Naughty Dog’s Best Gaming Franchises

Naughty Dog's Best Gaming Franchises

As a longtime gaming enthusiast who has traversed the digital landscapes of countless titles, I can confidently say that the works of Naughty Dog are some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. Their ability to weave intricate narratives within harsh and unforgiving worlds is nothing short of masterful.


Naughty Dog, one of the top game developers in the AAA market, has earned this reputation for valid reasons. The harmonious blend of gameplay, narrative, and graphics in their recent series sets them apart as some of the finest in recent gaming history. With a background in the gaming industry spanning decades, what are the most remarkable Naughty Dog franchises?

Naughty Dog didn’t make a big impact at the start, but it wasn’t until their seventh game that they truly made a lasting impression with iconic characters who are still beloved today. Fans adore Naughty Dog, whether it’s for their earlier more cartoonish platformers or their mature and emotionally intense stories, so it’s time to rank all the franchises from Naughty Dog.

This list will only talk about the entries created by Naughty Dog.

4 Jak and Daxter

A New 3D Mascot Focused on Action and Adventure

TitleRelease Date
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor LegacyDecember 4, 2001
Jak 2October 14, 2003
Jak 3November 9, 2004
Jak X: Combat RacingOctober 18, 2005

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that Naughty Dog, after their time with Crash Bandicoot, took a leap forward in innovation during the PlayStation 2 era by introducing Jak and Daxter. This dynamic duo laid the groundwork for character-rich moments in expansive sci-fi realms, departing from the linear platforming of Crash Bandicoot that had become history.

The “Jak and Daxter” series was famous for being enjoyable, earning its classic status through unique and intriguing elements combined with expansive game worlds. Fans could delve into these zones, gathering items and discovering their vastness, creating a captivating adventure that has since become a fond memory. However, it seems that this particular series has ended its run.

3 Crash Bandicoot

A Zany Marsupial That Competes With Mario and Sonic

TitleRelease Date
Crash BandicootSeptember 9, 1996
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes BackNovember 6, 1997
Crash Bandicoot: WarpedNovember 3, 1998
Crash Team RacingOctober 19, 1999

1996 was a breakthrough year for Naughty Dog as they unveiled the iconic “Crash Bandicoot” on PlayStation 1. This marked their seventh game, and with its lively and spinning marsupial character, they seemed to have struck a goldmine. Crash Bandicort stepped into the competitive 3D platformer scene, challenging established characters from other platforms. To this day, “Crash Bandicoot” remains a timeless classic, but their success didn’t stop there.

Ever since the initial release of Crash Bandicoot back in 1996, the series has expanded exponentially with sequels and spin-offs aplenty. Ranging from the racing genre spin-offs to the party modes, Crash Bandicoot boasts over 15 titles, and although only four were developed by Naughty Dog, they laid the groundwork for this platforming mascot legend to reach new heights. As a diehard fan, I can’t wait to see where this iconic character goes next!

2 The Last of Us

A Gritty Post-Apocalypse with Complex Characters and Violent Gameplay

TitleRelease Date
The Last of UsJune 14, 2013
The Last of Us: Left BehindFebruary 14, 2014
The Last of Us RemasteredJuly 29, 2014
The Last of Us Part 2June 19, 2020
The Last of Us Part 1September 2, 2022
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered19 January, 2024

The latest franchise from Naughty Dog is ‘The Last of Us,’ which has made a significant impact in the gaming industry since its release, despite having only two installments over the past eleven years. Notably, it’s inspired a TV adaptation by HBO and various remasters to cater to players on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This game takes you on an unforgettable journey across an America overrun with infection, featuring both human adversaries and those who have become monstrous due to the outbreak.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that The Last of Us stands out as one of the most iconic games ever crafted. The tales this post-apocalyptic setting allows us to spin are virtually endless. It’s all about raw emotions, gut-wrenching survival, and a world torn apart by division. In combat, exploration, and storytelling, The Last of Us leaves an indelible impression with only two installments under its belt.

1 Uncharted

An Action-Packed Adventure with Heart and History

TitleRelease Date
Uncharted: Drake’s FortuneNovember 19, 2007
Uncharted 2: Among ThievesOctober 13, 2009
Uncharted 3: Drake’s DeceptionNovember 1, 2011
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s EndMay 10, 2016
Uncharted: The Lost LegacyAugust 22, 2017

In 2007, Naughty Dog set sail on the PlayStation 3 with a fresh franchise, “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune,” focusing heavily on storytelling. This narrative paid tribute to both “Indiana Jones” and “Tomb Raider,” but with a distinctive Naughty Dog twist. Players were captivated by Nathan Drake’s charming persona and the intricate puzzles he navigated as he battled through ancient temples. The series proved so popular that it spawned three more sequels and a spin-off.

The Uncharted series consistently delivers something fresh and memorable in each installment, demonstrating the evolution of visionary game developers alongside the gaming industry. Naughty Dog’s journey from lighthearted platform games to gripping third-person shooters showcases their ability to innovate and create captivating action sequences and compelling narratives.

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2024-09-24 10:33