UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection Game Review

A Masterpiece Reborn

Game Introduction

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is a remastered compilation of two of Naughty Dog’s most celebrated titles: UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy. Originally released on the PlayStation 4, these games have been meticulously upgraded for the PlayStation 5 and PC, offering enhanced visuals, improved performance, and refined gameplay mechanics. This collection is a love letter to the UNCHARTED series, delivering two epic adventures filled with breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Legacy of Thieves Collection is a must-play experience that showcases the pinnacle of storytelling and gameplay in the action-adventure genre.

Gameplay: A Seamless Blend of Action, Exploration, and Puzzle-Solving

The gameplay in the  UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection remains true to the series’ roots, offering a perfect mix of third-person shooting, platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration. Players take control of Nathan Drake in UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End and Chloe Frazer in UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy, each bringing their unique personalities and skills to the table.

In A Thief’s End, Nathan Drake is pulled out of retirement for one last adventure to find the legendary pirate treasure of Henry Avery. The game introduces new mechanics like the grappling hook, which adds depth to traversal and combat. Players can swing across gaps, climb vertical surfaces, and even use the hook in combat to pull enemies off ledges. The stealth system has also been refined, allowing players to approach encounters strategically. Tall grass and environmental cover play a significant role, enabling players to silently take down enemies or avoid confrontation altogether.

The game’s pacing is impeccable, balancing intense shootouts with quieter moments of exploration and discovery. Players will navigate lush jungles, ancient ruins, and bustling cities, solving intricate puzzles that require keen observation and critical thinking. The puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, often tied to the history of the treasure Nathan is pursuing.

The Lost Legacy shifts the focus to Chloe Frazer and her partner, Nadine Ross, as they search for the Tusk of Ganesh in the Western Ghats of India. This standalone expansion offers a more open-world approach, with larger environments to explore and optional side content. The Western Ghats chapter, in particular, stands out for its semi-open world design, allowing players to explore at their own pace and tackle objectives in any order. The chemistry between Chloe and Nadine is a highlight, providing a fresh dynamic that complements the series’ trademark humor and camaraderie.

Both games feature a variety of missions, from high-octane car chases and explosive set-pieces to intricate puzzles that require keen observation and critical thinking. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a wide array of weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Players can choose from pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, and explosives, each with its own feel and utility. The addition of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller further immerses players in the action, making every gunshot and grapple feel more impactful.

Story Narrative: A Tale of Redemption, Brotherhood, and Legacy

UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End is a deeply personal story for Nathan Drake. Set several years after the events of UNCHARTED 3, the game explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the cost of obsession. When Nathan’s long-lost brother, Sam, reappears with a lead on Avery’s treasure, the duo embarks on a globe-trotting adventure that takes them from the lush jungles of Madagascar to the icy peaks of Scotland. Along the way, Nathan must confront his past and reconcile his love for adventure with his responsibilities to his wife, Elena.

The narrative is emotionally resonant, with stellar performances from Nolan North (Nathan Drake), Troy Baker (Sam Drake), and Emily Rose (Elena Fisher). The relationship between Nathan and Sam is particularly compelling as it delves into their shared history and the guilt Nathan feels for believing Sam was dead. The story also explores Nathan’s marriage to Elena, adding layers of emotional depth to his character. The game’s climax is both thrilling and poignant, offering a satisfying conclusion to Nathan’s journey.

UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy shifts the focus to Chloe Frazer, a fan-favorite character from previous games. Teaming up with mercenary Nadine Ross, Chloe seeks the Tusk of Ganesh to prevent it from falling into the hands of a ruthless warlord. The story delves into Chloe’s heritage and motivations, offering a fresh perspective on the UNCHARTED universe. The relationship between Chloe and Nadine evolves naturally from reluctant allies to trusted friends, adding depth to the narrative.

The game’s antagonist, Asav, is a well-rounded villain with a clear motivation and a personal connection to the treasure. His presence adds tension to the story, culminating in a climactic showdown that rivals the best moments of the series. The narrative also explores themes of cultural heritage and the consequences of colonialism, giving the story a sense of relevance and depth.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Feast

The Legacy of Thieves Collection is a testament to the power of modern gaming hardware. The games have been remastered with stunning 4K resolution, improved textures, and enhanced lighting effects. The environments are more vibrant and detailed than ever, from the sun-drenched streets of Italy to the rain-soaked ruins of India. The character models are incredibly lifelike, with subtle facial animations that convey a wide range of emotions.

The PlayStation 5 version takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities, offering two performance modes: a 4K 30fps fidelity mode and a 60fps performance mode. Both options deliver a smooth and visually stunning experience, though the 60fps mode is particularly impressive for its fluidity during fast-paced action sequences. The addition of ray tracing further enhances the visuals, creating realistic reflections and lighting that bring the game world to life.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a sweeping orchestral score that perfectly complements the game’s cinematic tone. The voice acting is superb, with each character’s personality shining through in their delivery. The use of 3D audio on the PlayStation 5 enhances immersion, making you feel like you’re truly part of the adventure. From the rustling of leaves to the distant echo of gunfire, every sound is meticulously crafted to draw you into the world of UNCHARTED.

Replayability and Content: Worth Every Minute

The Legacy of Thieves Collection offers plenty of content to keep players engaged. Both games feature a robust single-player campaign, with A Thief’s End clocking in at around 15 hours and The Lost Legacy at approximately 10 hours. The addition of new trophies and photo modes adds replay value, encouraging players to revisit their favorite moments and explore every nook and cranny of the game world.

For those who enjoy a challenge, the games offer multiple difficulty settings, including a brutal “Crushing” mode that will test even the most seasoned players. The inclusion of bonus content, such as concept art and behind-the-scenes videos, provides additional incentive to dive back in. The photo mode, in particular, is a standout feature, allowing players to capture stunning screenshots of the game’s breathtaking vistas and dramatic moments.

Verdict

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is a masterclass in game design, combining thrilling gameplay, compelling storytelling, and breathtaking visuals into one unforgettable package. While the lack of new content may disappoint some, the enhancements and improvements make this collection the definitive way to experience these modern classics.

Buy UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection

This bundle includes two critically acclaimed games, UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy, remastered for a stunning visual experience. Buy the game now and join Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer on their perilous quests, navigating treacherous landscapes, solving puzzles, and facing off against ruthless enemies. With its engaging storylines, memorable characters, and intense action sequences. 

PC Gamers can enjoy the game purchasing through Steam in the following Editions:

• Buy UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection Standard Edition for $49.99

PlayStation 5 players can get the game through the PlayStation Store with the following Editions with bundles and passes:

• Buy UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection Standard Edition for $49.99

All mentioned rates are exclusive from currently running discount offers/promotions.

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is available to be downloaded on Microsoft Windows through Steam, PlayStation 5 players can purchase it through PlayStation Store.

Genre and Platforms

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is an action–adventure game that was initially released on January 28, 2022, for the PlayStation 5 and later for PC. It continues the legacy of the UNCHARTED series, delivering high-octane action, intricate puzzles, and unforgettable storytelling across multiple platforms. Whether you’re scaling ancient ruins or engaging in intense firefights, this collection is a must-play for fans of the genre.

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection System Requirements