Over the years, Naughty Dog has built up an impressive resume of stellar PlayStation exclusives. FromCrash Bandicoot’s wacky adventures on the original Sony system toEllie’s traumatic and vengeful journeyinThe Last of Us 2, the company has shown its prowess at crafting linear single-player experiences that set the bar for story-driven games. Sandwiched in the middle of its resume isUncharted, taking players all around the world with the witty and charming Nathan Drake. It has built a legacy of excellence across four mainline games and a couple of side projects.
A big part of a game’s legacy is how it influences other titles, andUncharted 4has been on both sides of the aisle. It clearly takes cues from the likes of Crystal Dynamics' rebootedTomb Raidertrilogy and evenMetal Gear Solidwith its more liberal approach to stealth, but everythingUnchartedbrought has surely been a significant reason whyControl,Guardians of the Galaxy, andThe Last of Us 2were so well received. The latter is perhaps the most obvious, as each Naughty Dog title has similar gameplay additions and level design.
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Uncharted 4 Changed the Series' Rigid Formula
The first threeUnchartedgames each built upon the last.A Thief’s Endwas the series' debut on the PlayStation 4, and with the firstThe Last of Usgame releasing between entries - as well asAmy Hennig’s departure from the developer - it was expected that4would include the most significant revision on the formula yet.Uncharted 4integrated new mechanics like environmental storytelling, stealth combat, and a darker theme, all while maintaining the heart the franchise was known for.
Those differences were taken in-part fromThe Last of Us, which was less about grand action set-pieces and more about intimate character moments and strategic combat. It worked well, and demonstrated thatNaughty Dogcan provide exciting third-person gameplay using two distinctive design philosophies. WhenThe Last of Us 2released in 2020, it was clear thatUncharted 4returned the favor.
The Last of Us 2 Owes Uncharted 4’s Brave Evolution
It wasn’t justUnchartedthat benefited from the fourth game’s improvements with2017’sThe Lost Legacy, as Naughty Dog built upon its successes inThe Last of Us 2. Less linear and more open-ended levels like Libertalia, as well as the Madagascar section in the jeep were replicated to great effect in Seattle Day 1, and Nate’s journal that helps players along their way was a good template for Ellie’s journal.
Theopen sections inThe Last of Us 2definitely expanded upon the idea with more substantial, but non-essential things to do in the space. For example, Ellie’s rendition ofTake on Medoes well to give curious players something to appreciate.Uncharted: The Lost Legacytook it too far and suffered as a result, butThe Last of Us 2learned fromUncharted 4that restraint is important, as is weaving diverse levels around something more focused to improve gameplay variety. Naughty Dog will surely keep revising the formula it has constantly improved on with future games, but perhaps its greatest triumph yet has a lot to thankUncharted 4for.
The Last of Us 2is available now on PS4.
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