Summary
Much likeThe Last of Us’ Factions mode developed a steady player count due to its stealth-focused multiplayer combat, the arcade gameplay ofUncharted’s multiplayer modes saw them maintaining small but loyal player bases. Those who tried the multiplayer modes in games likeUncharted 2: Among Thieveswill likely remember rushing toward the center of the map to grab a powerful grenade launcher before an enemy in aDoughnut Drakeskin or a Skelezor outfit reached it. Moments like this were always fun, and they show that Naughty Dog could find success if it ever wanted to takeUnchartedeven further into multiplayer territory.
Obviously, anUnchartedmultiplayer game is hugely unlikely to ever see the light of day. Not only did theUnchartedmultiplayer modes in the past fail to attract more than a cult following, but Naughty Dog has reiterated that it is focused on singleplayer games aftercancelingThe Last of Us Online. Additionally, it seems content with where it ended theUnchartedseries, with Neil Druckmann recently saying that the studio has fully moved on from the franchise. Still, there is always a chance that another developer tacklesUncharted, or that Naughty Dog changes its mind to capitalize on the nostalgia for the series further down the road. If that does happen one day, thenUnchartedshould take its multiplayer to the next level while also adding co-op to its story mode.
Why a Multiplayer Focus For The Next Uncharted Could Work Well
Uncharted Already Has The Perfect Setup For a Co-Op Mode
Considering how manyUnchartedsegments see players working together with AI partners, whether it be Nate and his trusty mentor Sully or Chloe and her friend Nadine, it is a bit surprising that co-op has never been attempted by the franchise. As shown bysuccessful games likeIt Takes Two, cinematic moments can easily be maintained with just two players, ensuring thatUnchartedwould not lose its setpieces if a second player was added to the mix. Though co-op could be completely optional, gunning down mercenaries or solving puzzles alongside a friend would be a lot of fun, and it could even be used to create more memorable moments where players have to work together to survive the series’ trademark falls.
AnUncharted 5or a soft reboot could have a perfect co-op pairing withNathan Drake and his daughter Cassie. Not only would the dialogue between the two characters be adorable, but letting players emote together could make for even cuter interactions.
Uncharted Has The Right Tone and Gameplay For a Battle Royale Offering
Instead of another arcadey multiplayer mode,Unchartedshould take the leap into battle royale territory. Unlike the grounded tone boasted byThe Last of Usfranchise, which would have made the battle royale content that was planned forThe Last of Us Onlinedifficult to pull off,Uncharted’s lighthearted and adventurous nature would make it a perfect battle royale candidate. The silly taunts ofUncharted 4and ridiculous skins likeUncharted 2and3’s Genghis Khan show how memorable the cosmetics could be, and Naughty Dog or another developer would not need to worry too much about storytelling in such a mode.
AnUnchartedbattle royale mode would not only be an attractive premise for Sony due to itslive service plans for PlayStation games, but it could gain the attention of those that like the genre due to a unique style of gameplay. While gamers fans have seen everything from building and hero shooter mechanics inside their battle royale titles,Uncharted’s platforming and verticality would be a breath of fresh air. Players fighting each other while hanging on ledges as a storm closes in would be thrilling, and weapons like the M32-Hammer could make for game-changing loot drops. WithUncharted’s solid gunplay and melee combat able to be channeled as well, a battle royale experience could actually work, even if finding success in the genre is easier said than done.
