Uncharted: Naughty Dog’s True Backbone
Uncharted: Naughty Dog's True Backbone
Uncharted vs The Last of Us: A Tale of Two Games
When it comes to defining Naughty Dog’s studio, opinions used to vary. Some would argue that The Last of Us, with its thought-provoking storytelling, held the title. Others might have pointed to Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End or even Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy as contenders. But let’s be honest, without Uncharted, we might not have experienced the greatness of The Last of Us.
Now, don’t get me wrong, The Last of Us is an emotionally resonant and tragic masterpiece. But in the hands of any other developer, it could have easily turned into just another repetitive zombie game. What sets it apart is Naughty Dog’s rich storytelling and writing. They take this apocalyptic world and turn it into something that feels fresh and original, unlike the derivative experiences we often encounter in the genre. Uncharted, on the other hand, pays homage to action blockbusters but doesn’t quite reach the same level of fame.
Perhaps one reason The Last of Us has gained more notoriety is its controversial and divisive subject matter. Naughty Dog has made choices that have left fans in contention. People found themselves debating what they would do in Joel’s shoes at the end of the first game. And The Last of Us Part 2 pushes players to attempt empathy, which can be a difficult task if they were strongly attached to Joel. Uncharted, on the other hand, is like a popcorn flick. You enjoy the exciting set pieces, put it down, and move on. There’s not as much emotional hardship to reflect on, unlike the heartstring-tugging moments found in The Last of Us.
But regardless of the reception and fan reactions, The Last of Us is undeniably more popular than anything else Naughty Dog has created. It has even secured its place in pop culture with an upcoming HBO show adapting the second game. That’s some next-level popularity right there!
However, let us not forget Uncharted’s role in all of this. Uncharted acted as a guinea pig for The Last of Us’ success. It was Naughty Dog’s first attempt at crafting ordinary human characters in a realistic world, a departure from their previous work on Jak and Daxter. Uncharted set the foundation upon which The Last of Us was built.
- Why Games Like Five Nights at Freddy’s and Granny Succeed at Scarin...
- Disney Dreamlight Valley updates with new content.
- Pokemon Company donates to support Hawaii wildfire relief.
The timelines of both games show interesting intersections and influences. Uncharted 4’s hyperrealistic graphics and simplified UI prompts made their way into The Last of Us Part 2. And even Uncharted: The Lost Legacy introduced a mini-open world concept that The Last of Us Part 2 adopted when Ellie and Dina arrived in Seattle.
It’s only natural for a developer’s previous work to influence future creations, allowing them to learn and grow. And Uncharted shouldn’t be left in the shadows. Even after 10 game releases and a upcoming live-action movie, Uncharted deserves recognition for all it has achieved.
In the end, both Uncharted and The Last of Us have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, each with their own distinct charms and accomplishments. So, let’s give credit where credit is due and celebrate the greatness that Naughty Dog has brought us.
