‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ explores new relationships, majestic ancient world

There’s talk of the “Uncharted” series going forward without its longtime protagonist, Nathan Drake. While this may seem like blasphemy, the truth is the world Naughty Dog created is far too big to revolve around one hero.

The good news is that “Uncharted” is home to numerous adventurers of questionable morals and reckless spirit, one of them being Chloe Frazer. First introduced in “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves,” Chloe became a fast favorite among fans, and it’s easy to see why. She’s tough, she’s witty, and she’s dangerous — qualities sure to propel any character to the top of the video game hero totem pole.

Now Chloe is the star of her very own game. “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” has as much swashbuckling, ancient-ruin-pillaging excitement as you’d expect from an “Uncharted” adventure.

And the best thing about it? You won’t even miss Nathan Drake.

Raiders of the temples of doom

Set around a year after the events of “Uncharted 4: A Thief's End”, “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” follows Chloe as she embarks on a quest to procure the legendary Tusk of Ganesh. But what’s a treasure hunt without a power-hungry madman with a penchant for razing entire cities racing you for the artifact?

The warlord Asav’s got gun-toting goons by the hundreds, and they’ve been ordered to shoot to kill.

Fortunately, Chloe won’t be braving these dangers alone. Globetrotting alongside her is the South African mercenary Nadine Ross, who has become sort of a freelancer following the aftermath of “Uncharted 4.”

“Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” takes the unlikely partners to India, one of the most gorgeous and varied locations ever visited by the franchise. But while the country is bursting with culture, history, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, it’s also fraught with peril, courtesy of Asav and his wicked machinations.

Indeed, one of the game’s opening chapters is the series’ most disturbing yet. As Chloe stealthily navigates the filthy, dimly lit streets of a crowded neighborhood, she’ll find herself at the front row seat to a showcase of human cruelty.

It is during these intense moments that the new lock picking mechanic is introduced. Picking locks with the knowledge you could be caught any second has always made for nail-biting tension in video games. It’s that much more anxiety-inducing when those looking for you are armed with automatic rifles.

“Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” also takes you to its crown jewel, the Western Ghats. This mountainous region is an open world boasting vibrant colors, waterfalls, and enigmatic ancient temples filled with deadly traps — not to mention ingenious, magnificently designed puzzles, which are a joy to solve.

This location is much larger than “Uncharted 4’'s” Madagascar and any area in “Uncharted” history. While you can drive a 4x4 to cover vast distances quickly, the Western Ghats will give you so much to do that completing all the objectives will take you hours. It’ll probably take you much longer if you stop every 15 seconds to take pictures — using the game’s excellent and versatile Photo Mode — of the game’s countless awe-inspiring sights.

Gameplay-wise, “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” feels very much like “Uncharted 4.” There are walls to climb, ancient machinery to operate, and traps to dodge. Like Nate, Chloe can use a grapple rope to swing across chasms.

You can crouch behind cover or in tall grass to conceal yourself from enemies, then pick them off one by one by breaking their necks or planting bullets in their heads using a silenced firearm. Or you could just toss a grenade into their midst and watch as all hell breaks loose.

“Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” allows you to be creative in your approach to combat, so you could be peppering a bad guy with bullets one second, performing an aerial attack on an unsuspecting foe below you the next, then sneaking up on a third target and punching them in the face.

Nadine’s no slouch, either, and will help you thin out the opposition’s numbers. At one point, I was pleasantly surprised when Nadine’s quick actions thwarted the enemy's attempt to find me; as he neared my hiding place, she jumped out of the grass, wrestled him to the ground, and choked the life out of him.

Speaking of Nadine, she makes a great companion to Chloe. When the former’s seriousness clashes with the latter’s impulsiveness and spontaneity, you can be sure a clever quip is just around the corner. Their banter provides the easygoing charm that fuels the humor in these games.

And yes, Chloe has enough charisma to carry her own “Uncharted” title. She may lack Nate’s self-deprecating comicality, but she makes up for it with a cockiness from which ensues a healthy supply of well-timed witticisms.

It’s not all jokes and laughter, of course. Chloe has deeply personal reasons for going to India, and her quest will have her delving into her own history as much as the country’s.

As she and Nadine learn to work together, their relationship will evolve in believable and satisfying ways. Be prepared for huge revelations and surprisingly tender moments.

The “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” story campaign will likely take you 10 hours or more to complete. In addition to that, you get to enjoy the excellent Multiplayer and Survival Modes which, in addition to receiving some new content, carry over the entirety of "Uncharted 4's" competitive and cooperative features. So rest assured, you’ll be in it for the long haul.

Life after Nate

Boasting breathtaking visuals, exquisitely crafted locations and challenges, amazing gameplay, and entertaining character interactions and developments, “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” is another Naughty Dog masterpiece.

But perhaps the best thing about this title is Chloe herself. It’s been a long time coming, and now that one of gaming’s most spectacular heroines has been awarded her own “Uncharted” game, we can rest easy knowing that the series can have a life after Nate. Let's hope Naughty Dog does follow through, because gaming could always use more Chloe and "Uncharted."

“Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” is not a DLC, but a standalone spinoff of “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” and is available for PS4. — AT, GMA News