It's been nearly a decade since Nathan Drake hung up his holster in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and the PlayStation landscape has evolved dramatically. While whispers of a series revival continue to swirl among the fanbase, the truth is, the spirit of Uncharted—that perfect cocktail of cinematic storytelling, globe-trotting adventure, and thrilling platforming—hasn't vanished. It's simply been distilled and reimagined across a new generation of PS5 titles. For players craving that specific blend of heart-pounding action and character-driven narrative, the current console library is surprisingly rich with worthy successors and spiritual kin. Let's dive into the modern games that best channel the essence of Naughty Dog's iconic franchise.

You can't talk about Uncharted's lineage without tipping your hat to the original trailblazer, Lara Croft. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is the pure, uncut nostalgia hit for the classic treasure-hunting fantasy. Sure, the controls can feel like a relic from a bygone era—a criticism that, let's be honest, the original Drake's Fortune isn't entirely immune to in 2026. But that's part of the charm! Scaling ancient ruins, solving environmental puzzles, and uncovering lost artifacts... this collection is the foundational blueprint. It’s a direct line to the core appeal that Uncharted so brilliantly polished for a new generation. For purists who want the adventure stripped back to its exploratory roots, this is essential. 🗺️

If your Uncharted cravings are more about the feeling—the cinematic scope, the set-piece pacing, the lovable rogue protagonist—then look no further than Star Wars Outlaws. Meet Kay Vess, a scoundrel whose charm and cockiness would make even a young Nate Drake nod in approval. While Han Solo is the obvious inspiration, the gameplay parallels are undeniable. The cover-based shooting mechanics feel instantly familiar, offering that same tense, third-person combat dance. It’s the closest you'll get to piloting your own Star Wars-flavored Uncharted chapter, complete with high-stakes heists and a galaxy full of trouble.

For a narrative punch that hits with the same emotional weight as Uncharted's best moments, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a masterclass. What truly set Naughty Dog's series apart was making us care deeply about its characters. Banishers achieves this with a supernatural tale steeped in grief and moral choices. The connection isn't in gunfights or climbing, but in the storytelling. You're investigating hauntings, unraveling personal tragedies, and facing impossible decisions—to banish or to blame. It’s that same commitment to character-driven drama, just wrapped in a ghostly, 17th-century mystery.

Speaking of puzzles and platforming, Kena: Bridge of Spirits delivers some of the most satisfying vertical traversal since Drake was shimmying along ledges. The visual language is different—think a breathtaking, playable Pixar film—but the principles are the same. Scaling cliff faces, navigating ruins, and discovering hidden secrets all feel intuitive and joyful. Kena’s controls even offer a bit more fluidity than Uncharted's sometimes-prescribed paths. And yes, there are treasures to find for those with a keen explorer's eye!

Then there's A Plague Tale: Requiem. This game understands Uncharted's secret sauce: the art of the playable cinematic sequence. Remember those breathtaking moments running from a crumbling building or a pursuing vehicle? Requiem crafts similar heart-in-your-throat sequences, often with a terrifying sea of rats flooding the screen behind you. Beyond the spectacle, it shares a focus on environmental puzzle-solving, though here you're manipulating light and fire to survive rather than rearranging ancient mechanisms. The narrative is slow-burn, grim, and utterly compelling—another key pillar it borrows from Uncharted's playbook.

Of course, Sony itself has internalized the lessons from its own hit. The rebooted God of War series, culminating in the masterpiece God of War Ragnarok, owes a clear debt to Uncharted's narrative framing. The over-the-shoulder camera, the cinematic presentation of a somber, personal journey, and the heavy emphasis on environmental puzzles and hidden lore collectibles... it's all there. But Ragnarok is no mere copycat. It fused that cinematic adventure template with its own brutally satisfying combat and Norse mythology to create another flagship pillar for PlayStation. It proves the formula can be adapted to genres far beyond globe-trotting action.

Finally, for the ultimate fusion of Uncharted's structure with a rich, established universe, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor stands tall. This game feels like an Uncharted title set in a galaxy far, far away. It's got everything:

• Puzzle-solving in ancient tombs and high-tech facilities

• Elaborate 3D platforming sequences across stunning vistas

• A compelling, personal narrative that drives the adventure

• Those signature "running from chaos" cinematic moments

On top of that, it layers in a deep, souls-inspired lightsaber combat system and decades of beloved lore. It’s perhaps the most complete package for a fan wanting the Uncharted experience within a different skin.

So, while we may still be waiting for a official return to the world of Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer, the adventure never truly ended. It evolved. The PS5 era has welcomed a host of brilliant titles that each capture a piece of that Uncharted magic—whether it's the heart-stopping climbs, the charismatic rogues, the emotional stories, or the breathtaking cinematic flair. The legacy is alive and well, just waiting to be explored. 🔍✨