The idea ofNaughty Dogworking on a science-fiction game is exciting considering the developer’s pedigree. Fans ofJak and Daxter,Uncharted, andThe Last of Usare likely impressed enough withNaughty Dogto have faith in any new endeavor it embarks upon. But science-fiction is one of few genres that lends itself to complete creative freedom, and that is truly intriguing given how engaging Naughty Dog’s storytelling tends to be.
Naughty Dog could be described as a franchise developer, having put several entries into its established IPs. With a new IP, it is interesting to speculate about what features or insights it will carry into its rumored science-fiction game. Taking a look atNaughty Dog’s previous titles, the developer often rides a fine line between realism and science-fiction concepts. For example,The Last of Ustakes a grounded and realistic approach to a dystopian apocalypse, with enemies that are clearly in the realm of sci-fi.Uncharted’s set pieces should still be its main takeaway.
RELATED:Rumor: Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves PC Release Date Leaked by Epic Games Store
Uncharted Hits a Sweet Spot Between Realistic and Fantastical
WhileThe Last of Ushas some truly suspenseful and action-packed moments, none compare tothe high-octane thrill ofUncharted. TheUnchartedfranchise is built upon the foundation of huge set pieces that may not be demanding or difficult to traverse, but are undoubtedly cinematic and pulse-pounding.
These moments typically involve Nathan Drake free-climbing along predetermined ledges and handholds, and meanwhile some devastation or other entertaining circumstance is ensuing around him. Unrealistic as Nathan’s agility and dexterity may seem, that is not the most fantastical thing aboutUncharted. Instead, mostUnchartedtitles pepper in some supernatural late-game enemies and locales.Naughty Dog’s rumored science-fiction gamewill almost assuredly still have the heart of its other games, and be story- and character-driven.
Imagining a science-fiction landscape with creative set pieces on another planet is also alluring. Fans’ minds may instantly leap to deep-space exploration, alien races, and scientific weaponry. None or all of these common science-fiction elements may be present if the game is truly in development, but it will need set pieces as grand asUncharted’s to stand out from the pack.
Uncharted’s Spectacle Could Return in Naughty Dog’s Rumored Sci-Fi Game
Unchartedmay be a shelved franchise, but that only means Naughty Dog’s new IP can iterate upon what it has achieved before. For example,Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ seminal dangling train ascent;Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’s humvee and motorbike pursuit; orUncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’s airplane cargo-line sequence. EachUnchartedentry has its own unique sequences that may be what fans use to determine which installments are their favorite.
Set pieces inUnchartedare also exciting because of how many globe-trotting adventures Nathan takes with Sully, though a science-fiction game could have its protagonist planet-hopping instead. It is too early to saywhat a potential science-fiction world from Naughty Dog could look like, but the developer will surely have no trouble with graphical fidelity.
Depending on how much Naughty Dog delves into science-fiction, these set pieces could be more elaborate and visually astonishing than anything seen before. If set pieces as immersive and entertaining asUncharted’s are designed,Naughty Dog’s new IPwill surely be a fantastic experience for fans.
