Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Uncharted: Golden Abyss
North American cover art
Developer(s)	Bend Studio
Publisher(s)	Sony Computer Entertainment
Director(s)	John Garvin
Producer(s)	Gerald Harrison
Designer(s)	Ron Allen
Artist(s)	Gregory Callahan
Writer(s)	John Garvin
Composer(s)	Clint Bajakian
Series	Uncharted
Platform(s)	PlayStation Vita
Release	JP: December 17, 2011 NA: February 15, 2012 EU: February 22, 2012 AU: February 23, 2012
Genre(s)	Action-adventure, third-person shooter
Mode(s)	Single-player

Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a 2011 action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita. A spin-off of the Uncharted series, the game was released in Japan in 2011, and in other regions in 2012. Golden Abyss is a prequel to the series, taking place before the events of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The story revolves around adventurer-treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he becomes involved in a search for the lost city of Quivira and is aided by fellow treasure hunter Marisa Chase. Gameplay combines action-adventure with platforming elements, with players solving puzzles and fighting enemies using cover-based third-person shooting.

Concept work for Golden Abyss began in 2008, when Sony asked Bend Studio to develop a new Uncharted as a console launch title. Due to the changing specifications of the Vita, much of the early development was done using PlayStation 3 hardware. The entire project was overseen by original developer Naughty Dog, with Bend Studio receiving assets from the first two Uncharted titles and getting access to their motion capture facilities. John Garvin was both director and scriptwriter, the latter under the supervision of main series writer Amy Hennig. Hennig also ensured the return of Nolan North as Drake.

The game was revealed in January 2011 alongside the Vita. Golden Abyss debuted to strong sales and generally positive critical reception. Journalists praised its graphics, voice performances, and recreation of Uncharted gameplay on the platform. Criticism focused on its storyline and implementation of Vita-specific controls. To date, the game remains exclusive to the platform, as it was left out of the PlayStation 4's Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection due to the standalone nature of its narrative.