Uncharted is a video game franchise created by Naughty Dog that debuted in 2007 with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the PlayStation 3. The series follows treasure hunter Nathan Drake and later other adventurers as they travel across the globe in search of historical mysteries and lost cities. Known for its cinematic presentation, engaging characters, and blend of platforming, puzzle solving, and third person shooting action, Uncharted became one of PlayStation's flagship exclusive franchises. The series has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and helped establish narrative driven action adventure games as a dominant force in the industry. Its influence extends beyond gaming, with a 2022 film adaptation starring Tom Holland bringing the franchise to mainstream audiences. The games draw heavily from pulp adventure serials and films like Indiana Jones, featuring exotic locations, ancient treasures, and globe trotting adventure with a modern sensibility.
Within the pinball community, Uncharted has emerged in discussions as a potential theme that could translate effectively to the medium. Pinball enthusiasts have noted that the franchise's adventure elements would work naturally as a spiritual successor to Indiana Jones themed machines, with one community member describing it as a newer Indiana Jones type pin. The discussion often appears alongside other video game properties that fans believe could successfully make the jump to pinball, with commenters arguing that games like Uncharted translate as easily to pinball as blockbuster movies do, countering skepticism about video game themes in general. The franchise's visual appeal and action oriented gameplay have positioned it as a frequently mentioned candidate when pinball fans discuss desired future themes.
An Uncharted pinball machine would offer numerous design opportunities that align well with pinball gameplay conventions. The franchise's globe spanning adventures across jungles, deserts, mountains, and lost cities provide rich visual theming possibilities, with each game's distinct locations offering potential for diverse playfield artwork and toy integration. Gameplay modes could be structured around the series' signature treasure hunting missions, puzzle solving sequences, and dramatic vehicle chases, translating naturally into multiball modes, timed challenges, and progressive objectives. The franchise features memorable set pieces such as collapsing buildings, train sequences, and ancient mechanisms that could inspire interactive playfield toys and mechanical features. Composer Henry Jackman's orchestral scores and the games' extensive library of memorable music cues would provide dramatic audio accompaniment, while voice callouts from beloved characters like Nathan Drake, Elena Fisher, and Victor Sullivan could enhance the player experience. The treasure hunting theme also lends itself well to reward based progression systems common in modern pinball design.
