The Uncharted series has consistently produced critically acclaimed games throughout its history. Each adventure ramps up the stakes, both on a personal scale as well as a global one. With six canonical entries to its name, and a live-action movie finally on the way, the Uncharted series has grown to become one of the most beloved and profitable franchises in Sony’s catalog.
Although most of the attention is focused on the four numbered entries, two other games in the series don’t get nearly as much love as they deserve. Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy may not be the first games players think of when they think of Uncharted, but each game provides no shortage of reasons why they shouldn’t be overlooked just for lacking a number in their title.
10 Golden Abyss: Putting The Go In Golden Abyss
When the franchise debuted in 2007, it was difficult to imagine what an Uncharted game would be like on a portable system. That all changed when Golden Abyss, developed by Bend Studios, launched alongside the PlayStation Vita in 2012.
Golden Abyss brought everything players came to expect from the series, whether it was exciting action set pieces, well-written and acted characters, or gorgeous visuals. Bend Studios spared no expense in producing a game worthy of the Uncharted name that fans can play even when they’re out on their own adventures.
9 The Lost Legacy: Drake Who?!
After nearly ten years of adventures, across five games, Naughty Dog retired Uncharted’s iconic fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, at the conclusion of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. As for who takes the reigns in this former DLC turned standalone follow-up, Naughty Dog turned to fan-favorite Chloe Frazier.
Chloe, who was absent from Uncharted 4, quickly dispelled concerns about whether or not Uncharted can survive without Nathan Drake. Through exploring her backstory, her growing bond with former antagonist Nadine Ross, and her pursuit of the Tusk of Ganesh, Chloe became a natural lead for this Uncharted title.
8 Golden Abyss: The Vita-Centric Mechanics Can Provide Satisfying And Engaging Gameplay
Golden Abyss was one of a small handful of games that took full advantage of the Vita’s hardware. While this ultimately had mixed results, certain mechanics were able to shine throughout all facets of the game.
Players can draw a path for Drake to automatically climb as he scales mountainsides or buildings, which makes for a great alternative to mashing the X button. Players can also use the Vita’s gyroscope to aim their weapon, which can be used in conjunction with the right analog stick. Lining up that perfect shot can lead to some of the most satisfying headshots in an Uncharted game.
7 The Lost Legacy: Continuing Where We Left Off In Uncharted 4
Unlike Golden Abyss, which can act independently of the rest of the series, The Lost Legacy continues not long after the conclusion of Uncharted 4. The story pairs the unlikely duo of Chloe with Nadine as they work together to pursue the Tusk of Ganesh and stopping Asav, an insurgent leader, from getting his hands on it first.
The story also takes a previously underdeveloped character in Nadine and grows her more through her alliance with Chloe, her past with Shoreline, and the return of Samuel Drake. Even though it’s a spin-off, it very much feels like a follow-up to Uncharted 4.
6 Golden Abyss: So Many Collectibles, Drake Needed To Bring A Backpack
In each Uncharted game, players can pick up a series of treasure relics. Normally, these have no purpose other than satisfying completionists or sneaking in a fun Easter egg. Golden Abyss takes these treasures and gives them the greater purpose they deserve.
The collectibles in Golden Abyss are broken down into different themes. These themes act as puzzles, and as players collect them, they’ll learn more about the setting or characters such as the main antagonist, Roberto Guerro. And it's not just trinkets found on the ground, as eagle-eyed players can find treasures during certain cutscenes, and collect them by tapping the screen.
5 The Lost Legacy: Turning Up The Speed After Uncharted 4
One of the biggest criticisms of Uncharted 4 comes from its length. While most Uncharted games can be finished under the 9-hour mark, Uncharted 4 blew past those limits by giving players a roughly 15-hour adventure.
Even though there is no shortage of fans who would agree that more Uncharted is a good thing, others thought the adventure progressed too slowly compared to the faster pace of previous entries. The Lost Legacy dials that length back to previous entries and gives players the opportunity to progress more at their own pace, whether fast or slow.
4 Golden Abyss: This Wasn’t A Brief Stroll In The Woods
When Golden Abyss was announced for the Vita, it was easy to assume the adventure would be a short one. Surprisingly, that was not the case as Golden Abyss managed to clock in at a longer playtime than the original Uncharted and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception with a comparable runtime to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
Golden Abyss also holds the series high mark in terms of the number of chapters. The 34 chapters are far and away the most in any Uncharted game. Although, unlike other Uncharteds, some of those chapters are entirely in the form of cutscenes.
3 The Lost Legacy: Giving Explorers Greater Freedom To Explore
In Uncharted 4, Naughty Dog introduced large open areas for Nathan Drake and company to explore. The Lost Legacy builds upon this by adding objectives that can be tackled in any order. In the fourth chapter, “The Western Ghats,” each path brings about a large-scale puzzle. At the end, players are met with more backstory for Chloe while bringing them one step closer to progressing to the next chapter.
This immense area is littered with secrets to find. Players will likely spend a large portion of their playtime just in this chapter alone.
2 Golden Abyss: Players Who Braved Crushing Difficulty Were Treated To A Hilarious Blooper
Players who attempted to complete the game on Crushing difficulty, unlocked after completing the game on Hard difficulty, were met with an unexpected surprise toward the end of the game.
When Nathan Drake and Marisa Chase investigate the mummified body of Esteban the Moor, his body springs up, startling Marisa Chase in a jump scare. Laughter can be heard as Christine Lakin, who voices and motion captures Marisa, realizes she’s been pranked. It’s a fun, lighthearted, and memorable blooper that helps relax the player before the frustrating final boss fights that follow.
1 The Lost Legacy: The Final Chapter Is A Perfect Uncharted Send-Off
Uncharted is a series well-known for its exhilarating action sequences, and The Lost Legacy is no different. With The Lost Legacy being Naughty Dog’s Uncharted swan song, it’s easy to expect they would pull all the stops for the conclusion of Chloe’s adventure.
The final chapter, “End of the Line,” acts as a “Best of Uncharted” chapter. Chloe starts in an adrenaline-pumping car chase, avoiding gunfire and leaping from vehicle to vehicle. The chapter culminates in a train sequence that can put Uncharted 2’s iconic train sequence to shame. “End of the Line” is a perfect cherry on top for the Uncharted series.