When Uncharted began, Naughty Dog likely had no idea what the franchise would become. A third person action-adventure game heavily inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune told a lighthearted story full of adventure and surprises. Exciting setpieces combined with an intriguing sense of mystery as players hunted for legendary treasure, and while gameplay played a big role in Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune’s success, it was the game’s protagonist that truly made it a hit.

Several Uncharted sequels followed, and while the games evolved, so too did Nathan Drake. Players were able to see the character age, fall in love, and become more mature, over the course of the franchise, building their bond with the character. Had Nathan Drake remained the same throughout the course of the entire series, the games may have gotten old, but Naughty Dog’s writing ensured that Drake learned from his adventures. As a result, the end to Drake’s story is far more impactful than it could have been.

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The Early Days Of Nathan Drake

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In Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and its underrated PlayStation Vita prequel Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Nathan Drake is very much the stereotypical action hero. Gunning down hundreds of villains with ease as he hunts for treasure, Nate is fairly one dimensional. Having an encyclopedic knowledge of history, absurd luck, and great skill with every weapon, Drake has no real struggles. Despite this, the character is never boring, as Nolan North plays the part perfectly. Ensuring that every joke lands and every scream feels real, a stellar performance makes Nate memorable beyond his flaws — or lack thereof.

An adventurer and a thief with no real purpose or focus, Nate is simply following in the footsteps or his mentor Sully. He does, however, meet Elena Fisher, a woman that would eventually help Nate become something more. In Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Nathan Drake is much like he was in the original game, taking on another quest for treasure. His journal does reflect that he has real feelings for Elena, though, something that eventually sees him cutting off a brief fling with Uncharted: Lost Legacy protagonist Chloe Frazer. While Drake does make it out of the adventure unscathed, there are some close calls, and it is consistently made clear that adventuring is a risky endeavor.

A Wiser, Better Nathan Drake

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception sees Nate once again going on another search for treasure, though this time, there are even more warning signs that he should stop with his obsession. A discussion between Chloe and Nate sees the former telling him to leave treasure hunting behind, with the clear hope in place that Nate will settle down and start a family with Elena instead. Nathan Drake keeps going, though, and it is in this game where it is made clear that he does have a major character flaw. While Nate may be a lovable scoundrel that consistently does the right thing, he is addicted to treasure hunting.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End doubles down on this obsession, with Nate giving up a perfect life with Elena to go on another adventure. Spurred on by the return of his long-lost brother, Drake’s unhappiness and lack of a purpose seemingly fades when he gets back into his passion. Understandable due to his upbringing with Sully, Nate’s love for what he does is clear. However, there are several moments in the game where he comes to realize that his career path is endangering himself and those he loves. Not only do Nate’s struggles during the game show his age, but his final decision does as well.

A wiser and more experienced Nathan Drake finally recognizes that he has a problem, and once his last adventure reaches its end, he settles down with Elena once and for all. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’s final moments see him retired on a beach with his wife and a daughter names Cassie, living a peaceful life where he is free from danger. A truly happy ending that sees Nathan Drake rewarded for making the right choice, Nate’s long running story comes to a perfect conclusion. Had Drake not evolved from a flawless character to someone with a near-fatal trait, this moment could not have worked like it did. Drake slowly realizing his problem throughout the games makes him more than an Indiana Jones copycat, and it is this same personal growth that makes him such an icon in the world of video games.

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