Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Review
Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Author: S.A.
The end of a gaming icon has finally occurred folks, and I honestly am more than a little sad to see him go. That’s right, the Uncharted series that the developers over at Naughty Dog have carefully crafted over the years has finally come to a close with their final title Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
At least for our character Nathan Drake.
For those of you coming into this game having played the previous three titles for the Uncharted series, than the game play will have felt very similar and often like an old friend. The developers over at Naughty Dog hardly strayed away from their already successful engine, merely deciding to polish it in ways that I approve of tremendously.
To those of you who haven’t played the previous titles, please go start now.
The game, like its predecessors, is a third person action adventure game. It includes many elements often found in platforming games, and I found it to be quite enjoyable. The player assumes control of the series main protagonist, Nathan Drake, who is capable of sprinting, jumping, climbing, swimming, scaling narrow ledges, and rope swinging with a grappling hook to a prestigious degree. We are capable of using variety of firearms throughout the game, all we have to do is kill the enemy using said firearm. Unlike the previous titles, stealth elements have been incorporated into the game, which allows players to sneak up behind enemies and kill them without being noticed. Melee combat itself is just as quick and fun as previous games, with a simple brawl and dodge type of fighting emphasized for quick and short cinematic fights.
The games progression is linear in nature, so don’t expect a sprawling RPG world. Though their are a variety of paths for players to explore to reach the same goal. With the maps of the game being the largest that the franchise has ever boasted, this is hardly a surprise. In regards to the enemies artificial intelligence (AI), it has been enhanced in this last treasure hunt. It allows for the AI to respond more actively to actions taken against them, to coordinate attacks, and even cooperate with each other. Your allies within the game have also gotten a boost in intelligence, allowing them to assist you better in combat scenarios, though you may never direct them personally. Players also find themselves capable of promoting conversation, in specific scenarios, between themselves and their companions. This is done to truly strengthen the story that the game has to offer. Often leaving you feeling like you understand Nathan just a little bit better than you did before. The most stunning thing about A Thief’s End though has to be the seamless transition between game play and cut scenes. The lighting and graphic beauty that is seen in this game is top notch, often drawing you in with a combination of orchestra beauty and visual effects like no other.
The story swims around Nathan Drake and his, previously unknown, brother Samuel Drake. Without revealing anything to deep and meaningful, as I want you to go pick up your controller and play it yourself, I’ll say with confidence that is a riveting title. It shows how young Nathan Drake became the man that he is currently, hinting at a very troubled child hood, and a duo of brothers trying to make more of themselves than what society has allowed. The game than segways into Nathan Drake’s current life, illustrating his unease at having a “normal” life and what he risks in search of the thrill. The story overall is heartfelt and plays on the heart strings of any gamer. While in turn seems to send the message to players that, much like Sir Francis’s Drake Motto ‘Sic Parvis Magna’, their can be greatness from small beginnings.
For all of us.
My obvious fan boy nature aside, the multiplayer for the game is much like the previous titles. It features a competitive multiplayer mode, wherein you can play as various characters from the series and you are tasked with defeating your opponents. Treasures can, and should, be found within all playable maps. This is done so you can buy new items and weapons to destroy your opposition. The multiplayer mode also features “Mystical” supernatural power ups that may boost a players fighting abilities. For example, “Wrath of El Dorado” kills all opponents standing next to it, while “Cintamani Stone” heals all the players in the designated area. All in all its a fun little game mode for those of us who can’t bare to be done with the Uncharted series just yet.
The music featured within the game is vast yet connects to each action scene or heartfelt moment perfectly. Often drawing you in further, and leaving you feeling a wide range of emotions for all the characters presented within. I’ve personally downloaded the soundtrack myself already, if only to relive the experience within my mind.
In conclusion, buy this game.
It is a rarity among the titles currently out, and concentrates less on explosions and more on a story that’s meant to tickle the adventurer in all of us. I don’t know where Naughty Dog will go from here, but I can only hope similar titles will be developed.
Or my heart will be broken.
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