Since it was released, the reaction to the Uncharted trailer has been interesting. Overall, it seems to be getting a lot right and a lot wrong, with general moviegoers likely to be a lot more interested than diehard fans. Seeing Uncharted 4 turned into an origin story is odd, with the plane setpiece from Uncharted 3 making the movie look more like a greatest hits collection of Uncharted moments than anything else. The lack of Sully’s mustache or one of his iconic shirts has also drawn criticism, and many remain divided on whether Tom Holland is a good fit for Nathan Drake.
Regardless of how the Uncharted movie turns out, it does serve as a good reminder that Drake and Sully’s relationship is one of the best things about the franchise. Even if Mark Wahlberg’s Sully lacks the look and Tom Holland’s Drake comes off as a bit too young, the banter between them seems to be genuinely funny and could carry the movie to success. If Naughty Dog were ever to return to the series, one safe and fun option would see the developer leaning into this bond. Players could take control of Nate’s father figure, with the story focusing on Sully’s mentorship of the young adventurer.
An Uncharted Prequel Is The Safest Possible Option For A New Game
The biggest issue with a continuation of the Uncharted franchise is how Nathan Drake’s story concluded in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Many fans would agree that the character gets a perfect send-off, finally leaving treasure hunting behind in favor of a calm and safe life with his wife Elena. The entire game feels like it is building to the end of Drake’s story, and Naughty Dog sticks the landing. As such, any sequel where Nathan Drake is in the leading role would do that game’s conclusion a disservice, telling an unneeded story that goes back on the promise made by Uncharted 4.
At the same time, continuing Uncharted without Nathan Drake seems like a risky move. For many, he is Uncharted, as Nate’s memorable personality provided many laughs and emotional moments. Some have suggested a game where his daughter Cassie is the star, though it is hard to imagine Drake would not end up in a Sully-like role if that happened - something that could easily feel repetitive. A Sam spin-off would be fun, as would more adventures starring Chloe Frazer, but none could accomplish what a prequel could.
While a story set long before the original Uncharted could have its own problems, like a lack of stakes, it would give players a chance to see Nathan Drake again without going back on his well-earned retirement. Players could witness his journey to become the hero they know and love, with the prequel picking up right where Uncharted 3’s flashback sequence left off. Most importantly, a game focused on a younger Nate would showcase Sully in his prime, letting players see a whole new side of the character.
A Prequel Game Could Capitalize On The Uncharted Movie’s New Audience
While some may take issue with the accuracy of the Uncharted movie, the reality is that the film is mainly aimed at a casual audience that is not familiar with the games. As such, they could love this particular take on the characters, wanting to see more adventures between the middle-aged Sully and young adult Drake. A new prequel game could provide that opportunity, motivating moviegoers to try out a game with characters that more closely resemble the ones seen on the big screen.
Whether it be through a tragic romance or some father-son bonding, fleshing out Sully’s character seems like a wise idea. With Mark Wahlberg being such a popular actor, and the trailer putting a spotlight on his version of Victor Sullivan, there is a chance that people leave the theater loving Sully more than Drake. Making a game where he is in the starring role builds off that hype perfectly, possibly growing the audience of the Uncharted games to an even larger number. Fans of the older titles will still appreciate this, too, as it would not damage the impressive legacy of the Naughty Dog franchise. With everything to gain and nothing to lose, the next Uncharted game focusing on a young Sully and Drake would be a logical next step for the series.
Uncharted releases in theaters on February 18, 2022.
