The Very Best Game of 2016: Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Review

Naughty Dog, the game developer behind the beloved Uncharted series, has expertly concluded the PlayStation exclusive series, as well as cemented their reputation as authors of the greatest game ever made. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is everything a game should strive to be. The pace of the game is thrilling, comfortable, and wrought with nostalgia and and a thick and engaging plot. Aside from the staples of being fun and pretty, Uncharted 4 accomplishes so much more that makes it one of the best games of the year.

While the development of this game was a bumpy road, the release has been met by overwhelmingly positive reviews. Prior to May 10th, many publications expressed their troubled thoughts in regards to the constant drama and delays the game experienced. With the departure of original Uncharted member Amy Hennig, three separate delays, and even the theft of some final copies of the game before the release, the buildup to the game was not on Naughty Dog's side. And yet, this video game was surrounded by hype and positive energy. Many predicted that the game would simply be handed "10/10" reviews and constant praise due to the solid history of the series. While we are huge fans of the series here at Game Chop, we took careful steps to preserve our objectivity while playing Uncharted 4. Let's begin.

With that being said, the game is an absolute masterpiece. Uncharted 4 takes place several years after legendary treasure hunter Nathan Drake has settled down. He lives a normal life with his wife, longtime character and scrappy companion, Elena Fisher. Although he still treasures the memories and thrill of his global (and incredibly dangerous) escapades, Drake has sworn off any and all Indiana Jones adventures for good. That is, until a person from Drake's past, thought to be dead, shows up in a bind that only legendary pirate treasure can fix. Players join Nathan Drake on a final adventure that will finally make him ask if these crazy rides for fame and fortune are all worth it?

We would be remised if we didn't discuss one huge component of Uncharted 4 that makes it not only the best of the Uncharted games, but one of the greatest displays of video games - this game treats its main character like a human being. Plenty of games delve into the humanity of the player and their protagonists, but none have even come close to this Uncharted's approach to Nathan Drake. As the series has progressed, we've seen a bit more of Drake each time. His past, his relationships, and his emotions became real and told us that he's not just some thrill seeking super soldier (of fortune). This final title shows Drake as a human being more so than any of the previous games. The most effective way it does this is showing his relationship with Elena, which is as real and as pure as it has ever been. Their relationship is not just some cookie-cutter "husband and wife" relationship. It's dynamic and can sometimes be described in different and very realistic ways, such as "lying, treasure hunting, adrenaline addict husband and badass, pissed off, and fed up wife." Drake has often been hailed as the gamer's best friend and favorite character, but the players have grown, and so has Drake. Uncharted 4 has him right here with us, like we're the best of friends who have been through it all together. We most certainly have.

Watching a game series progress is much like watching a child grow - they mature and flourish into better versions of themselves with every turn. The characters in Uncharted 4 exhibit a more perfected version of themselves, and the game's personality itself has matured in its own right. Naughty Dog has rightfully earned its PhD in crafting Uncharted games and Uncharted 4 is a perfect example of a game world that has grown up so well, both physically and socially. By that we mean that sure, the game is prettier than 2006's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune games, but it's also much more mature. It treats itself like a growing organism that has become the best it can be. The aesthetic design, script, and gameplay of this final game proves it. Gameplay is so smooth that it boggles the mind, and movement and combat engines are incredible to be a part of. Running, taking cover, or swinging from a rope (sooooo fun) all feel natural and look even better. The climbing mechanics, which are arguably the most important component of Uncharted's tell-tale third-person experience, are without flaw.

Video games, like all major forms of mass media try to persuade their audiences of something. Their plot, their characters, and their message. While the blend of gaming experience and cinematic value is stronger than ever, so is the developer's approach to communicating goals and realism. Uncharted is based in the real world; a world that reacts to real problems and one in which characters can do real things. Since the first Uncharted, Naughty Dog has done very well at persuading their players that what Nathan Drake is doing is real and realistic. If a player can look past the occasional incredible things that take place in these games, then they're fine as wine - an impossible jump here, an ancient Incan curse here. If players can't look past those minor issues, then the developers have a system to persuade them otherwise which has been perfected in Uncharted 4. That is, quite simply, that characters will often exclaim their disbelief in their actions. The "I can't believe that worked" Drake will cry out helps make the situation seem more realistic, and helps the player relate to Drake much easier.

The narrative progress and plot line of this Uncharted is beautiful, and as previously mentioned, mature. Our favorite characters are back showing off their best traits, but also showing us their age which is refreshing and down-to-Earth. Victor "Sully" Sullivan, Elena Fisher, Drake and many more retire from this beloved franchise in just the right ways. The story, which is just as much a hunt for Drake's senses as it is Henry Avery's ancient pirate fortune, sends off the PlayStation's signature series in the perfect way.

Uncharted 4 is a mastery of everything that has made the past three games great. The game engines are ahead of their time and showcase a living environment that is beautiful and fun to play around with. One last thing that we'll touch on is multiplayer. We were upset to learn that certain visual features from Uncharted 3's multiplayer had been cut, but persevered to give this new game a try. While you can't create your own custom character, you can still customize Drake, Sully, Lazarević and plenty other heritage characters as well as your new weapons. The gameplay has been infused with Uncharted 4's seamless movement, climbing, and combat engines which make fighting off other people online a blast. Characters you play as also never cease to entertain with funny or snappy dialogue that showcase that character's traits. Power-ups and upgradable weapons shine in the spotlight with throwback items and artifacts dating back to all three previous Uncharted games. Three thumbs up for a fun and unique multiplayer experience.

Champions of game design, narrative structure, and cinematic brilliance, the team at Naughty Dog has outdone themselves. The Last of Us (2013), which is still hailed as one of the greatest American narratives and best games ever made has been gloriously and surprisingly outdone by its own studio. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End leaves no stone unturned, and invites players to join in on a love-letter to their favorite game series in one of the most unforgettable send offs we have ever seen. It is quite literally a love letter to not only Uncharted fans, but the very idea of video games. Never before have we felt so included and loved by a game. We wish the developers with Naughty Dog luck and look forward to their next project, whatever that may be, knowing that Uncharted 4 may very well be their greatest accomplishment, for now.

#BenStembridge