Uncharted - The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4)

Status:

• Complete in Box
• Play Tested

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4) Review

Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Bluepoint Games (remaster), Naughty Dog (originals)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: October 9, 2015

Overview:
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection brings the first three entries in Naughty Dog's acclaimed action-adventure seriesUncharted: Drake's Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deceptionto the PS4 in a remastered package. Developed by Bluepoint Games, this collection enhances visuals, smoothens gameplay, and serves as the definitive way to experience Nathan Drakes early adventures.

Pros

1. Enhanced Visuals:

   • All three games benefit from updated textures, lighting, and 1080p resolution at 60 FPS.
   • Environments look richer, and character models hold up remarkably well on modern hardware.

2. Improved Gameplay:

   • Gameplay in Uncharted: Drakes Fortune has been adjusted to feel more in line with later entries, with smoother aiming and controls.
   • Combat, platforming, and traversal mechanics feel refined across the trilogy.

3. Epic Storytelling:

   • The series excels in delivering cinematic narratives with engaging characters, witty dialogue, and Hollywood-style action sequences.
   • Memorable moments like the train level in Among Thieves and the plane crash in Drake's Deception are as thrilling as ever.

4. Content-Packed Collection:

   • Includes all three single-player campaigns with trophies for each game.
   • Features a new photo mode, perfect for capturing breathtaking moments.

5. Perfect for Newcomers and Veterans:

   • A great entry point for those new to the franchise.
   • Veterans can revisit the trilogy with polished visuals and smoother gameplay.

6. Performance and Stability:

   • The remaster runs at a stable 60 FPS with minimal load times, offering a seamless experience.

Cons

1. No Multiplayer Modes:

   • The multiplayer components from Uncharted 2 and Uncharted 3 are absent, which might disappoint fans of the original games online modes.

2. Aging Level Design (in Drakes Fortune):

   • While improved, Drakes Fortune still shows its age with repetitive combat encounters and simpler level design compared to its sequels.

3. No New Content:

   • Aside from the visual enhancements and gameplay tweaks, theres no additional content or major new features, which might feel underwhelming for those looking for something fresh.

4. Linear Gameplay:

   • The series reliance on linear level design and scripted sequences might not appeal to players who prefer open-world exploration.

5. Repetition in Combat:

   • Gunfights, particularly in the earlier games, can feel drawn-out and repetitive, especially on higher difficulties.

Verdict

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a fantastic remaster of three iconic games that defined action-adventure gaming on the PS3. Bluepoint Games has done an excellent job enhancing the visuals and smoothing the gameplay, making this collection a must-have for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series. While some aspects of the first game feel dated, the trilogy as a whole stands as a testament to Naughty Dogs storytelling and game design prowess.

Score:

• Newcomers to Uncharted: 9/10
• Fans of the Original Trilogy: 8.5/10
• Action-Adventure Fans: 9/10

With its cinematic flair, engaging characters, and thrilling set pieces, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a treasure worth rediscovering.