Rumors suggest Naughty Dog is developing a new installment in the Uncharted series, potentially Uncharted 5. If these reports hold true, the studio is reportedly looking to Shaun Escayg to lead the project. Escayg previously co-directed 2017's Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, a standalone expansion that, according to some critics, stands as the best entry in the franchise.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy arrived in the wake of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, offering a fresh adventure without its iconic protagonist, Nathan Drake. The game stars Chloe Frazer, voiced by Claudia Black, and former antagonist Nadine Ross, voiced by Laura Bailey, on a quest for a legendary artifact. This shift allowed Naughty Dog to explore the series' signature blend of witty dialogue and thrilling action set-pieces with new leads.
One of the key factors contributing to The Lost Legacy's success is its scope. Clocking in at around eight hours, its runtime is considerably shorter than Uncharted 4's approximately 15-hour campaign. This more focused approach contrasts with Uncharted 4's sprawling environments and occasional pacing issues, particularly its lengthy flashbacks. The Lost Legacy, by comparison, is often described as having "all killer and no filler," maintaining a propulsive pace from start to finish.
The game innovates within the series by introducing semi-open world segments, such as the Western Ghats chapter. This area allows players to explore a large landscape dotted with optional puzzles and collectibles, which they can approach in any order. This design choice provides a welcome change of pace without overstaying its welcome, a marked improvement over the more linear car sections found in Uncharted 4.
Furthermore, The Lost Legacy effectively transitions the series' focus away from Nathan Drake. Chloe Frazer, a character previously seen in earlier installments, proves to be a compelling lead. Claudia Black's performance imbues Chloe with roguish charm, complemented by Laura Bailey's portrayal of Nadine as a more grounded counterpoint. The evolving dynamic between these two characters, from reluctant partners to a cohesive duo, is a central highlight of the narrative. The story itself is considered ambitious, even addressing some of the inherent complexities of treasure-hunting narratives.
Visually and mechanically, The Lost Legacy builds upon the strengths of its predecessors. It retains the core pillars of the Uncharted series while incorporating lessons learned from previous titles. The game's streamlined approach to storytelling and pacing allows it to stand out, with some arguing it surpasses the other games in the franchise due to its focused execution and successful reimagining of the series' formula without its original protagonist.
