‘Thief’s End’ appeases devotees

Latest from Naughty Dog, Inc. satisfies fans of franchise

By Edwin Herrera, Staff Writer

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” is another classic game from the brilliant developers and storytellers at Naughty Dog, Inc.

In “Uncharted 4,” protagonist Nathan Drake finally marries Elena Fisher after three years of traveling with her in “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.”

The pair previously ventured in search of lost merchandise under the sea, as Drake’s dull 9 to 5 job as a shipping clerk at the sea port permits on rare occasions.

In this installment, Drake has changed drastically. He declines to assist in a deep-sea dive to recover lost goods when the committee he is part of disapproves. Previously, Drake would have taken the risk knowing he was not supported.

But when his older brother Samuel “Sam” Drake comes back after being left for dead in a Panamanian prison for 15 years, he manages to escape with the help of a drug kingpin who gives him three months to find Pirate Captain Henry Avery’s treasure.

It was the last adventure the brothers were on before they lost each other, sending Drake back into treasure hunting.

But this time it’s more meaningful with his brother’s life on the line. Drake also is trying to beat an old friend of theirs with his own private military.

The game play of “Uncharted 4” is the same “Uncharted” formula with subpar gunplay and a confusing hand-to-hand combat that is just button smashing. But there is impressive platforming that resembles an “Indiana Jones” film.

The inclusion of a grappling hook makes it fast-paced and thrilling. The improved puzzles from the previous entries that are challenging, but not to the point where you feel the need to buy a guide, make up for it.

With the end product of visuals, it makes sense why Naughty Dog, Inc. took its time polishing every bit of the game.

“Uncharted 4” is the most beautiful game of this generation of consoles. It is possibly pushing the PlayStation 4 with its advanced graphics along with its fast-paced multiplayer.

The characters interact with each other and react to the environment as they would in real life.

The many routes a player can take to get to his/her destination makes the game fun.

But the game play and visuals are not what makes “Uncharted 4” Naughty Dogs, Inc.’s best game, behind the action-adventure horror video game “The Last of Us.” It is the protagonist and story.

The storyline of the game grips the players, making them wonder if the brothers make it through to the end.

It reveals why Drake would sacrifice his life for his brother and leaves the lingering question of whether Drake was genuinely after George Avery’s treasure to save his brother or to escape his boring life.