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The surprise appearance of Chloe Frazer at the end of the Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End demo at PlayStation Experience 2016 hinted at great things to come. Initially planned as DLC, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy blossomed into a full-fledged standalone expansion under the direction of Naughty Dog’s Shaun Escayg and Kurt Margenau. This time, the spotlight shines on Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross as they embark on a treasure hunt for Ganesh’s legendary tusk. But could this dynamic duo live up to the legacy of Nathan Drake?

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

A Dynamic Duo: Chloe and Nadine

Set in India roughly a year after Uncharted 4, The Lost Legacy follows Chloe and Nadine’s quest for Ganesh’s tusk. Their journey pits them against Asav, a ruthless warlord with his own designs on the artifact. While shorter than a mainline Uncharted title, the narrative is tightly woven, delivering impactful moments and thrilling set pieces. The story avoids delving too deep into the protagonists’ backstories, yet provides glimpses into their personalities through dialogue and expressive animation.

The witty banter between Chloe and Nadine injects levity and charm into the adventure, while also revealing intriguing details about the tusk and its surrounding lore. Naughty Dog’s masterful storytelling and character animation, combined with the directors’ vision, forge a believable bond between the two protagonists. They are a true team, each bringing unique strengths to their partnership.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – ReviewUncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

Their individual personalities shine through, with Chloe’s playful nature and Nadine’s stoicism gradually giving way to more vulnerable moments. Asav, the game’s antagonist, proves a formidable threat, reminiscent of Uncharted 2‘s Zoran Lazarević. His presence, while limited, exudes a chilling aura of danger.

The excellent voice acting and emotionally resonant dialogue further enhance the player’s connection with the characters. This focus on character dynamics sets The Lost Legacy apart from previous Uncharted games, offering a refreshing take on the series’ familiar formula.

An Adventure to Remember

While The Lost Legacy focuses on a single region, it doesn’t skimp on visual splendor. The environments are breathtaking, boasting stunning vistas and explosive set pieces. The game inherits and refines the graphical fidelity of Uncharted 4, adding even more detail to the lush Indian landscapes.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

From muddy footprints to shimmering water, the environments are immersive and reactive. Character animations are equally impressive, showcasing realistic movements and reactions to the environment. The soundtrack, composed by Henry Jackman, complements the visuals perfectly, evoking a range of emotions from tranquil exploration to heart-pounding action.

Gameplay remains largely familiar to Uncharted veterans, with a blend of stealth and combat. Players can choose to take down enemies silently or engage in all-out firefights. The addition of a silenced pistol enhances stealth options, encouraging strategic play. Environmental puzzles return, offering satisfying challenges integrated seamlessly into the world.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

The Lost Legacy introduces a large, open area in the Western Ghats, surpassing the semi-open approach of Uncharted 4‘s Madagascar. This area offers multiple objectives that can be tackled in any order, encouraging exploration and discovery.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

The puzzles are well-designed and rewarding, providing a welcome challenge without being overly frustrating. The game’s finale is a thrilling spectacle, reminiscent of a memorable sequence from Uncharted 2.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – Review

Conclusion

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy successfully builds upon the foundations of the series, delivering a compelling adventure with engaging characters and stunning visuals. It’s a worthy addition to the Uncharted franchise, proving that the series can thrive even without Nathan Drake at the helm. While an expansion, The Lost Legacy offers a complete and satisfying experience, showcasing Naughty Dog’s mastery of storytelling and gameplay.