Uncharted 4 (2016) - [Review]

It’s been 5 years since Drake’s Deception, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End has finally landed. Set 3 years after the events of the former, Nathan ‘Nate’ Drake (Nolan North) is living a meagre existence as a salvager with his wife Elena (Emily Rose), although neither of them seem entirely happy – but hey, there’s plenty of antiques in the attic to cheer them up. However, suddenly Nate’s long lost presumed-dead brother Sam (Troy Baker) shows up, and he’s in need of some pirate gold fast, since he claims that Hector Alcazar (Robin Atkin Downes) has given him three months to find the treasure or else (needless to say, it’s up to you to help him). Teaming up to find Captain Henry Avery’s mammoth fortune, the two brothers encounter an old partner, Rafe (Warren Kole), who is also searching for the treasure alongside mercenary Nadine Ross (Laura Bailey). Now the Drake brothers must enlist Victory ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Richard McGonagle) to aide them in their quest to find the Pirate’s booty – but of course, it’s never that easy.  

One of the things that strikes you the most when playing is how captivating the visuals of Uncharted 4 are. It’s a masterclass in dedication to complete immersion and the graphic visuals in the game are stunningly crafted and envisioned. From the Italian architecture to tropical shores, the snowy hilltops of Scotland cliffs to the gorgeous African plains, every destination is expertly designed and the attention to detail is astonishing. It would certainly be fair to say that Uncharted 4 has significantly raised the bar for visual graphics, and all involved should be immensely proud of themselves and their creation.

As aesthetically pleasing as the game is, it doesn’t rely on this sole element to carry the game to completion – instead, the narrative is actually one of the most cohesive and adventurous, and the inclusion of new and old characters makes it one of the most compelling. As Nathan, you get to team up with Sully, his brother Sam, and even (spoiler) Elena at one point, the latter of which is refreshing and the gameplay would have proved a bit repetitive if it had been a constant Sam/Nate outing. The characters and dialogue are humorous and appropriate, and the voice actors really give each character life and personality, with Elena and Nate’s goofy, loveable and dynamic relationship properly given its time to shine, as well as old buddies Nate and Sully. The backstories of Sam and Nate are too, given more screen time in this epic chapter adventure, as we are transported to their childhood and learn where they got their passion for treasure hunting and their infamous last name – certainly not something to miss out on.

The action sequences and gameplay options are also greatly improved, as is their seamlessness; the cinematic switching between cut-scene and gameplay scenes are enviable and may actually make you forget that you have to start playing again. The introduction of stealth elements allows you to be a bit more calculated with your kills (afforded to you by long grass and cover), whilst the different weapon options increase your versatile arsenal; grenades, pistols, assault rifles and RPGs are just some of your options. 

The handy grappling hook allows for high-intensity action sequences where death is a mere missed grapple away, or an ill-timed jump from a rope swing. But it doesn’t stop there, and players can now take control of vehicles – like Sully’s jeep – to traverse vast landscapes and uncover hidden treasures (which are everywhere on the massive map) and scale mud slides and cliff edges with the useful winch. The diversity of weapons, and optional stealth kills allow for the game to be played in a multitude of ways (although, if you go in all guns blazing, you may find yourself at the wrong end of a sniper rifle), which increases enjoyment and investment in the game’s outcome.

Uncharted 4 combines problem solving elements – in the form of pirate and pattern puzzles – with engaging action sequences (and equally funny death scenes should you fail) and incredible visuals for a truly remarkable and innovative game that makes use of the technology available. So, get ready to sail off with Nathan Drake for his final outing as the infamous treasure hunter, as Uncharted 4 has succeeded in making sure his send-off is one to be thoroughly celebrated.