Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor "Sully" Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting race to reach the prize before the ruthless Santiago Moncada, who believes his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world's oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate's lost brother but only if they learn to work together. This movie follows the series of video games under the same name, Uncharted, bringing a separate depiction to the big screen. I have been a massive fan of the games and have thoroughly enjoyed them across the board from the gameplay, the story, the action, the mystery and most of all, the characters. Those who have played all the titles over the years have grown very attached to these characters, which is why I think many people had a slightly hard time getting into this film. Many will instantly notice how some of the main figures for this production bear little resemblance to their counterparts. Now this isn't necessarily the problem as it also comes down to the performance, which again was set apart from the games. I have always found it strange that when given such substantial content and source material, these movies manage to alter the simplest of things, which fundamentally undo what made those products so beloved or fan favourites. Now this is not to say I hated the film, I did enjoy it, but I didn't love it. It was an extremely entertaining adventure flick full of action, stunts and treasure hunting, which you would come to expect, however, it lacked the feeling of the Uncharted brand. Whilst yes, it is full of nods, references and characters taken straight from the series, had I not known about the video games this would have felt like any generic adventure flick. Although being labelled and advertised as an Uncharted movie, I had hoped to see much of the title's aspects be resurrected in this feature and be unmistakably recognisable as a product of this franchise. What the film does do, is create its own story and combine a variety of significant segments across each game into one. Viewers will notice scenes like, for instance, the plane that Drake falls out of is straight out of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011), which was a phenomenal part of that game and was equally one of the best parts of this film. Especially with the cameo of the voice actor for Drake delivering a hilarious scene saying he too fell out of a plane once. Drake is played by Tom Holland who is acceptable despite looking much younger. He brought over the energy needed and had that witty charm of the up-and-coming explorer. This is, after all, treated as a backstory, showing the early years of this soon-to-be team. Sully is played by Mark Wahlberg, who is pretty comical and wiser in this line of work being Drake's "mentor" although looking astronomically different to the original white hair, tash, cigar-smoking Sully. We also get to see a younger Chloe Frazer, who spends her time bickering with the other two and double-crossing them for her own self-interests. Some characters never make an appearance in this like Elena, but we do get mention of Sam. There are some fantastic moments in this flick. Don't get me wrong, I liked the two ship wreaks flying side by side in the final battle that was pretty intense and a huge spectacle but I do feel like they used up so many parts from each game that going forward, there isn't a lot left to utilize. With the end credit scene showing Drake and Sully in their classic attire, with their iconic attitudes, and Sully's tash, it finally felt like an Uncharted product. I was quite sad we didn't spend more time with these versions, but with a cliffhanger ending, there is hope for a second entry to deliver the true experience. Overall, Uncharted is a fun caper that is full of puzzle-solving, explosions, stunts, beautiful locations, over-the-top fights and some comedic one-liners. It has all the makings of a laid-back adventure flick, but in the realms of the Uncharted series, it isn't quite there.
Chloe Frazer returns in the Uncharted franchise, this time taking the spotlight, enlisting the help from one of Nate's rivals, Nadine Ross. Together, Chloe and Nadine try their damnedest to stop a warlord from igniting an uprising in India and the salvation of India's future whilst on the hunt for the fabled Tusk of Ganesh, a long sought-after treasure, which Chloe's father died trying to obtain. Following the grand final outing of Nathan Drake's adventuring in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Video Game 2016), we meet up with Chloe Frazer, who didn't appear during the events of that game, only featuring in a letter at Drake's home. She last played an integral role in the games Uncharted 2 and Uncharted 3 but only as a side character, whereas, in this title, she is the main protagonist for her own tie-in game of a smaller scale. She continues to be her delightfully humourous and headstrong self, being very overconfident, cracking jokes and outwitting her opponents. I think it was a fantastic idea to give her a chance in the spotlight even if for a tie-in game as she was an instant fan favourite beforehand and it allowed us to get to know her more personally as our protagonist. Despite not being as big of a game as 4, The Lost Legacy easily holds up among the franchise and is a welcomed inclusion, which includes likeable characters, beautiful graphics, explosive gameplay, collectable goodies, an explorative semi-open world full of traversal, a power-hungry villain and a well-written story. Sounds like a lot for a smaller title and it feels like that, whilst maybe less on the hours, the game makes up for that in a plethora of ways with a map with free roam capabilities full of puzzles, enemies, collectables and sites to come across that offer more to do or replayability. I found myself being drawn into one of the additional collectable hunts during my playthrough and once I came across some simply by accident, I took my time to search for each one to uncover the mystery prize that was well worth my effort. I equally found myself getting lost in the gorgeous visuals with some luscious green settings with waterfalls and overgrown ancient ruins, tingling those archaeologist/explorer vibes that only amplify knowing it is free for you to investigate and traverse at your leisure or choice. Chloe is joined by Nadine Ross who players will remember from Uncharted 4, having battled with the Drake brothers and led a hired army called Shoreline. She frequently drops hints and dialogue to the events of that title with some interesting insight as to how she departed from Shoreline which is now under new management, continuing to be fodder enemies of this game. Chloe and Nadine's relationship has a shakey start that only grows through the course of this adventure with some minor setbacks here and there that all come to ahead by the finale. They have contrasting lives and ideals yet manage to overcome them all becoming an excellent team. They work phenomenally off of one another having some brilliant banter that comes in the form of both the cutscenes and random dialogue whilst driving around the map. The main antagonist, Asav, seeks out civil war with his country that he hopes to win with the restoration of the ways of the old kings through Ganesh's Tusk. Chloe and Nadine both aim to beat him to it but constantly tread toes with him getting into multiple fights that he almost wins every time due to his immense strength with some truly cinematic battles taking place, like the moving train that holds all sorts of war machines and soldiers (reminiscent of Uncharted 2). There are plenty of twists and turns throughout to keep you on your toes as well as more backstory, character cameos, references and a neat additional end-credit scene. Plenty to be had for an afterthought product. Overall, although not featuring the main figurehead, Nate Drake, this game is an outstanding inclusion that allows a different type of story to unfold with one of the equally popular characters of the series calling the shots. I had a lot more fun than I bargained for and was pleasantly surprised with Lost Legacy that I would heartily suggest any Uncharted fan pick it up. It is especially worth getting in the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for its updated graphics.
Set three years after his last adventure in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011), Nathan Drake has now settled down with his wife, Elena Fisher and left the treasure-hunting scene behind. That all changes, however, when Nate's long-thought-to-be-dead brother, Sam tracks him down and asks for his help to find the long-lost treasure of Pirate Captain Henry Avery. Together with Sully, Nate and Sam embark on a globe-trotting adventure, one last time. Uncharted 4, is easily one of the best games in video game history. It is outstanding in every way with so many action set pieces, great character development and a rich story that is continued in this latest instalment even further than before. I was blown away by this game for a multitude of reasons, with one of the main aspects being the graphics. Unlike the previous three titles, which were made for the PlayStation 3, this one was made for the PlayStation 4 allowing it to go above and beyond in its creation and capabilities. The visuals are unbelievably good and were so ahead of their time considering how they manage to meet today's standards and, in some cases, surpass them. Not only has the graphics improved but the models of our leading characters have also changed now donning an even more realistic look that only added to their realism. They took the visuals and performance even further when it received a PlayStation 5 remaster in The Legacy of Thieves Edition. Having a more advanced console to create a new title gave this game an edge that no other in the series had, being able to have greater action sequences, grander scoped maps and higher definition visuals. A Thief's End is a grand and spectacle-filled final outing for this beloved adventurer. Nate has however put his adventuring life behind him when he married Elena, whom he had shared a bond with in the last three stories. I loved their relationship so much and was delighted to see them finally together. Their scenes in their home during the start were really cute and I loved how they play video games, which you get to control in an attempt to beat Elena's score. The whole sequence shows how good Nate has it. A job as a deep-sea salvage expert, a beautiful wife and a warm home show an ideal life yet there is still that call to an adventure. The becoming only grows to its peak once his long-lost brother, Sam, returns with the proposal of finishing the search for Captain Avery's treasure. Sam's character was an interesting addition since he was never seen or mentioned in any other games yet he is so well-written and acted alongside Nate and Sully that you believe it and never question him again as though he was in it all along. Having the story centre around pirates was an unexpected but nice choice that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was so intrigued by the idea of different pirate groups joining one another into one huge collective who shared their wealth and made a haven called Libertalia. My favourite part of the game is finally uncovering the island and seeing it overgrown and falling apart leaving many questions as to what happened. I loved unearthing all the mysterious clues left behind that further drove the search for the treasure and Avery because of how it sprinkles in all these unusual findings. From letters to skeletons laying on a battlefield or the leading members of the pirate groups' bones surrounding a diner table that adds up to an even bigger mystery. Nate and Sam are not the only ones searching however, Rafe Adler, an American treasure hunter, acts as the main antagonist. He honestly made for a phenomenal foe especially in the final moments with the sword fight aboard Avery's burning ship in a true cinematic fashion. Overall, Uncharted 4 is a beautiful game that closes the story of a brilliant series and characters in a gigantic final globetrotting escapade. It is full of explosive action and set pieces that continue to leave players in awe and matched with superb visuals, epic story and majestic score, this game is worthy of high praise for its overwhelming entertainment. The perfect end to a perfect franchise. If you want more from this rich world, check out the tie-in game Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (Video Game 2017) or Uncharted (2022).
Fortune hunter Nathan Drake is catapulted headlong into an adventure that takes him on a daring trek into the heart of the Arabian Desert in a search for the fabled "Atlantis of the Sands." This journey pits him and his mentor Victor Sullivan against a shadowy secret organization and its ruthless leader. When the terrible secrets of this lost city are unearthed, Drake's quest descends into a desperate fight for survival that puts his limit of endurance to the test and forces him to confront his deepest fears. Following on from the successful and extravagant story of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Video Game 2009), we join Nathan Drake once again on a danger-filled escapade that centres around another mysterious lost city. This third instalment, whilst not my absolute favourite, was a total blast full of that exciting action, globetrotting exploration, grand scale traversal and 'tomb-raiding' antics we have come to love and expect. We open to an exchange in London inside an Inn between our duo Drake and Sully with Talbot, a high-ranking agent in the Hermetic Order. When the exchange for Drake's ring goes awry, an all-out brawl takes place in true cinematic fashion. I loved the way the fight moves through the Inn, showing different areas for more duking it out. Drake's latest mission returns many friends to the limelight from Sully, Chloe and Elena. He's also joined by new aid Charlie Cutter, who offers his skills towards uncovering the latest treasure. I loved seeing more of Chloe even if it was for a seriously brief segment, but I adored having more of Elena, whose relationship with Drake frequently became a highlight for me in this adventure. I was equally happy that we got to see a lot more of Sully seeing as he was barely in the second game. He plays a much more significant role from the current day's latest escapade to the flashback sequences where he and a young Drake meet for the first time. Their dynamic is taken all the more further than it has in any of the previous titles and I thoroughly enjoyed all their interactions from their banter to serious discussions. Following the battle in the bar, we are transported to a young Drake whom we control as he quickly gets wrapped up in mischief that causes many repercussions for him in the modern day whilst making friends with his soon-to-be partner, Sully. The main antagonist, Katherine Marlowe, was no Zoran Lazarević boss but was able to make up for it with her cold and malevolent demeanour, especially when confronting Drake, revealing all her findings on him. Talbot acts as the secondary villain who appears to be an illusionist, placing members under spells and disappearing without a trace. Uncharted 3 had a great deal riding on it after the renowned success of the second game and it certainly delivered by producing an experience on the same scope with explosive action, intriguing story-driven aspects, and blockbuster-themed scenarios all in an enjoyable playable media. I mean Uncharted 2 had some truly extreme moments to get the blood pumping and this one not only recreated this feeling but with new situations to overcome. From escaping a sinking boat at sea, falling from a plane over a desert or leaping across rooftops in a climactic chase, this game is exuberating with an abundance of high-stakes moments to play. Not only are the grand pieces exceptional but the secluded tombs and puzzle areas have just as much intensity and intrigue to keep you hooked. New mechanics further kept the game engaging and fresh like, my favourite, now being able to throw enemy grenades back at them. Overall, Uncharted 3 continues the phenomenal line of games in the series that is full of entertainment at every corner with plenty of interactive action, and exploration with a story to boot. The characters remain delightful and further their growth as they take on this perilous task together with a satisfying conclusion that feels like a true ending, despite there being another game. I had so much fun and what more can be said for a video game? It's all you need and was exactly what I was wanting. Also, see the final game in the series, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Video Game 2016).
Nathan Drake tracks down Marco Polo's centuries-old trail to finally track down one of Earth's greatest mysteries: the city of Shambhala, the holder of the elusive Cintamani Stone. With the help of Chloe, Elena and Sully, Nate will uncover Shambhala's secrets that could change the course of history. Continuing on from the adventure of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Video Game 2007), we are instantly hurled into another explosive escapade that easily ups the ante of its predecessor. I played the remastered copy as part of The Nathan Drake Collection of 2015, which continued to refresh the game in all areas and elevated the experience all the more. Set 2 years after the first game, we follow Drake once again as he searches for a mystical city that also attracts the attention of the ruthless Zoran Lazarević who stops at nothing to reach it first. Uncharted 2 is quite possibly one of the greatest video game sequels of all time. Not only did it expand upon everything from the first by a gameplay standard but also in terms of its storytelling and character development. Among Thieves holds a high place in my ranking of the series. I was instantly blown away by the opening sequence that had me hooked. Awakening on a demolished train carriage hanging over a cliff, Drake is injured and covered in blood, feeling disoriented. Falling out of the train, Drake must climb to the top as the carriage slowly begins to fall into the abyss. Being thrown into this dire situation completely unaware of what led to this event was so captivating, leaving players invested to uncover what must have occurred up to this moment as we are sent back to six months prior. It comes full circle later in the story when Drake climbs aboard a moving train that instantly creates a sense of dread for us players who know things do not go well. Following the opening, we can see multiple improvements come to light like the inclusion of varying environments. The first title was limited to one island that overall kept a consistent jungle