At this moment, I realized this was going to be a very different Uncharted game. Everything you've come to expect from an Uncharted game is here for sure; shooting, exploration, puzzle solving, and traversal are all here in spades, and done better than any game in the series. But what sets A Thief's End apart is its strong focus on story and characters. It's still as swashbuckling and entertaining as fans of the series have come to expect, but the stakes have never been higher. Not only is countless treasure on the line, but so is Nate's personal life. He puts his relationship with those he loves at risk because he simply can't ignore the call of adventure.
The plot rolls into action when Nate's long-lost (and thought dead) brother Sam shows up at his office (Nate now works in marine salvage). Sam owes a huge debt to a very dangerous man, and in order to pay it off he needs Nate to help him finally find the lost treasure of famous pirate Henry Avery, something the two of them have been chasing since they were kids. Hesitant at first, Nate succumbs to the call of fortune and glory once again, and the two head off on a globe-trotting adventure.
The theme of the story is simple: letting go. Both Sam and Nate can't let go of their desire to find ancient treasure. The game's main villain, Rafe, is tired of living in Nate's shadow and is obsessed with forging a legacy greater than his. This theme of letting go can also pertain to the player, as developer Naughty Dog has stated multiple times that this is the final Uncharted game. Whether or not that proves to be true, A Thief's End brings satisfying closure to the series. Without spoiling much, the game's ending is as unexpected and emotionally satisfying as they come.
The influence of The Last of Us is felt heavily throughout the game, both from a mechanical and storytelling standpoint. There's more of a focus on stealth during action sequences this time around, as the game's new massive open-world sections allow you to tackle enemy groups in any way you please. But it's obvious that Naughty Dog has taken everything it learned while making The Last of Us and applied it here. In addition to the various collectible treasures scattered around levels, you can stumble upon various letters that expand the game's lore. Optional conversations also pop up from time to time, providing you with some very intimate and beautiful character moments.
A Thief's End was not the game I was expecting, but in a good way. It's everything I ever wanted from an Uncharted game, but much more grounded. Sure, there's pirate treasure to be found, but the focus isn't on that. It's a very human story about some very human issues. Are we truly willing to sacrifice everything because can't ignore our own selfish desires? This is the real struggle we get to see Nate, Elena, Sam, and Sully go through. We've gone on countless adventures with them but this time they're at their most vulnerable, stripped down to their very core. They may be digital, but they feel real. Their struggles and emotions feel real. In the midst of such an over-the-top adventure lies a very simple, believable tale of love and loss.
From its opening moments to the final, beautiful closing shot, I loved every second of Uncharted 4. It has immediately taken its place among my all-time favorite video games and is one I will return to again and again. As a huge fan of the series, I'm incredibly sad to see it end, but I couldn't think of a better way to send it off. The performances, visual design, gameplay, soundtrack, writing, direction, pacing, thrill, and mystery of A Thief's End are all perfection. I can't say enough about it, other than it's something that must be experienced. It's truly a treasure.
