KnockBack, Episode 254 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Added 2023-02-06 17:00:06 +0000 UTCPlayStation 3's Uncharted trilogy is inarguably a vital stepping stone in the history of Sony. These three titles helped breathe life into a once-struggling console, and gave the brand amazing momentum running into the following generation. But Naughty Dog's series about a globetrotting adventurer hit a bit of a snag when PS3 turned to PS4. Partially through development, Uncharted 4 would lose its creative force and writer, Amy Hennig, leaving the half-finished projects in the hands of the two men who just delivered The Last of Us: Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley. It was going to be a hard task to make this one work. But ultimately, the team delivered in spades. Uncharted 4 is a fitting and high-quality end to Naughty Dog's Uncharted arc, visiting an older, wiser, and more reluctant Nathan Drake who's sucked back into 'the life' by his own brother, and by his own inability to let go of the past. Wonderfully paced and beautiful to look at, and with amazing performances and fun gameplay, A Thief's End is a must-play, and we're thrilled to spend a good-long time discussing it here on KnockBack.
Comments
I disagree - pacing in this game is terrible, and I don't think I ever saw a review of UC4 that didn't mention pacing issues. You need to get through like 4hrs of playable, but barely interactive, cutscene levels before you actually get into the game. Then there are the forced walking segments, playable cutsene level-interludes, and huge, empty, open spaces that kill any momentum. The game's just boring to play, and the only exciting set piece that I remember from the game was shown before it was released. I've played it twice for the platinum, and I'm never touching it again, cause I still remember my dissappointment when I bought the game and played it for the first time - suffice to say that I played it for ~4hs, and didn't even get into the actual 'game' part. It felt more like a Telltales game walking simulator. You're better off just watching the game on youtube at this point, as your input barely matters in half of the game, and another huge chunk is just getting from point A to point B in needlessly huge empty levels. I get that they are chasing hollywood, and flexing how cinematic their games can be, but it's form over function, if you ask me. Honestly MGS4 had better pacing, and it had an hour of custscenes and briefings, 10-20minutes of gameplay, and back to an hour of sitting idly and looking at the screen. At least you knew what was coming in MGS4. Uc2 is still the best in the series - a high-octane blockbuster front to finish, with just enough story and character interactions sprinkled in to make it a full package. I platinumed the DLC with Chloe, and it was actually much better. The gameplay was pretty good without all the flashback levels, long cutscenes popping up at every step, and all the other crap. I wish the main game was more like this.
MISZCZOGRZMOT
2023-07-15 20:51:06 +0000 UTCAw man I couldn't disagree more about the open areas. They are my favourite parts of the game. I thoroughly enjoyed just being released into these small sections and seeing what I could find. I would agree if they were empty but they aren't, there is so much to find, extra dialogue and absolutely beautiful scenery. Uncharted 4 is a masterpiece. And one of my all time top 10 games.
James Buck
2023-02-15 00:45:59 +0000 UTCI dunno... people keep saying that the DS2 villain is Troy's character, but when you put the haircuts side-by-side it looks more like Lindsay Wagner's character (Amelie) to me. That's my $2 bet.
Kevin Cooper
2023-02-13 19:46:39 +0000 UTCGreat to hear you guys discussing this game. Loved your takes and opinions. Particularly when you guys discuss narrative and visual decisions. What are the chances we one day get a Last Stand game on this visual level? Colin writing and producing and Dagan directing. 4-6 hours long. Take my money! You guys have great ideas.
Marc Cairney
2023-02-13 13:09:25 +0000 UTCIt's great in premise, but I didn't find it fun, or even sensical.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-12 17:43:23 +0000 UTCDefinitely. Marlowe is my favorite villain in Uncharted.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-12 17:43:07 +0000 UTCIn playing through, it just really didn't work for me.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-12 17:42:55 +0000 UTCI disagree about the final fight. I loved it. I think the pirate sword combat on a burning ship full of gold is so cool, and the dialogue is fantastic. Also, I hope you guys do Lost Legacy as well. It proved to me that Uncharted doesn't need Nathan Drake to still be great. Chloe and Nadine's backstories are fun to learn about throughout the game.
Daniel
2023-02-08 23:22:49 +0000 UTCI asked previously in a Q&A about those open-areas in games like Uncharted 4 and Gears 5 and you were positive about them so it’s interesting now to hear you say it didn’t work here. That’s what I feel like as well in all these scenarios. I’d rather have the streamlined, completely focused leading.
NeO JD
2023-02-08 12:08:13 +0000 UTCI always thought it was really disappointing that we learn Drake’s real last name in this game. The way 3 let you know he had changed his name was so classy, by hinting at it and not telling you what it was. That scene with Marlowe was top-notch. And it implied it didn’t matter where Nate came from, because Drake is who he is now.
