When Does Uncharted 4 Get Good?
The simple answer here will be fans of Naughty Dog gameplay loops will fall immediately in love with Uncharted 4, no question. For those of you new to the Naughty Dog library, you’ll know within 5 or so hours if Uncharted is a game you should keep playing. The story has strong development, and the action mixed with some stealth and puzzle set pieces make for a diverse gameplay loop. If you’re not digging it quickly, it won’t suddenly win you over by playing more.
What Fans Say
Fans of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End consistently praise its cinematic storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. The game’s richly detailed environments, from lush jungles to crumbling ruins, showcase Naughty Dog’s mastery of world-building. Players love the emotionally resonant narrative that explores Nathan Drake’s final adventure, highlighting themes of family, legacy, and personal sacrifice. The character dynamics, especially between Nathan and his long-lost brother Sam, as well as his wife, Elena, provide depth and heart to the action-packed journey. Fans also appreciate the improved stealth mechanics, refined combat, and exhilarating set-pieces that define the series.
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What Haters Say
Criticism of Uncharted 4 often comes from those who feel the game’s pacing is too slow, particularly in the early chapters. Some players find the heavy focus on narrative and exploration detracts from the action. Others argue that certain gameplay mechanics, like climbing and puzzle-solving, become repetitive over the course of the adventure. A minority of critics also express dissatisfaction with the multiplayer mode, comparing it unfavorably to more robust online experiences in other action-adventure games.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Uncharted 4 received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2016, with many reviewers hailing it as a masterpiece in storytelling and presentation. Critics highlight the game’s breathtaking visuals, noting its lifelike character animations and meticulous attention to detail. The voice acting and motion capture, led by Nolan North and Troy Baker, are frequently described as industry-leading. While some reviewers acknowledge the slower pacing, most agree that it enhances the emotional depth and character development. Publications like IGN and GameSpot awarded near-perfect scores, praising the game’s thrilling action, nuanced narrative, and technical achievements.
Overview
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is the fourth main installment in the beloved Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog and released for PlayStation 4 in 2016. The game follows retired treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he is pulled back into the world of adventuring when his brother Sam, previously thought dead, reappears seeking help to find a legendary pirate treasure. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting journey that spans Madagascar, Scotland, and Libertalia, a fabled pirate utopia.
The narrative blends action, drama, and humor as Nathan wrestles with his desire for a quiet life with Elena versus the pull of his adventurous past. The story is punctuated by breathtaking set-pieces, including a thrilling car chase through a bustling city and a heart-stopping underwater shipwreck sequence. Gameplay combines exploration, climbing, puzzle-solving, and dynamic combat, with an emphasis on stealth and tactical approaches.
Visually, Uncharted 4 is a technical marvel, pushing the limits of the PlayStation 4 hardware with photorealistic environments and intricate character details. The score, composed by Henry Jackman, complements the epic scope and emotional depth of the game. As Nathan Drake’s final chapter, the game delivers a satisfying and poignant conclusion to his story while leaving room for the series’ legacy to continue.
Similar Games
- Tomb Raider (2013) — A modern reimagining of Lara Croft’s origins with cinematic action and exploration.
- The Last of Us — Another Naughty Dog masterpiece focusing on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag — An open-world adventure with pirate themes and naval exploration.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 — A narrative-driven action-adventure with a richly detailed world and complex characters.
- Horizon Zero Dawn — Combines exploration and combat in a lush, post-apocalyptic setting.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Game
- Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition — Shares a similar blend of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
- The Last of Us Part II — Offers emotionally intense storytelling and refined stealth-action mechanics.
- Spider-Man (PS4) — Features dynamic traversal, compelling storytelling, and action-packed gameplay.
- God of War (2018) — Combines cinematic storytelling with fluid combat and emotional depth.