Sony’s first-party franchises are aplenty with the PS5 finally finding its groove. BetweenGod of War, Horizon, Spider-Man, andThe Last of Us, its offerings are fruitful and give owners of the system something to love and, critically, more to be excited about. PlayStation’s commitment to quality exclusives isn’t a new thing, however, as the PS3 had a smattering of experiences that were fantastic. Chief among them wasUncharted, and though a fourth game released in 2016 for the PS4, the series saw off the previous console’s life with a trip to Arabia in the critically acclaimed, but commercially overlookedUncharted 3featuring the likes of Charlie Cutter. Now, in 2023, a rumor surrounding the possibility ofUncharted 5is making the rounds.
The 2011 game’s biggest issue was that it was sandwiched betweenUncharted 2and4, both of which are some of the most beloved action/adventure games ever made. The third game is by no means worse, however, as it presented characters, settings, and dialogue moments that still impress almost 12 years later. The former is something that should be praised hugely, as the reemergence of Chloe Frazer, the overbearing presence of Katherine Marlowe, and the inclusion of Charlie Cutter all made Nate’s journey feel less lonely. Cutter’s time was cut short, however, andUncharted 5could bring him back to give him the more substantial role he was planned to have.
Charlie Cutter was One of Uncharted 3’s Many Bright Sparks
While Nathan Drake’s life-long ambition to find Iram of the Pillars is the main motivator ofUncharted 3, he couldn’t have achieved the feat without a team of loyal friends behind him. Charlie Cutter appears to be the exact opposite in the opening scenes ofUncharted 3, roughing up the heroes before shooting them and leaving them for dead. Shortly thereafter, it becomes clear that it was an illusion to thwart the plans of Marlowe and Talbot, and Cutter was actually a friend of Nate and Sully’s all along.
However, Cutter’s involvement in the game ends after a leg break takes him out of action. In the real world, actor Graham McTavish had to leave filming to work onThe Hobbit, meaning his input inDrake’s Deceptionis limited. This was jarring for the story, and as he was written out so far from the game’s end, his place inUncharteddoesn’t feel like it sufficiently concluded.Bringing Cutter back inUncharted 5would mean the project could have a pre-established personality to make the game feel connected to the rest of the series.
Uncharted 5 Needs Familiarity
With Nathan Drake’s story coming to a conclusive end at the close ofUncharted 4, it would be unwise to drag him back into the action. However, a potential fifth game has to have a level of familiarity to feel like a legitimate entry in the long-standing series. That could involve returning to a specific location, using recognizable music, or bringing back a character to push the story forward.Uncharted: The Lost Legacytook the latter approach and made it a success asChloe Frazer and Nadine Rosshad a fun adventure in India, and more vitally it showed thatUnchartedcan still work without Nate at the forefront.
Cutter could be that familiar face that connectsUncharted 5to the rest of the franchise. The way he was written out of the third game means he didn’t get a true ending to his arc, and the sudden nature of his departure is a noticeable issue withUncharted 3’s otherwise stellar story. He’s a fan favorite, and while his time on screen is limited, Cutter cements his place as one ofUncharted 3’s best characters, with his cheeky charm and brutish nature contrasting with Nate and Sully beautifully.Unchartedhas always worked best when the main character has an accomplice, and Charlie Cutter is in prime position to take over from Sully as the wise, seasoned treasure hunter to steerUncharted 5’s protagonisttowards the adventures ahead.
Uncharted 5is rumored to be in development.
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