Gameplay 9/10

A near-perfect balance of exploration, puzzles, and combat. The gameplay uses mechanics like stealth and rope-swinging that, while nothing particularly new, they’re excellently done and fun throughout the campaign. The timing of jumps or grabbing onto the ledge at the top of a cliff or trading bullets with a mercenary all add up to great gameplay.

Story 8/10

The overall story is very good- it’s interesting and makes you want to know more and keep playing to learn what happens at the end. At times though, it can get a little too deep into Nathan’s personal narratives and past. It’s not terrible, but it slows the story down enough that it takes away from the overall adventure. The conclusion does an excellent job of tying up loose ends to end the series on a mature, heartfelt note.

Graphics 10/10

This was a PS4 game being played on PS5, but the graphics are nonetheless incredible. The character models for a 2016 game are fine, it’s the environments that still, almost a decade later, are unbelievable. From the icy cliffs of Scotland to foggy jungles, the environments are so detailed they feel like real places and make you want to explore every corner.

Sound & Music 8/10

The voice acting is all very well done, as are the sound effects. The ambient noises match each location perfectly. It’s the cinematic score that brings the game to the next level, adding emotional weight and depth to every scene.

Controls 8/10

Sneaking, jumping across ravines, and the gunplay controls are all responsive and smooth. At times in combat, though, cover-based movement can be a little bit sticky. It’s one of the few components that can pull you out of the otherwise tense moments.

Pacing 7/10

As mentioned previously, the overall story is an epic, cinematic-quality experience. But there are times when after an emotional high, the next chapter seems to drag out longer than necessary and slow down the momentum. It makes sense from a design perspective that the entire story can’t be turned up to 11, there’s a need to balance the pacing, but Naughty Dog slows it just a bit too much.

Final Verdict 9/10

Uncharted 4 is a high point for cinematic storytelling in video games. It’s visually breathtaking, emotionally resonant, and filled with unforgettable moments—making it a fitting farewell for one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Most importantly of all, it’s incredibly fun.

Our Takes

Tommy's Take

Not too many games grab my attention the way Naughty Dog did with Uncharted 4. They did a great job making it both super fun to play and emotionally powerful by mixing over the top action gameplay with a strong story, giving Nathan Drake the send-off he deserves.

The game kicks off a story that’s not just about treasure hunting, but also about family and knowing when to let go. Sometimes the game slows down a bit, but those quiet moments help the big action scenes feel even more exciting.

Visually, the game is just stunning. I feel like I actually visited some of the locations in the game and can cross them off the bucket list. It’s more than just pretty scenery — the locations feel alive, like you’re really there, exploring hidden secrets like Indiana Jones.

The way the game plays is incredibly super smooth. Moving around feels natural, and the game gives you enough challenge to stay interesting without holding your hand the whole time. Looking at little objects and clues to solve mini puzzles while exploring also adds more to the story, which is a nice touch that not all games take the time to do.

The combat is incredible. Sure, the shooting might not be perfect, but it still works well, especially when things get wild. Fights mix shooting, sneaking, and climbing in a way that keeps things fresh. And getting your hands on a heavy weapon now and then makes for some seriously cool moments.

Overall, Uncharted 4 is one of my favorite action games of all time. The acting, music, graphics, and gameplay all come together to create a truly unforgettable adventure. I totally agree with Doc on this one. After finishing it, I wanted to jump right back in. It’s a perfect end to Nathan Drake’s journey, and one I won’t forget anytime soon. I just wish I had gotten into the multiplayer aspect of the game earlier as the servers are dead.

More From Doc

I was late to the Playstation party- the PS5 was my first Sony console, thus Uncharted 4 was my first step into the series. There's so many epic locations to explore and fight your way through from lost hidden cities of ruins in the jungle to abandoned pirate outposts on an island. They all look fantastic. It's the closest I've ever felt to being Indiana Jones in a game ever, and I've played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from beginning to end.

Exploration is almost always rewarded and the items you pick up are actually interesting to learn more about. Ever since the first Resident Evil, we could "examine" items, but in all the hundreds of games that have done it since, rarely is there a reason I ever wanted to. A+ Naughty Dog!

Platforming and climbing feels good, it's not too difficult but the game also doesn't hold your hand to a pathetic degree like so many games today. Naughty Dog didn't feel the need to spraypaint the edge of every location so you'd know where to go. Gameplay is better when developers let us figure these things out on our own, even though it means we're gonna fall and die sometimes.

Oh my goodness this game is amazing.

The combat is fun too. The gunplay can be a little loose at times, but for the style and feel of the game, it fits. The rare opportunities you get to use heavy weapons are legit.

I replay a lot of games, but rarely do I start them again immediately. I definitely did with this one and there's still a good chance I'll pick it up again someday.

Screenshots

Captured on PS5