Uncharted: The Lost Legacy Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a standalone expansion for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, with Chloe Frazer being the only playable character in this game. This game has a total of nine chapters, and this game has shorter completion time compared to other Uncharted games.
Story
This game takes place in India, where Chloe is on a job to find a lost treasure belonged to the Hoysala kingdom. She is also working together with Nadine, the leader of Shoreline to find this treasure. Unfortunately, not only they will face great opposition by the rebels, but also one of the most dangerous man that Nadine herself avoided to encounter.
The story is simple, but not incredibly interesting like Uncharted 4: A Thief's End story in terms of the treasure lore and the main plot. The character interactions between Chloe and Nadine are really well-done, and the main villain in this game is particularly interesting and has good exposition throughout the game. Nadine is also a bit more likable in this game compared to her character in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. It is a shame that Asav do not get more exposure in this game, other than optional conversations between Chloe and Nadine.
Gameplay
The gameplay remains the same as Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. You can jump, climb ledges, use grappling hook to traverse dangerous terrains, and hide. The progression is also the same as previous Uncharted games, where you will meet obstacles, enemies, as well as puzzles. Exploration is also done similarly, where you can explore obscure places to find treasures.
The only new gameplay addition is the lockpick feature, where you can use a lockpick to open locks for doors or weapon boxes. It is a simple, but well-done feature. In one of the chapters, there is a mini open-world area where you can explore using your vehicle,m as well as exploring for optional treasures. Conversations also return in this game, where you can engage with optional conversations with your ally NPC throughout the game.
The combat remains the same, for both gunfights and stealth encounters. You can hide behind obstacles or hide in tall grasses to blend in, as well as use stealth takedowns on enemies. You can also use different variety of weapons to take down your enemies, such as an assault rifle, sniper rifle, or even a rocket launcher.
The gameplay is great, but this game does not have many gameplay innovations compared to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. This game has great pacing, with good balance of exploration, combat and puzzle sections. The gameplay length is perfect, accordingly to the launch price. Lots of good setpieces as well. The combat sections are pretty well-done, the puzzle sections are much more interesting than previous Uncharted games' puzzle sections, and the gameplay controls are solid. The only criticism I have with the gameplay is the lack of new gameplay features.
Graphics
Like Uncharted 4: A Thief''s End, this game has excellent graphics. Beautiful environments, excellent design of character models, and smooth game performance. There are minor bugs and glitches, but I did not encounter any gamebreaking ones so far.
Sound
Like all other Uncharted games, this game has great voice acting. Excellent voice acting performances by all voice actors in this game. The soundtrack is also fitting, but I do not find the soundtrack to be more memorable than Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and Uncharted 4: A Thief's End soundtracks however.
Replay Value
This game has moderate-to-high replay value. You can play the game in harder difficulties such as Crushing difficulty, collect all treasures, find all weapon boxes, or play the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode allows you to connect to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End multiplayer mode and servers, so no progress is lost if you play the multiplayer mode from this game.
Conclusion
This is a great standalone Uncharted game not featuring Nathan Drake. Better game pacing, better design of combat sections, puzzle sections, and exploration sections, and great villain are the highlights of this game. The only criticisms of this game are the less interesting story than other Uncharted games, short completion time, as well as the lack of new gameplay features. A worthy standalone Uncharted game, and I hope there will be more standalone Uncharted games, where one of it will feature Charlie Cutter from Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception as the main playable character, Excellent work, Naughty Dog.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting interactions between Chloe and Nadine.
- Excellent main villain.
- Great gameplay.
- Great pacing.
- Improved and more interesting puzzles than Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.
- Well-designed combat sections.
- Excellent graphics.
Cons
- Less interesting storyline.
- Less interesting Hoysala treasure lore.
- No other new gameplay features other than the lockpick feature.
- Possible bugs and glitches.
- Less memorable soundtrack.
**Images are from official PlayStation game page.
This is a standalone expansion for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, with Chloe Frazer being the only playable character in this game. This game has a total of nine chapters, and this game has shorter completion time compared to other Uncharted games.
Story
Experience Chloe's journey for the lost treasure in India.
The story is simple, but not incredibly interesting like Uncharted 4: A Thief's End story in terms of the treasure lore and the main plot. The character interactions between Chloe and Nadine are really well-done, and the main villain in this game is particularly interesting and has good exposition throughout the game. Nadine is also a bit more likable in this game compared to her character in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. It is a shame that Asav do not get more exposure in this game, other than optional conversations between Chloe and Nadine.
Gameplay
Same yet great gameplay from Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.
The only new gameplay addition is the lockpick feature, where you can use a lockpick to open locks for doors or weapon boxes. It is a simple, but well-done feature. In one of the chapters, there is a mini open-world area where you can explore using your vehicle,m as well as exploring for optional treasures. Conversations also return in this game, where you can engage with optional conversations with your ally NPC throughout the game.
The combat remains the same, for both gunfights and stealth encounters. You can hide behind obstacles or hide in tall grasses to blend in, as well as use stealth takedowns on enemies. You can also use different variety of weapons to take down your enemies, such as an assault rifle, sniper rifle, or even a rocket launcher.
The gameplay is great, but this game does not have many gameplay innovations compared to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. This game has great pacing, with good balance of exploration, combat and puzzle sections. The gameplay length is perfect, accordingly to the launch price. Lots of good setpieces as well. The combat sections are pretty well-done, the puzzle sections are much more interesting than previous Uncharted games' puzzle sections, and the gameplay controls are solid. The only criticism I have with the gameplay is the lack of new gameplay features.
Graphics
Excellent graphics.
Sound
Excellent voice acting and fitting soundtrack.
Replay Value
Moderate-to-high replay value.
This game has moderate-to-high replay value. You can play the game in harder difficulties such as Crushing difficulty, collect all treasures, find all weapon boxes, or play the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode allows you to connect to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End multiplayer mode and servers, so no progress is lost if you play the multiplayer mode from this game.
Conclusion
A great standalone Uncharted game not featuring Nathan Drake.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting interactions between Chloe and Nadine.
- Excellent main villain.
- Great gameplay.
- Great pacing.
- Improved and more interesting puzzles than Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.
- Well-designed combat sections.
- Excellent graphics.
Cons
- Less interesting storyline.
- Less interesting Hoysala treasure lore.
- No other new gameplay features other than the lockpick feature.
- Possible bugs and glitches.
- Less memorable soundtrack.
**Images are from official PlayStation game page.
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