Zackery Parkerson
2023-02-08 01:21:00 +0000 UTCgood choice 👍
Jacob
2023-02-07 23:03:29 +0000 UTCI'm not, it's fine to bring things back. I think what's important, more than anything, is to let shit breathe.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:17:13 +0000 UTCI wonder how he'd handle one.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:56 +0000 UTCThat's my favorite game ad ever.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:51 +0000 UTCI'm not looking forward to that.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:44 +0000 UTCUs too. =D
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:37 +0000 UTCGlad you liked it. =)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:32 +0000 UTCI agree!
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:21 +0000 UTCDefinitely a beauty.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:16 +0000 UTCI wasn't crazy about him.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:10 +0000 UTCI went to Catholic school, and they were still very mean.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:16:05 +0000 UTCRE4, I dunno. Maybe Remake.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:56 +0000 UTCGlad you dug 'em.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:47 +0000 UTCYou're welcome. =)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:40 +0000 UTCNo.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:36 +0000 UTCIt was a bit of a non-controversy, but why not have a black actress to begin with?
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:32 +0000 UTCThat could be cool.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:20 +0000 UTC=)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:15 +0000 UTCInteresting.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:12 +0000 UTCWould be awesome.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:07 +0000 UTCI did. =)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:15:02 +0000 UTCTotally, it feels shockingly coherent and deliberate.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:45 +0000 UTCEnjoy!
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:36 +0000 UTCWho knows.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:31 +0000 UTC=)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:14 +0000 UTCNice. Full circle.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:11 +0000 UTCIt was nice to play it with a new perspective.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:14:05 +0000 UTCThank you.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:13:52 +0000 UTCI loved the pacing.
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:13:49 +0000 UTC<3
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:13:44 +0000 UTC=)
Colin Moriarty
2023-02-07 22:13:42 +0000 UTCI'm actually disappointed we might get another game in the franchise. Uncharted 4 wrapped up the series beautifully.
Michael Buffill
2023-02-07 17:51:54 +0000 UTCAfter listening to this I've come to the conclusion Dagan is ready for a From game. Probably Bloodborne.
Stewy108
2023-02-07 15:32:55 +0000 UTComg if you guys do a gears of war episode please, please, PLEASE talk about that mad world ad. so iconic and an interesting tone setter for the world of gears
Jacob
2023-02-07 13:02:06 +0000 UTCGetting the higher score than Elena was one of the most difficult trophies ever 😅
Aladin_Run
2023-02-07 12:40:14 +0000 UTCAs Colin says, I just don't think Sam is a great character. Bummer to end the series with him as opposed to more Sully. Disliked the more serious tone and fewer set pieces also. Excited for Gears in the future though 😍
Your Boi Nicky V
2023-02-07 09:53:40 +0000 UTCI really appreciated listening to this one. Hands down It’s my favorite Uncharted. And Yes I’m glad the Goonies vibes were mentioned regarding that last ship level. But honestly, that chase sequence with the Jeep and the culmination of the truck battle with Sam and Nate on the motorcycle was and still is the greatest action sequence in a video game that I’ve ever experienced. It literally brought tears of joy to my eyes the first time I played it. I kept thinking..like holy shit, I can’t believe they put this together! I was astonished at the spectacle of pure talented being demonstrated before my eyes! It will forever be remembered as one of my greatest gaming moments.
Brent
2023-02-07 05:43:17 +0000 UTCI know Dagen is an animator but i think he should Write. His setups has been good lately the uncle & Neice storyline the interpol storyline I'm there for it.
Jesse spivey
2023-02-07 01:03:41 +0000 UTCBest looking PS4 game next to Red Dead Redemption 2. Truly took advantage of the base PS4.
Brandon Soto
2023-02-07 00:55:15 +0000 UTCYou guys did Rafe dirty. He was easily the best villain in the entire series. In fact, if you look at all the villains in the entire series, he's the only one who really has any depth.
TROTMAC96
2023-02-07 00:39:32 +0000 UTCThe Nun Section reminded me of something my grandma always used to threaten me with. She'd always tell me these crazy stories from her time at Catholic school so she'd hit me with "I'm gonna take you to the nuns if you keep acting up" I was afraid to get beat with those rulers LOL.
Felix Johnson
2023-02-07 00:17:08 +0000 UTCUnder Settings > More > Connected Apps, you can connect Discord
vtcBatman
2023-02-06 23:53:46 +0000 UTCGears of War will certainly be an episode I look forward to. But we still need Resident Evil 4, the father to many of these third person shooters! To prepare Dagan for the remake, of course.
macdaddyx4
2023-02-06 23:41:21 +0000 UTCHow do I get into the Discord????
