Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Hello everyone, I thought I’d jump back to a PS4 powerhouse after last weeks PS1 artistry. Introducing Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, the swan song of the eternally likable Nathan Drake.

My best friend actually lent me this game, after never playing an Uncharted game before so I was coming at this with absolutely no preconceptions or experiences with the series. So what did I think of this game?

Everyone who has read my previous articles knows that I don’t put a huge amount of stock into graphics. Growing up in the Sega Megadrive era just really makes me appreciate good looking games but compared to what I had, I don’t really value them more than gameplay and story. Saying that, this is one of the best looking games I have seen for quite some time. Gorgeous cut scenes are evident but what is truly is spectacular is that the gameplay scenes look just as good. The standard remains consistent throughout the game. From facial animations, character movement and the environment, this game is an absolute feats on the eyes and really showcases the Playstation 4’s power.

Moving onto the gameplay, this is a very tight platformer with no issues to pick apart. Leaping across caverns, swimming onto platforms and climbing up buildings is not difficult, in fact it’s rather relaxing. There are a few puzzles which took me awhile to figure out, mainly as I don’t play a lot of puzzle games, though I am sure they’d prove less challenging to brighter gamers who crave some head scratching. Onto the running and gunning, there are a few ‘arena’ sections where you can go all Batman and pick them off stealthily OR engage beast mode and let lose with your weapons. Stealthers, this isn’t anything ground breaking, its line of sight AI. Learn the patterns and take out the goons. Ragers, your in for a good time as not only is cover a pretty good option but the AI is aggressive enough to flush you out. Thankfully mobility is unhampered by gun play and you can run and gun easily enough. Ammo can be a little light, but you can steal plenty of guns and ammo on the go from enemies that you drop.

Uncharted 4 does have some serious showstopping set pieces which are crazy fun to play. Driving with Sully being a particular highlight, as the controls are arcade-y and the explosions are electrifying. Not the only set piece in the game but each one is done to a high standard, and I can guarantee that you will enjoy at least 2 of them. The climbing sections are also an opportunity to see how jaw dropping the scenery is.

The story is your classic ‘one last job’ story, where the arrival of Nathan’s brother throws you back into the treasure hunting life, leaving your wife Elena and gallivanting across the world. The interactions between the characters are performed to a very high standard, the camaraderie with your brother, the banter with your wife or the vitriol of your jealous antagonist Rafe. This is a good standard for writing and acting that games should aim for and I feel that that is half the reason is so engrossing and compelling to play through.

My minor gripe comes when your wife tracks you down and then is your new AI partner. Her going from witty spousal banter to snapping necks like a navy seal is debilitating. That is my only real issue with this game.

Hints and tips to navigate the uncharted:

• Movement is key for combat. Don’t be a sitting duck.
• Use all weapons available, don’t stick to a favourite gun, adaptability is key.
• Stealth kill a few baddo’s. Thin the herd a little and make the firefight that much easier.
• Exploration is worth doing as there are treasure’s to collect. These help unlock in-game extras.
• Tag enemies, aim at them then click in the analogue stick to tag them so you know where they are when your moving around.
• Personally I say use photo mode, this game is pretty and your going to find a few photo opportunities.
• Lastly, Drake’s journal is not just useful for solving the puzzles but also has a few funnies in there.