Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Although I had jumped into the Uncharted series late with the third installment, that's the game that I think of when defining that gaming generation - ironically at the end of the current generation. Nathan Drake's journey to follow in his supposed relative's footsteps built that sense of excitement and adventure that was reminiscent of my first memories of watching the Indiana Jones films. With stellar graphics, fluid gameplay and - to me - remarkable performances, Uncharted 3 has left its mark on me and it goes deep. To say Uncharted 4 does a good job of wrapping the bow up on Nate's journey is an understatement. Developer Naughty Dog not only presents new intriguing story elements, but also gameplay elements while maintaining the gorgeous action filled cinematic moments synonymous with the franchise. While still easy to spot, combat arenas are more non-linear than before, letting stealth and fisticuffs be more reliable forms of taking down baddies than before - while gunplay is still the focus of combat. Unfortunately, the game heavily suggests using the lock-on targeting option for taking down enemies as aiming manually feels sluggish, and kills the fluid and frantic pace of combat. Jumping and climbing up buildings, hiding in tall grass and using the super-nifty rope (it seems to stretch indefinitely) adds combat options and tactics that help keep the numerous encounters fresh with possibilities. The few nods to Crash Bandicoot, a couple literal, added some levity to a more grounded and dire entry to the series. The story reflects around Nathan trying to retire and his brother, Sam, showing up desperate for help. He doesn't drag Nathan along, so much as merely say "I need help" before Nathan is set off on another adventure, while not exactly being honest to his wife, Elena. The adventure seems to serve as the full realization of Nathan as a mature adult - who happens to murder hundreds of militia soldiers. The character chemistry feels more grounded here, following the theme of the story. It's no longer about just finding the treasure, it's about Nathan saving his family and all that implies. Running on a base PS4, the game flexes the console's muscles in impressive ways and rarely seemed to hitch in frame rate throughout the twentiesh-hour journey. Big set-piece bombastic moments look better than ever, while maintaining the more grounded than before aesthetic. Going off the beaten path still adds some exploration frustration, as jumping to the left to the ledge below can end in death, while jumping to a ledge further away in front of you can just lead to the appropriate animations and continuing along your way. Character performances and actor capturing techniques are top notch and really make an argument for the survival of the big-budget AAA linear adventure. Nolan North is the star of the show rightfully as Nathan Drake, while Troy Baker is just as good as big-brother Sam. Elena and Sully round out the supporting team cast and each add their tremendous value in important ways. The villains also stand out, with Nadine being arguably the most interesting new character, as the head of a guerrilla militia. Uncharted 4 is my new favorite Uncharted game. It continues to thrill and mixes enough of the well-known qualities with new to see keep me hoping that Naughty Dog keeps making stellar cinematic experiences on line of what they have done with this franchise. Moments had me emotional while others had me grinning widely. What a great way to celebrate a franchise's and developer's legacy. The Good: - Great graphics and fluid animation - Fun, accessible and potentially deep combat - Character moments are the best in the series The not-so-good: -Manual aiming kills combat-flow - Exploration is still a little too linear when more open set pieces are teased My grade: A -