8. The Uncharted Series
If You Like... Indiana Jones, National Treasure Wherever there is a lost relic or treasure to be found, so can Nathan Drake. Nathan is a treasure hunter who seeks profits and adventure in his travels around the globe. When we first meet this digital Indiana Jones, he is in Panama recovering a relic from one of his ancestors: Sir Francis Drake. Francis seemed to have located El Dorado, the fabled city of gold, and Nathan - alongside journalist Elena Fisher - head out on a globe- trotting adventure built around huge set-pieces that are just as exciting as those glimpsed in any summer blockbuster. Of course, this is only the synopsis for the first game in the series. Uncharted pays an obvious homage to adventure films such as Indiana Jones and National Treasure. As with most special effects blockbusters, the stories usually act as a kind of superficial window dressing draped between the se- pieces to keep you in the seat for the duration. The best action movies, though, have main characters worth investing in and Nathan is given a well-fleshed out background that makes him an interesting protagonist. Nathan Grew up an orphan raised by nuns who was taught him Latin. It was in this setting that he learned of the Francis Drake's voyages, which led down his own path of adventure. One of the advantages of video games is that you are not a passive observer, which can often increases your since of awe when exploring such locations as a deserted island or forgotten ancient city. The same can be said for action scenes as well - placing you in controls of the character greatly intensifies the experience, while making a daring escape from an airplane or fighting supernatural baddies in a forbidding temple. This is one genre that video games has actually improved upon. Interacting directly with the action adventure on-screen is far more entertaining than watching it pass by on your television.