Many critics gave this game high praise. Currently holding a Metacritic score of 93 out of 100, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End definitely looks to be in the running as not only the best games in the Uncharted franchise, but one of the best games of 2016. After playing through I can confidently say the critics are right. This game is a masterpiece.
Where do I start? Let's try the graphics. This guy is absolutely beautiful and clearly seeks to push the boundaries of what the PS4 can handle. Not only that but the game takes you through an array of diverse environments. One scene you might be scaling the coastal cliffs of Mexico, the next walking through graveyards in the Scottish Highlands, then over to the oceans of Madagascar, and finally you'll end up back home in your cozy American-suburban house. The variety of environments are so satisfying, it really makes you feel like your on the global mission you always wanted to be apart of in the Uncharted games.
Next is the gameplay. There's a lot that's similar in the gameplay to the other titles because, well... the gameplay was never that challenging. I mean, you climb up a wall, pick up the gun in front of you, and shoot the bad guys. What's not to get? But in this title you actually get a rope that actually elevates the platforming element to these games. It also allows for some breathtaking views as you can dangle helplessly over giant chasms just taking this whole digital world in. Oh! You also have a Jeep for part of the this game. It's not a game-changer, but it is a pleasant little addition for the brief few moments you can drive around in it.
But what I love the most in this game are the characters. Drake really has come a baffling long way from the snarky, baggy jeans-wearing, Indiana Jones-wanna be treasure hunter he was in the first game. Now he's someone who's struggling to leave his life of adventuring behind him in hopes of creating a sustainable life with Elena (his now wife -- SPOILERS!). Sure enough, Drake's past catches up with him. And when his long-lost brother emerges from the dead pleading for help in finding the only treasure that's ever eluded their family, Drake must chose to help his brother in secret in order to keep everyone he loves in his life safe. Finally, Drake makes selfless decisions that look to better the lives of those around him... but just because he's making "good" decisions, doesn't mean they'll be easy to follow through one -- both physically and emotionally.
I had a blast with this title and would encourage anyone with a PS4 that this is a must-play. Also, there's an easter egg that allows you to play the first level of Crash Bandicoot as well. What's not to love?!
Glad you loved this. I did too, and I know Keith did. My only complaints are that from a pure gameplay perspective it seemed to peak in the middle rather than at the end (but that's been true of the last two Uncharted games and of the last two Tomb Raiders as well, I think) and that it was just a little too slow in the early-going, establishing Sam, showing us his relationship with Nate. But from a gameplay perspective I thought this was the best Uncharted yet (grappling hook? half-decent stealth mechanics? yes please.) and the story, for its sluggish start, was emotionally fulfilling. But everything is relative to the time in which you play it, and as such, my heart will always belong to Uncharted 2 - though I'm sure if I played both 2 and 4 again in ten years, I'd acknowledge that 4 is better.
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