Uncharted and The Last of Us represent a creative shift not only at Naughty Dog, but the PlayStation “family” in general. The now-top developer was previously known for colorful, family friendly platformers like Crash Bandicoot and the original Jak and Daxter. After The Precursor’s Legacy, the Jak series became edgier and started taking itself more seriously, indicating a shift in “maturity” at Naughty Dog. Indeed, Uncharted became known for its mild violence and cursing in addition to having a realistic art style that completely differs from the aesthetics of Naughty Dog’s previous works. The Last of Us, being a much grittier post-apocalyptic tale, is the apex of Naughty Dog’s transition from family friendly fare to so-called “mature,” award-winning titles.
The success of Uncharted and The Last of Us is not only linked to the games’ cinematic qualities, but their replay value. The original Last of Us and Uncharted’s second and third games had beloved and long-lasting multiplayer modes that enriched the core gameplay provided by their single-player campaigns. Unfortunately, Naughty Dog shut down the servers a few years ago, only sparing The Last of UsRemastered. Considering these games’ legacies, Naughty Dog should make an effort to bring back their multiplayer modes, especially Uncharted’s, on PC.
Uncharted and The Last of Us’ Popularity
All good things must come to an end. For example, one does not expect Nintendo to bring back servers for old DS and Wii games anytime soon. However, the difference between Naughty Dog’s PS3 titles and the likes of the DS Pokemon games or Mario Kart Wii is their longevity. Both the Uncharted trilogy and The Last of Us were remastered for PS4, and the PS3 servers were shut down long after the release of these remasters.
Both Uncharted and The Last of Us continue to be among PlayStation’s most popular IP. Uncharted recently got a film adaptation, and two of its most recent installments - including Uncharted 4 - were ported to Steam. The Last of Us is also getting an adaptation of its own, in addition to a sequel that received overwhelming acclaim despite its controversies. Even if Naughty Dog decides to tackle another original game, its titles from the past decade have not been forgotten.
With The Last of UsRemastered’s multiplayer being alive, it seems odd that Naughty Dog did not extend the same kindness to its PS4 versions of the Uncharted trilogy. The games are still alive and available on an active platform that people interact with, and while the multiplayer modes were not nearly as popular as they once were by the time that servers shut down, it is Naughty Dog’s responsibility to make sure that the games remain engaging. Ditching Uncharted on the PS4 while maintaining The Last of Us could suggest favoritism, which wouldn't sit well with fans.
If Uncharted 4 can see a modern release on PC, then so can its predecessors. Having PC versions of both the Uncharted trilogy and The Last of Us would increase their longevity as both single and multiplayer games. Except for Nintendo titles, several former exclusives from across the industry are getting PC releases, and PC tends to offer the richest multiplayer. Additionally, the PS4 is in its final years, which is bad news for The Last of UsRemastered. Naughty Dog’s recent titles are among the most successful in the last two console generations, so putting them on PC with revived multiplayer modes should satisfy fans and higher-ups that are concerned about financial gains.
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and The Last of Us Remastered are available on PlayStation 4.