John Warner
2023-02-06 22:17:31 +0000 UTCI absolutely loved the open areas with the Jeep and winch. Being able to take some time and slowly explore this massive area was welcomed for me. Lost Legacy has a huge open area as well and we saw this again in Last of Us Part 2. It’s there if players want but not necessary. One of my favorite things in games is when they let us take some time and just explore and learn new things.
Napoleon in Rags
2023-02-06 20:48:41 +0000 UTCYES! Thank you!
Morten Madsen
2023-02-06 20:06:43 +0000 UTCWe have to go back, Colin! We have to go back! (I would also want to see LOST return)
Morten Madsen
2023-02-06 20:04:30 +0000 UTCI can’t remember if you mention this in the episode, but did you play the Legacy of Thieves collection? Or the PS4 version?
Bogey
2023-02-06 19:55:57 +0000 UTCThe controversy with Laura Bailey was utterly ridiculous. These are voices for characters - who cares what skin color you have for this. Kratos is a spartan soldier and I don’t think the voice actor for him is Mediterranean. Same with anime voice acting - do half the voice actors need to be Asian? Putting this racial purity test on fictional characters instead of who’s voice fits and the overall performance is disgusting
PairOfShuse
2023-02-06 19:21:27 +0000 UTCI would rather drakes daughter would be teamed up with Chloe as Drake would be terrified of the trouble Chloe would get her in .
Garry
2023-02-06 19:13:35 +0000 UTCYes!
beeperbeeper5
2023-02-06 19:03:01 +0000 UTCI’m the opposite of Colin whereas I thought the first half of the game was better than the second, but in the end I agree Uncharted 3 is still the best.
Joseph Gedgaudas
2023-02-06 18:43:23 +0000 UTCWould love Uncharted mixed with Lupin like Dagan suggests. Hell, I'd like a Lupin game in the style of Uncharted.
Jason Bolla
2023-02-06 18:31:17 +0000 UTCIt’s about damn time! I’ve been replaying this myself this week. Let’s go! Hoping Dagan enjoyed it and I hope you’ve enjoyed it more this time around!
MJ SKA BOI
2023-02-06 17:56:59 +0000 UTCMat. Play Uncharted 4 it is awesome. Especially on PS5.
Noah Friscopp
2023-02-06 17:53:35 +0000 UTCIs it safe to assume that Lost is not coming back to Knockback for the foreseeable future?
Chris Adams
2023-02-06 17:36:45 +0000 UTCCan't wait to listen to this - my fav ND game and one of my favourite games ever. It's amazing how focused it feels, too, despite starting with Hennig's vision and then being finished by Druckmann and Straley.
Sam
2023-02-06 17:34:13 +0000 UTCVery happy to see this pop in my feed. I only replayed it recently when it came to pc
Jack Doheny
2023-02-06 17:30:22 +0000 UTCI wonder if Dagan would have as much of an issue with a non Naughty Dog developed uncharted if he ever played Golden Abyss?
Card Captor Corey
2023-02-06 17:26:48 +0000 UTCThat's Digital Foundry's "Retro" content ;P
Gerard
2023-02-06 17:17:55 +0000 UTCI thought the rule was something had to be 10 years old to be eligible for knockback, or am I remembering things wrong? Don't really care, just want to know if this is an exception or the rules have changed? Gonna listen now as I'm sure you'll explain.
Angel DeJesus
2023-02-06 17:10:42 +0000 UTCWe knew this was coming! You dropped several hints 👀 I hope you enjoyed this time!
StewDog
2023-02-06 17:06:16 +0000 UTCOh wow! I didn’t know this was going to be covered since it’s less than 10 years old. What a wonderful surprise. Funny enough Colin, this is actually how I started listening to you in the first place - when you talked about and reviewed Uncharted 4 at Kinda Funny - now it’s come full circle :) can’t wait to give this one a listen!
Will Hahn
2023-02-06 17:05:16 +0000 UTCExcited to hear your thoughts Colin. I know you weren’t the biggest fan on your first play through due to feeling rushed. U4 might be my favorite of the series.
Jordan Fugate
2023-02-06 17:04:19 +0000 UTCEven more excited to hear this after listening to Colin and Dagan discussing the Last of Us series now. Naughty Dog content is always a treat from them.
Joey B
2023-02-06 17:03:01 +0000 UTC"Wonderfully paced"- This is the only Uncharted game to bore me so badly I failed to finish it twice. Excited to hear the episode regardless.
Andres
2023-02-06 17:02:48 +0000 UTCAh hell yeah boiiii 🤙🏻💨
Samuel Vernon Weiss
2023-02-06 17:02:23 +0000 UTCOh, my. What a surprise indeed.
Sir Lucious Left Foot
2023-02-06 17:01:59 +0000 UTCFirst! I never finished this game, don’t know if I ever will now.
Mateusz Kuklinski
2023-02-06 17:01:08 +0000 UTC
