Games

The Most Immersive Naughty Dog Games

Published

3 weeks ago

October 31, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Naughty Dog consistently raises the bar for technical execution, employing advanced techniques in graphics, sound design, and environmental detail to enhance immersion.
Each new installment in the
Uncharted
series showcases a progression in gameplay mechanics and atmospheric depth, demonstrating the studio’s commitment to evolving their games.
Both
The Last of Us
and
The Last of Us Part 2
exemplify the power of immersive storytelling, using their richly developed worlds, emotional narratives, and character dynamics to great effect.

Naughty Dog is home to some of the most beloved PlayStation franchises, and the studio has consistently delivered technically impressive and immersive titles across console generations. Known for its meticulous attention to detail, Naughty Dog crafts games with realistic character emotions, believable environments, and subtle touches that resonate deeply with players, leaving a lasting impression.

Every Naughty Dog Video Game Franchise, Ranked

Naughty Dog has remained extremely iconic in the gaming scene for decades, and their expertly crafted franchises are some of the best out there.

Since the PS3 era, the studio has focused exclusively on the Uncharted and The Last of Us franchises, with each title becoming a major hit and receiving praise from both critics and fans. Here, we’ll look at some of Naughty Dog’s most immersive games over the years, noting that “most immersive” doesn’t necessarily mean “best.” For this reason, earlier Naughty Dog games, like the Jak and Crash Bandicoot series, aren’t included, as they don’t emphasize the same level of detail, atmosphere, and immersion found in the studio’s more recent flagship series.

7 The Last Of Us Part 1

The Only Remake In The Studio’s Portfolio That Feels Slightly Unnecessary

Systems

Released: September 2, 2022
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

The Last of Us Part 1 is a solid remake of a great game, but it still feels somewhat redundant. The original The Last of Us remains visually impressive and was already remastered for the PS4 generation. Additionally, the PC version—one of the main reasons for this remake—suffered from numerous technical issues at launch.

At its core, Part 1 is essentially the story of the first game enhanced with the technology behind The Last of Us Part 2. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, the remake feels secondary to the original releases, unable to evoke the same emotions for players who have already experienced the series.

6 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

A Wide Geography And Immersive Tibetan Locations

Third-Person Shooter

Adventure

Systems

Released: October 13, 2009

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves marked a huge leap forward from the original Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. One of the sequel’s standout features was the expanded scope of Nathan Drake’s journey, taking players to Turkey, Borneo, Nepal, Tibet, and the snowy Himalayas. Each location is brought to life with remarkable detail and artistic vision, accompanied by a memorable score from Greg Edmonson.

Uncharted Feature Chloe Nadine Nathan drake

Uncharted Games Ranked By How Long They Take To Beat

The Uncharted franchise offers several fantastic single-player adventures. Here’s every game ranked from shortest to longest.

With a fast-paced narrative, expansive level design, breathtaking vistas, and non-stop action, Among Thieves redefined the action-adventure genre at launch, even surpassing the Tomb Raider series and winning numerous Game of the Year awards.

5 Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

An Exotic Mix Of Indian Urban, Jungle, And Ancient Ruin Environments

Systems

Released: August 22, 2017
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Though smaller in scope, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is in no way inferior to the other major Uncharted titles. Set along the southwestern coast of India, in the historic lands of the former Hoysala Empire, the game makes excellent use of its exotic setting, showcasing breathtaking locations filled with mystery, adventure, and discovery.

With Chloe Frazer in the spotlight, The Lost Legacy introduces fresh character dynamics and explores new conflicts that weren’t closely examined in the series before. Featuring more personal stakes, the narrative feels grounded and intimate, and with its shorter playtime of around 7–8 hours, the game offers a highly immersive experience that can be enjoyed from start to finish in one sitting.

4 Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Convincing And Mysterious Desert Regions Of Syria And Yemen

Systems

Released: November 1, 2011

While Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception may be slightly less beloved than the series’ second chapter, with supporting characters not as strong and pacing less polished, it delivers an even more immersive experience. Much of this comes from Uncharted 3‘s setting, as players follow Drake through the desolate rocky and sandy deserts of Syria and Yemen.

12 Possible Settings For A New Uncharted Game

There are many grand and tropical locations that players want to visit for a potential Uncharted 5.

The atmosphere in Drake’s Deception is exceptional; Naughty Dog developed a custom technique for sand’s realistic behavior, making the game’s environments feel more immersive than ever. Though its geography isn’t as varied as Among Thieves, the palpable heat of exploring the Rub’ al Khali desert remains unforgettable.

3 Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

The Final Chapter For An Iconic Hero, Done Right

Third-Person Shooter

Adventure

Systems

Released: May 10, 2016
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Concluding a beloved series is always a challenging task, but Naughty Dog made a monumental effort to give Nathan Drake a triumphant send-off in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. From start to finish, Uncharted 4 represents the pinnacle of the action-adventure genre, somehow managing to surpass every previous entry in all respects.

From platforming and action to exploring expansive open areas and delivering a cinematic narrative, A Thief’s End is one of those rare games that’s as compelling to play as it is to watch, with no plot lulls or dull sections. The game’s near-flawless technical execution and the variety of locations—including Scotland, Italy, Madagascar, and more—only add to its excellence and immersive quality.

2 The Last Of Us

One Of The Strongest Introductions Of A New IP Ever

Systems

Released: June 14, 2013
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

The Last of Us needs little introduction, standing as one of the most celebrated games ever—a phenomenal way to introduce a new franchise. While the game’s narrative strengths have been widely analyzed, they’re not the only factor behind its success. By grounding its emotional story in a decaying version of the USA, complete with recognizable landscapes, abandoned buildings, and overgrown memorials, The Last of Us leaves a lasting impression.

Jak and Daxter 2, The Last of Us 2, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

5 Naughty Dog Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

What these Naughty Dog games have in common are their incredible, immersive, and touching stories that players will remember years after playing.

The game’s fresh—and terrifying—take on a post-apocalyptic world, along with a unique approach to its monsters and threats, makes The Last of Us a truly captivating experience. Every creative choice—from music to visuals and even gameplay choices found in systems like inventory, crafting, or healing—enhances its immersive quality on all levels.

1 The Last Of Us Part 2

Setting The Bar Sky-High In Almost Every Department

Systems

Released: June 19, 2020
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

How do a development studio surpass something as iconic as The Last of Us, which already set the bar for immersion and atmosphere so high? The Last of Us Part 2 is the answer, delivering a dark, palpably tense experience that’s as impressive today as it was at launch. Not only is Part 2 Naughty Dog’s most immersive game to date, it’s easily one of the most immersive games ever made. Through Ellie and Abby, players embark on a relentless, visceral journey that repeatedly shatters expectations.

While much of the discussion around The Last of Us Part 2 centers on its story, plot twists, and characters, it’s the world itself and its dangers that make this experience so compelling. Enhanced in every way from the original—from music to atmosphere—this story-driven game is a work of art from start to finish. At times, it’s intentionally hard to push through, a testament to how each aspect of the game aligns under a single, powerful vision.