The game is rounded out into a variety of different methods of play, including the series signature gunplay, brawling, sneaking, puzzle solving, leaping, swinging and scaling, each having received tweaks and enhancements. The game does a good job at familiarizing the player with all of these mechanics throughout the opening sequences, making it easy to grasp for newcomers and experts alike.

Players are given the freedom to choose their approach to combat encounters. Enemies can be taken head on, guns blazing with a variety of weapons at the player’s disposal. Alternatively, players can choose to eliminate infantry silently with the game’s refined stealth mechanics, or even bypass confrontations entirely.

Ally AI is fantastic, taking out foes that are pinning Nate into cover and assisting when the player is bound in an enemy’s hold. This can also lead to awesome combo takedowns with your partner during melee skirmishes.

Traversal is smoother and more precise now, as Drake will automatically grasp handholds by outstretching his arm in the direction of choice, rather than having to leap between every ledge.

The series staple set-piece moments make a return, such as a destructive car chase through a seaside city or escaping and crumbling catacomb. Though they are still exciting and impressive feats, there are strangely no defining moments this time around like the train derailment from Uncharted 2 or the plane crash of Uncharted 3.

A few new features have been added to the mix too, most prominently the inclusion of drive-able vehicles in large, expansive environments. Both the available boats and 4×4 off-roaders feel smooth and control excellently. The 4×4 in particular feels fitting of the series and is equipped with a winch that proves useful for both traversal and puzzle solving.

During these moments, players are given sizable regions to explore and uncover enemy outposts to raid or old ruins to scour for hidden collectibles, such as treasures or clues that Nate will jot down as a journal entry.

Another addition is the grappling hook that allows Nate to effortlessly swing across gaps at a whim, rappel down walls, and take out enemies with a soaring punch from above. This new inclusion, like the vehicles before, feels surprisingly great to control and like a natural implementation for the franchise. It helps diversify the segments of climbing and traversal, adding more routes and paths to level layouts.

Throughout the over 16-hour long campaign, players will take Drake through a plethora of scenic locales. From the chilled coasts of Scotland to the wild plains of Madagascar, as well as its tropical shores, the settings are all as striking and detailed as the next. The draw distance is absolutely incredible, creating spectacular vistas that shine even from afar in open areas, while smaller regions and corridors such as a creaking clock tower or fancy mansions receive equal treatment and are densely packed with thoughtful detail.

Dust trickles down as rope rubs against rock faces, flames glow gloriously in the darkness, and if Drake lands or rolls into a puddle he is left proportionately muddy or wet. Tracks are left behind on every surface that Nate treads over, carving trails after sliding down ridges and leaving footsteps imprinted on dusty bookshelves. Even subtle sound design elements like the squeaking of Nate’s hands while swinging on metal bars just add to the authenticity of this world.

Overall, the presentation is absolutely stunning, and proves that Naughty Dog hasn’t lost its touch since its transition from the old cell processor. The game is so damn gorgeous that it even confidently includes a Photo Mode that can be used to set up screenshots of the game at any given moment during the action.

Along with the graphical overhaul, animation work has undergone great improvement as well, with facial movements eliciting so much expression during character interactions.

Equally impressive are the performances given by the all-star cast, who bring the characters to life and shape them into people that we care about and want to see reach the end of this adventure. In particular, the banter among the cast during game-play make the small band of thieves truly feel like a family. Even when somebody is interrupted by actions within the game, afterwards the others will say, “Sorry, you were saying?” and pick up the conversation right where they left off.

There are also a handful of contextual prompts to engage in optional conversations with other characters. As the chitchat between these personalities is a huge highlight for the game, it can be distressing to miss any opportunities to listen in on the thoughts of Nate’s cohorts.

The transitions from cut-scene to gameplay is beyond seamless, but rather symbiotic, really setting the game apart from traditional action adventure titles and bringing its presentation closer to that of an interactive drama, the likes of Heavy Rain or any of Telltale’s titles.

With a gripping story, plenty of hidden secrets and an array of fun extras to unlock, such as a Cel-Shaded filter or Zero Gravity mode, there are plenty of reasons to revisit the single-player story upon the initial completion.