely need to play Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- The game was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that developed the previous Uncharted games.
- The game was directed by Neil Druckmann, who also wrote the game’s story.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Richard McGonagle as Victor Sullivan, and Emily Rose as Elena Fisher.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Henry Jackman.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a great game that helped to conclude the Uncharted series on a high note. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you should definitely check out this game.
Spin-offs Series:
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a spin-off game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2011 for the PlayStation Vita. The game follows Nathan Drake as he searches for the Golden Abyss, a legendary treasure hidden in the Amazon rainforest.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss was developed by Bend Studio, who were previously known for developing the Syphon Filter series. The game was directed by Bruce Straley, who also directed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
Golden Abyss received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and story. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted: Golden Abyss:
- Touchscreen controls: The game makes use of the PlayStation Vita’s touchscreen controls for a variety of actions, such as climbing, swinging, and shooting.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss touchscreen controls - New gameplay mechanics: The game introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to use the touchscreen to interact with the environment and the ability to use the Vita’s rear touchpad to aim and shoot.
- Enhanced graphics: The game’s graphics are significantly improved over the previous Uncharted games, thanks to the PlayStation Vita’s more powerful hardware.
- New story: The game features a new story that is set before the events of the first Uncharted game.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a great game that is well worth playing, especially if you are a fan of the Uncharted series. The game’s touchscreen controls take some getting used to, but they are ultimately rewarding. The game’s new gameplay mechanics are also a lot of fun, and the enhanced graphics are a treat to behold.
Additional details:
- The game was released as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita.
- The game was directed by Bruce Straley, who also directed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Emily Rose as Elena Fisher, and Claudia Black as Nadine Ross.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Greg Edmonson.
Uncharted: Fight for Fortune
Uncharted: Fight for Fortune is a multiplayer card game in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3. The game allows players to collect cards and build decks to compete in online multiplayer matches.
Fight for Fortune was developed by Bend Studio, who were previously known for developing the Syphon Filter series. The game was directed by Bruce Straley, who also directed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
Fight for Fortune received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the game’s concept but criticized its execution. The game was also a commercial disappointment, selling only around 100,000 copies worldwide.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted: Fight for Fortune:
- Collectible cards: The game features a variety of collectible cards, each with its own unique abilities. Players can collect cards by playing the game or by purchasing them from the PlayStation Store.
- Deck building: Players can build their own decks of cards to compete in online multiplayer matches. The decks can be customized to suit the player’s playstyle.
- Online multiplayer: The game features online multiplayer matches for up to four players. Players can compete against each other in a variety of different modes, such as Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.
Uncharted: Fight for Fortune is a fun game that is a great way to test your skills against other players. However, the game is not without its flaws. The card collecting system is a bit grindy, and the online multiplayer can be laggy at times.
Additional details:
- The game was released as a free-to-play game.
- The game was directed by Bruce Straley, who also directed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
- The game’s voice cast includes Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Emily Rose as Elena Fisher, and Claudia Black as Nadine Ross.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Greg Edmonson.
Uncharted: Fight for Fortune was discontinued in 2014. However, the game’s servers are still up and running, so players can still play the game online.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a standalone expansion in the Uncharted series. It was released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4. The game follows Chloe Frazer as she searches for the Tusk of Ganesh, a mythical artifact hidden in India.
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Uncharted: The Lost Legacy video game cover
The Lost Legacy was developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio that developed the previous Uncharted games. The game was directed by Kurt Margenau and Anthony Newman.
The Lost Legacy received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s story, gameplay, and visuals. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the key features of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy:
- New protagonist: The game features a new protagonist, Chloe Frazer, who is a former mercenary and treasure hunter.
Chloe Frazer from Uncharted: The Lost Legacy - New setting: The game is set in India, which is a new setting for the Uncharted series.
- New gameplay mechanics: The game introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to ride elephants and the ability to use a grappling hook.
- Enhanced graphics: The game’s graphics are significantly improved over the previous Uncharted games, thanks to the PlayStation 4’s more powerful hardware.
- Strong female characters: The game features strong female characters in the lead roles, including Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a great game that is well worth playing, especially if you are a fan of the Uncharted series. The game’s new protagonist, Chloe Frazer, is a great character, and the new setting, India, is a lot of fun to explore. The game’s new gameplay mechanics are also a lot of fun, and the enhanced graphics are a treat to behold.
Conclusion
The Uncharted series is one of the best action-adventure game series of all time. The games are beautifully crafted, with stunning visuals and a gripping story. The gameplay is exciting and challenging, and the characters are memorable and relatable. If you are a fan of action-adventure games, then you absolutely need to play the Uncharted series.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a great place to start with the Uncharted series, I would recommend starting with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. This is the first game in the series, and it introduces you to the characters and the world of Uncharted. Once you have played Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, you can then move on to the other games in the series.
Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Q1: Will there be more games in the Uncharted game series?
A1: The Uncharted video game series has concluded with A Thief’s End as the final chapter in Nathan Drake’s journey. However, future spin-offs or new stories may be set within the Uncharted universe.
Q2: Can I play Uncharted games on platforms other than PlayStation?
A2: The mainline Uncharted games are exclusive to PlayStation consoles. However, some spin-offs and remastered versions of earlier games have been released on other platforms.
Q3: Are the Uncharted games suitable for all ages?
A3: The Uncharted video game series is generally rated for mature audiences due to intense action, violence, and occasional strong language. It is recommended for players aged 17 and above.
Q4: Which Uncharted game is considered the best in the series?
A4: The best Uncharted game is subjective and may vary depending on personal preferences. However, Among Thieves and A Thief’s End are often considered series highlights due to their compelling narratives and exceptional gameplay.
Q5: Can I enjoy the Uncharted series without playing the previous games?
A5: While each Uncharted game stands independently, playing the series chronologically will provide a richer understanding of the characters’ journeys and the overarching narrative. However, it is still possible to enjoy individual games independently.
Q6: How long does it take to complete an Uncharted game?
A6: The time to complete an Uncharted game varies depending on individual play styles and the level of exploration undertaken. On average, each game in the series takes approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete, but it can be longer if players choose to engage in side quests and discover hidden treasures.
Q7: Can I play Uncharted games cooperatively with friends?
A7: Yes, some games in the Uncharted series feature multiplayer modes that allow players to team up with friends and engage in cooperative gameplay. These modes provide additional challenges and opportunities for teamwork.
Q8: Are there any plans for a sequel or continuation of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy?
A8: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there have been no official announcements regarding a direct sequel or continuation of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. However, Naughty Dog and the franchise’s publishers may explore new stories or spin-offs within the Uncharted universe in the future.
Q9: Can I expect Uncharted games to be visually impressive?
A9: Absolutely! The Uncharted series is known for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. Each game showcases breathtaking environments, realistic character models, and impressive graphical effects, creating an immersive and visually pleasing experience.
Q10: Is playing the Uncharted games in chronological order necessary?
A10: While playing the Uncharted games in chronological order provides a more cohesive narrative experience, each game can be enjoyed independently. They have self-contained stories with their own arcs, so it’s possible to jump into any game in the series and still appreciate the adventure. However, playing in chronological order will enhance your understanding of the characters’ growth and the overarching story.