Unlike his fellow Lucasfilm franchise, Star Wars, Indiana Jones has been lacking when it comes to video games. There have been some great ones including Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures, Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine, and of course LEGO Indiana Jones. For the most part, however, his games have been easily forgettable. Bethesda has announced they are working on a new Indiana Jones video game, but that is a ways away. In the meantime, there is a series of great “Indy” games fans can play. They aren’t called Indiana Jones, however – the franchise is called Uncharted. Here are 8 reasons Nathan Drake is the best video game version of Indy.
1) Locations
If there is one thing the Indy movies excel at, it is the sheer amount of exciting locations. Uncharted allows players to globe-trot just like Indy, and soak in all of the beautiful sights. Whether it is a gorgeous island, a dark cave, or a shady bar, these games have it all. No two locations are alike, and each one is filled to the brim with places to explore and things to do. There may be primary locations for large set pieces, but Uncharted doesn’t force players to do their treasure hunting in one spot. The number of locations players can visit far surpasses the ones any official Indiana Jones video game includes. Uncharted is a game series that allows players to stop and take in the scenery. Lead designer Richard Lemarchand does a fantastic job of whisking players away to new lands.
2) Puzzles
You can’t have an intense treasure hunt without some brain-teasing puzzles. Thankfully, Uncharted is in no short supply of them. There are plenty of temples and dungeons to explore, and each one is filled with challenges that will have players racking their brains. Nathan usually has the diary of Frances Drake with him, a book that players can refer to in order to find clues to specific puzzles. It really makes players feel as if they are Indy. The official Indy games have puzzles, but more often than not, they are straightforward. Uncharted‘s puzzles seem to be straight out of the movies, making players think outside of the box and test their intellect.
3) Cinematic Set Pieces
One thing fans always look forward to in an Indiana Jones movie are the action set pieces. Even the worst of the films tend to have breathtaking set pieces that many fans feel are the highlights of the adventure. Right from the beginning, Uncharted delivers the goods. The player is introduced to Nathan doing what he does best: seeking treasure. He isn’t able to celebrate for long, as he is almost immediately intercepted by enemies and must fight his way out. This is only the tip of the iceberg. From jumping from a crashing plane to fleeing enemies on rooftops, the set pieces in these games seem like they would fit right at home in the world of Indiana Jones.
4) A Charming Main Character
It is no secret that one of the key elements behind the success of Indiana Jones is the man himself. Harrison Ford is charming, gruff, and witty in the best ways possible. Thankfully, so is Nathan Drake. Right from the beginning, Nathan wins players over with his charm. Throughout the entire game, Drake has no shortage of jokes and wit regarding whatever is happening around him. On top of this, he matches Indy’s gruffness perfectly. He has no problem getting dirty in temples or throwing down with anybody in his way. The key to any great treasure-hunting story is the characters, and Nathan is one of the best. He is a character you can’t help but love. If the new Indiana Jones video game takes notes from Nathan, then it is already set to be a great time.
5) Action
When thinking of Indiana Jones, the action is usually the most important thing. From fighting Nazis to running from boulders, the films are chock-full of thrilling action. And Uncharted has its fair share of action as well. The cinematic set pieces aren’t the only thrilling parts of the game. Virtually the entire time, Nathan is being tracked by people after the same treasure as him. Also, like Nathan, they are willing to do anything to get it.
There are plenty of shootouts and confrontations that require players to fight their way out. Players have access to a wide variety of weapons they can use to get out of tight spots. Like in Indiana Jones films, the puzzles are only a small part of the challenges Nathan Drake has to face. From exploring temples to fighting for his life, there is rarely a moment for players to feel bored during these games.
6) Mystery
If a treasure-hunting story doesn’t have an intriguing mystery behind it, is it really worth it? Luckily for Indiana Jones and Nathan Drake, their respective franchises have plenty of mystery. There is always a main artifact players are after, and the mystery of whether or not it is even real looms over the entire story. As Nathan finds clues and maps to the treasure, fans are able to unravel the mystery right along with him. The narrative is enough to keep players interested and on the edge of their seats as the secrets found within the game are slowly revealed. Like the Indy movies, the mystery is one of the most important aspects of the story.
7) Twists & Turns
With any great mystery, there are sure to be numerous twists and turns to keep viewers on edge. This is true for Indiana Jones as well as Nathan Drake. With stories such as these, the main character is unable to know who is an ally and who is out to get them. The player must remain alert as they are unsure who is going to help them and who will stab them in the back. In addition, the treasure Nate is after is rarely what he expects. Everything he thinks he knows has shifted by the end of the games, and this also warps the player’s vision of what to expect. Hopefully, with the upcoming Indiana Jones video game, the story will twist and turn just like the films and Uncharted.
8) Music
There is no denying the Indiana Jones theme song is one of the most iconic pieces of music in all of cinema. The John Williams score helps elevate the movies and cement them as legendary. Uncharted may not be able to compete with the main theme, but the games still have an incredible soundtrack of their own. The games’ own theme song is almost as associated with treasure hunting as Williams’ score. Greg Edmonson is responsible for the games’ music, and he deserves far more recognition. It is one thing to go on an incredible adventure, but it is an entirely different experience to have a great soundtrack accompany it. Right from the main menu, fans are greeted with beautiful music that clues them into what to expect from the game. The song is adventurous, thrilling, and even inspiring.
