Uncharted 4: Legacy of Thieves Review – The Perfect Goodbye

🎮 Introduction

This is it. The end of the road. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (part of the Legacy of Thieves collection) sees a retired, older Nathan Drake trying to live a normal life. He has a mortgage, a job, and a marriage. But the call of adventure—and a long-lost brother—pulls him back in.

For a dad, this is the most relatable game in the series. It’s not just about finding gold anymore; it’s about the cost of obsession and what we risk losing when we chase our glory days. It’s "Dad Energy" the game.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Includes both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy. Optimized for PS5 with 4K resolution, 60fps (or 120fps!), and instant loading.

🌍 Story & Atmosphere

The writing here is on another level. The dialogue is natural, the acting is Oscar-worthy, and the quiet moments—playing Crash Bandicoot on the couch with Elena, driving a jeep through the mud—are just as gripping as the gunfights.

The setting of Libertalia, a lost pirate colony, is hauntingly beautiful. The game explores the history of Captain Avery with a depth that mirrors the main story. And the inclusion of The Lost Legacy (a standalone expansion starring Chloe and Nadine) proves that the series can survive without Nate. It’s a fantastic bonus that feels like a full game.

🕹️ Gameplay & Mechanics

The big addition here is the Grappling Hook, which adds verticality to combat and exploration. You can swing into a punch, flank enemies from above, and traverse massive gaps. It feels incredible.

The levels are "wide-linear," giving you more freedom to approach encounters. You can drive a jeep around massive maps in Madagascar, choosing your path and engaging (or avoiding) enemies. Stealth is finally fully realized, letting you clear entire areas without firing a shot if you’re patient.

🎨 Graphics, Audio & Performance

On PS5, this game is a jaw-dropper. The facial animations are the best in the business—you can see Nate thinking just by looking at his eyes. The environments are lush, detailed, and reactive.

The audio design is equally impressive. The snap of the rope, the roar of the jeep engine, the subtle ambient noise of the jungle—it immerses you completely. And Henry Jackman’s score strikes a perfect balance between the classic theme and a more somber, mature tone.

👨‍👧 The Dad Perspective

• The "Normal Life" Chapter: The early chapter where Nate is just working and having dinner with Elena is a masterclass in storytelling. It shows the "boring" life that we, as dads, actually cherish (mostly).
• Pause & Resume: PS5's "Resume Activity" feature is a godsend. You can be in the game in 5 seconds.
• Emotional Impact: The ending. I won't spoil it, but it’s perfect. It will make you want to hug your kids.
• Lost Legacy: Don't sleep on this! It’s shorter (6-8 hours), making it a perfect bite-sized adventure after the main course.

✅ Pros & Cons

📌 FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions