Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
For more than a decade we’ve been friends of Nathan Drake here at the Cottage. An Uncharted 2 PS3 write up was on of the first on this site (a little rusty now) way, way back in NZ. We’ve re-trod old ground with the previous Drake Collection, been wowed by Uncharted 4 and Guy thoroughly enjoyed Lost Legacy. It’s been a journey, fraught with miraculous leaps, ferocious beasts, all manner of mercenaries and often faultless Naughty Dog narrative.
Now in Legacy of Thieves we get to re-play the two most recent games, Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy in glorious PS5 vision.
It’s a Legacy alright
Naughty Dog have been bringing these characters to bear for over fifteen years now and apart from their other notable little series, Uncharted has been forefront for the Playstation brand. Given both of these games are around Five years old and the Playstation 5 offered a leap in technology it was only fitting for a lick of paint.
Essentially the games are the same, apart from some refreshed trophies. Mostly obvious, but they have been ramped up in the graphical quality, introduced use of haptics and the Dualsense triggers. I can’t speak for the 3D audio not having the Pulse Headset, but the SSD throws out some super fast loading. These tweaks are things we have become accustomed to, so it’s no surprise. While they add to the Uncharted experience they have become an expected part of the PS5 landscape.
From a visual perspective, Naughty Dog games have always looked exceptional. Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy on the PS4 were cinematic enough already, they looked better on the PS Pro and now even better again on the PS5. You have to wonder how far these improvements can go, yes they look terrific, but I was still happy with how good they looked before.
Both games absolutely stand out in the cutscenes and narrative departments. Again the impeccable presentation has been bumped up and we edge closer to an interactive movie. Fair to say we’re so used to seeing Nate, Chloe and Sully so well presented in game, that anybody being cast in the upcoming movie won’t be good enough. Sorry Tom.
Lost Legacy of Thieves.
Jumping back into Uncharted 4, I was surprised. I have very fond memories of the game. Five years ago it was cutting edge, in presentation and function this was a developer at full speed. Some of the content was sublime, the set pieces and rope mechanics beggared belief. Now, I’m having trouble going back. Progress is treacle like, the controls feel unfamiliar and the story isn’t pulling me along. Of course there were sequences I’m not keen on revisiting, which is part of that reluctance.
That said personal experience aside, I’d fully expect someone new to the series to be wowed. Personally It’s making me yearn for more Last of Us. Where the studio really peaked with movement, combat and functional systems in the world. Uncharted 4 is Nathan’s swansong, if you haven’t been there too many times before it’s still a hell of a ride, especially with the PS5 embellishments.
Lost Legacy brought something new by making fan favourite Chloe the protagonist and giving her an adventure of her own. When Guy reviewed it he said it was one of the best games in the series. Due to being boiled down all the good stuff. He’s not wrong, Lost Legacy is a shorter adventure full of Naughty Dog learnings, it’s an exceptional looking adventure too. Full of colour and a million miles away from the drab Scotland section that haunts my Uncharted 4 memories.
I didn’t quite complete Lost Legacy back on the PS4, because I bounced onto something else. That lack of familiarity has its teeth in me now. After picking up some pace in the mid section I’ve loved the big set pieces and puzzles. The combat sequences are more of a skirmish and less of a grind that Nathan faces. While my disbelief is well and truly suspended throughout some spectacular climbs and impossible leaps of faith.
Overall Impressions
Legacy of Thieves, two classic PS4 era games fully polished and tweaked to take advantage of new hardware.
If you haven’t played them, ever or more than once; go for it, there is some exceptional content here. If you have played them more than once, consider how much you “need” to enjoy them again.
On a personal note, I am still really, really looking forward to playing The Last of Us again.
