The Uncharted trilogy (1, 2, and 3) holds up remarkably well, especially within the context of its remastered collection, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. While showing their age in certain aspects, the core gameplay remains incredibly engaging. The collection’s upgrades are substantial: significantly improved visuals, smoother controls, and a generally polished experience elevate these classics to modern standards.
What makes them worth playing?
- Action-packed set pieces: The games are renowned for their spectacular action sequences, boasting impressive scale and memorable moments. These aren’t just run-of-the-mill shootouts; they integrate traversal, puzzle elements, and environmental storytelling brilliantly.
- Compelling narrative: Nathan Drake’s journey is captivating, filled with twists, turns, and genuinely memorable characters. The writing, particularly for a game series of its era, is surprisingly sharp and witty.
- Excellent level design: Each environment is richly detailed and offers diverse gameplay opportunities, seamlessly blending exploration, combat, and puzzle solving.
- Improved remaster: The Nathan Drake Collection isn’t just a simple upscale. The improvements to textures, lighting, and character models are considerable, offering a noticeably enhanced visual fidelity.
Things to consider:
- Gameplay mechanics show their age: While the core gameplay is still fun, some mechanics, especially the cover system and AI, feel slightly dated compared to modern titles. This is less noticeable after playing a few chapters however.
- Repetitive elements: There are instances of repetitive gameplay loops, particularly in combat encounters.
Overall: Despite some minor shortcomings, the Uncharted trilogy remains a must-play for action-adventure fans. The Nathan Drake Collection provides the ideal entry point, delivering a polished and enjoyable experience that transcends its age.
Do you have to play all the Uncharted games in order?
No, you don’t have to play the Uncharted games in order, but doing so significantly enhances the experience. Think of it like a really good novel series – you can jump in anywhere, but you’ll miss out on the depth of character development and the intricate plot weaving that unfolds across the entire saga.
While Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End stands alone as a complete story, playing the previous games reveals crucial backstory for Nathan Drake and his companions, enriching your understanding of their motivations and relationships. Uncharted 4 contains numerous callbacks and references to earlier games that resonate much more powerfully if you’ve played them beforehand. You’ll appreciate the subtle nuances and emotional weight of certain scenes.
The Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is the perfect starting point, offering remastered versions of the first three games. Playing through the collection first will make Uncharted 4‘s narrative far more impactful and satisfying. Trust me on this; the cumulative effect of experiencing the entire series chronologically is a rewarding journey.
Pro-tip: Pay close attention to the smaller details and environmental storytelling in each game; the developers cleverly weave in subtle hints and foreshadowing that adds layers of depth to the overall narrative.
What Uncharted game should I start with?
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. It’s the chronological start, introducing Nathan Drake and his signature blend of witty banter and acrobatic gunplay. While the graphics haven’t aged flawlessly, the gameplay mechanics are surprisingly solid even today, providing a great foundation for the series’ later refinements. The story, while simpler than later entries, sets the stage perfectly for Drake’s future adventures and establishes the core treasure-hunting premise. Think of it as the tutorial – master the basics here, and you’ll be a seasoned treasure hunter ready to tackle the more complex challenges of the sequels. It’s a great starting point for appreciating the series’ evolution.
Don’t let the slightly dated visuals fool you. The level design is fantastic, brimming with cleverly hidden collectibles and rewarding exploration. The combat, while relatively straightforward, feels impactful and satisfying, particularly once you master Drake’s movement and cover mechanics. Most importantly, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Uncharted: a thrilling action-adventure with a compelling narrative and memorable characters. You’ll quickly understand why the series became such a critical and commercial success.
