Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Reviews
It's the most appetising game smorgasbord we've ever had the good fortune to sample, with just the right blend of impactful storyline, cinematic cutscenes, explosive set pieces, exploration, discovery, puzzle solving and good old shootouts.
Hands down, Uncharted 4 is the best title ever developed by Naughty Dog, and not just because of the stunning graphics. A wonderful balance between storytelling and gameplay, even better than the previous installments, pushing the boundaries of engagement and sheer fun. There’s no better way to say it: if you own a PlayStation 4, you must play this game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Once again Naughty Dog lives up to the event and the expectations of the players. The studio signed this episode as the most successful of the Uncharted series. The subtle mix of gameplay with that of The Last of Us is very effective and transcends mind-blowing direction and art direction.
Review in French | Read full review
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is a true work of art, and the only time the slightest apprehension may surface is when one compares it to the titanic installments that came before.
Ultimately, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me curse and it make me shout. It made me take a break just to catch my breath, more than once. What more can I ask of a game? This isn't just a swan song for a beloved franchise, but a majestic and emotional symphony of love.
Naughty Dog has crafted a brilliant game that can stand alone as the best game on PlayStation 4. Uncharted was once referred to as a Tomb Raider clone, but it wound up being a Tomb Raider killer. Naughty Dog has elevated the video game industry as Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is pure brilliance.
A fun and fitting end for Nathan Drake
Having exhausted my repertoire of adjectives for describing this game I've decided to keep it simple: Uncharted 4 is the best game in the franchise and – dare I say it – the best game on PS4. Whether you've been part of the series since day one or never played any of them before, it matters not – this one is absolutely worth taking the time out to sit down and enjoy.
I can't say that Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is Naughty Dog's best game (that honor goes to The Last of Us, hands down), but it is the best game in the Uncharted series with probably the best and most appropriate and comfortable ending to a series. If you own a PlayStation 4, the game is a must have. If you're looking to buy a PlayStation 4, this should probably be the first game you get.
It was unclear if the "Uncharted" series had any new ground to explore after three successful chapters. "Uncharted 4" could've just been a bigger version of the "Uncharted" games before it, but instead it grew up. It's the most sophisticated story of Nathan Drake's illustrious career that sets out to discover humanity in the character that was never found in his previous tales. That narrative, plus the best action gameplay in the genre, make the game an outstanding achievement. "Uncharted 4" reaches the peak of what the series can be.
Its clashing themes, self-referential script, accomplished cinematography and dynamic characters tell a profoundly human story. The feeling of boundless adventure burns brighter than that of a neatly closing door, but though this is not these characters' highest caliber tale, this is the tale that rings true.
With Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Naughty Dog has delivered another gorgeous, action-packed and memorable epic. Although it's kept from perfection by some pacing issues and a couple of other minor quibbles, it's a jaw dropping game that offers a lot of bang for one's buck. As such, it's something that every PlayStation 4 owner, and self-respecting gamer, should play through at least once.
Thrilling, moving, exhilarating and ambitious, A Thief's End is a storming climax to the Nathan Drake saga. If it's the last of its breed, it's one of the best.
A good series should end on a high note. Naughty Dog could beat the series into perpetuity, but they chose to close this chapter of their story at a high point and allow themselves and players to move on. In some ways it feels like I'm playing Uncharted for the first time again, living that sense of incredulity and adventure as we join Nathan Drake and his charming half-tuck for one final adventure rooted in love and sacrifice. It's a bittersweet feeling, but they've gone all in to make sure that A Thief's End is the Uncharted finale that the fans deserve.
To be able to read the emotions of computer-generated characters, rather than having them spell out their feelings through dialogue, is a rare achievement in games.
Most importantly, it adds closure. There's no cheap set-up for a sneaky sequel, no cliffhanger ending. Just the door fittingly closing on a series of great – if unfortunate - adventures. While I wouldn't go so far as to call Uncharted 4 the greatest game that's ever been made, it is indeed a remarkable one, and undoubtedly the best the Uncharted series has to offer.
The idea of old life versus new life is a recurring theme throughout Uncharted 4 — Drake asks Sam at one point what they're even doing in this situation — cycling these themes through scenes past and present.
Nathan Drake's quest in Uncharted 4 successfully bridges the uncanny valley between adventure game, action movie, and real-world exploration.
Naughty Dog has delivered something rare in this industry of milked franchises: the gift of franchise closure for its fans.