appearance whereas this story takes you on a globetrotting adventure from Turkey, Borneo, Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas. Each feels unique in its design and appearance offering that diversity of visceral and practical locations. From swamps to icy mountains, there are plenty of biomes and settings to fight, traverse and explore in. Another aspect that sees some needed improvement is the combat. The shooting feels great and with many grand situations to utilise it. From navigating a war-torn Nepalese city to the previously mentioned train fiasco, offers an abundance of blockbuster-themed conflict to indulge in, which is combined with areas of traversal. Whilst the gameplay is everything, a single-player story needs, well, a good story and this is one is no exception. Although Uncharted 1 is very good, it did have some issues that were likely more prevalent due to being a first entry, having to establish these characters from scratch, whereas, this one had the luxury of continuing a story enabling it to throw you into the action. Like the previous instalment, we see many familiar faces however with some added new ones, such as Chloe Frazer, who is shown to have a history with Drake and frequently changes her loyalty, leaving us guessing whose side she is on. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of Sully who only appears for the first mission and final cutscene since he was more prominent in the original game. Elena continues to delight, especially with the added friction with Chloe since both serve as love interests. The villain of the game also sees a huge improvement with Lazarević. He is a frightening opponent who shows no mercy, killing his men to achieve his goal. He also has a true video game-style boss fight that is phenomenal, which gets the blood pumping in some tense situations. Overall, Among Thieves is a fantastic addition to the series and certainly earned its title as one of the best video game sequels. The action is intense, the platforming visually stunning, the characters loveable, and the locations striking. I see no faults with this game and consider it a firm favourite in my collection. Continue the adventures in the next escapade in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011).
Treasure hunter Nathan Drake discovers a 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake that sets the fortune hunter on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado. The adventure leads them to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island. Released back in 2007, this marked the first entry in the Uncharted franchise that has become widely beloved in the gaming community. I personally played the remastered edition part of The Nathan Drake Collection of 2015 and will be reviewing it as such as I never played the original copy made for the PlayStation 3. Besides a couple of changes, the main upgrade is in the visuals with a comparison video linked below. Drake's Fortune is a brilliant starting point for the franchise that whilst may have a few issues, it is still an incredible heap of fun. It feels like a modern-day Indiana Jones (which had a great influence on this product) full of the action-packed, puzzle-solving, tomb-raiding, treasure-hunting escapades we all know and love. The best part about it is that you are at the centre of the adventure. The greatest aspect of the game is certainly the characters and story. You play as the legendary Nathan Drake and control him during sequences involving fighting, shooting, traversal and solving puzzles. Nathan makes for a strong, charming and delightful protagonist with his witty dialogue, care and duty to his friends and show of perseverance when faced with danger, which he is extremely lucky in frequently surviving. He is accompanied by beautiful American Journalist Elena Fisher, who steps up during the opening sequence when the two are attacked by pirates at sea. She later joins the mission continuing to take charge in situations. As well as Elena, Nathan is joined by another deuteragonist, Victor Sullivan, a long-time business partner of Nate's who equally lends a hand in the search for The Lost City of Gold. I particularly liked the rainforest setting for the adventure, navigating around the trees and climbing on old structures and ruins. Although we don't do a lot of globetrotting in this adventure, I quite enjoyed the confinement to a singular location as it upped the ante, especially considering Drake and Elena's plane was shot down, leaving them with no way of escaping the island. This island is covered in teams of highly-trained South American mercenaries led by Atoq Navarro, who is in league with other antagonists Eddy Raja and Gabriel Roman. The main villain of the story ends up being Navarro, who betrays Roman and even gets a place as the final boss, which is a phenomenal cinematic experience. Another enemy Drake encounters is the terrifying Descendants who bring a level of horror to the story that comes out of nowhere, attacking in waves that almost feel never-ending. Their design is extremely frightening and their origin makes for a shocking revelation that becomes a daring mission to stop the others from acquiring the statue. Naturally, the most important feature in any video game is the gameplay and in the case of this Uncharted, it is pretty good with some slight nitpick issues. The main one I found annoying was the traversal which is quite an essential piece of this game yet it was a bit clunky to control. I would find myself being launched into the abyss after my input was not carried out properly. On the other hand, some mechanics like the jet ski had me almost raging after repeatedly blowing up. When it comes to combat it can be extremely engaging and exhilarating, however after a while it becomes quite repetitive although I still had a blast with it. Overall, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is a staple in the gaming world that is undoubtedly worthy of all its praise. It is full of exciting combat, an enthralling story and compelling characters suitable for anyone looking for an energetic adventure story. Also, continue the crusade in the sequel Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Video Game 2009).
