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Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, developed by the renowned studio Naughty Dog, creators of iconic PlayStation titles like Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, and The Last of Us, originally launched on the PS3. This remastered version for the PS4, part of the Nathan Drake Collection, allows a new generation of players to experience the origins of Nathan Drake’s adventures, and for longtime fans to relive the excitement with enhanced visuals and performance. This review explores whether Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune has stood the test of time and still holds its charm on the PS4.

The Search for El Dorado

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune throws players into a thrilling quest alongside Nathan Drake as he seeks the lost treasure of El Dorado. Joined by his mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan and the intrepid reporter Elena Fisher, Drake navigates treacherous terrain and confronts dangerous adversaries, including Gabriel Roman and Atoq Navarro, in a race to uncover the secrets of El Dorado. The narrative unfolds with engaging pacing, punctuated by humorous dialogue and unexpected twists. The latter half of the game ramps up the intensity, delivering a captivating climax.

Thrilling Action and Cinematic Presentation

alt text for image 1: Nathan Drake firing a weapon from behind cover in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune laid the groundwork for the series’ success, delivering a cinematic experience filled with stunning set pieces and exhilarating chases. The game masterfully blends action with exploration, requiring players to think quickly and react strategically. The gameplay includes climbing, puzzle-solving, and gunfights, reminiscent of another popular adventure series, Tomb Raider. While the puzzles are relatively straightforward, they offer moments of challenge, requiring observation and careful maneuvering.

alt text for image 2: Nathan Drake clinging to a cliff face in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

Gunfights, while not overly complex, demand a degree of skill to avoid frequent trips back to the last checkpoint. The enemy AI is surprisingly competent, utilizing grenades and coordinated tactics. However, the friendly AI can occasionally hinder progress, a minor flaw that persists even in this remastered version.

Stealth elements are present but not heavily emphasized, with most encounters favoring a more direct approach. Bluepoint Games has incorporated the aiming mechanics from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, significantly improving the shooting experience. Throughout the game, players can discover hidden treasures, indicated by subtle glints of light. Collecting these treasures unlocks rewards like character skins, cheat codes, and graphical filters.

Visual and Audio Enhancements

alt text for image 3: Jungle environment in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

Naughty Dog has a knack for creating breathtaking environments, and Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is no exception. The remastered version receives a significant graphical upgrade, with Bluepoint Games enhancing character models, environments, and lighting effects. The improved Depth of Field adds a sense of scale and immersion. Running at 1080p resolution and a smooth 60fps, the game looks remarkably good considering its age. The addition of a Photo Mode allows players to capture and share their favorite moments.

alt text for image 4: Nathan Drake exploring a ruin in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

The soundtrack, composed by Greg Edmonson, perfectly complements the adventurous atmosphere. The blend of percussion, piano, and brass instruments adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.

alt text for image 5: Lush jungle scenery in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

Minor Drawbacks

alt text for image 6: Nathan Drake aiming his weapon in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

As the first installment in the series, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune shows its age in a few areas. The AI can be inconsistent, with enemies occasionally exhibiting predictable behavior. The frequent and lengthy gunfights can sometimes disrupt the pacing. While rare, a few minor graphical glitches remain.

alt text for image 7: Nathan Drake using his pistol in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Remastered

Conclusion

Despite its minor flaws, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Remastered is a worthwhile experience, especially for those new to the series. The enhanced visuals, improved performance, and engaging story make it a compelling adventure. While the gameplay may not be as refined as later entries, it still holds up remarkably well. This remastered version provides a great opportunity to experience the origins of Nathan Drake’s journey and appreciate the evolution of the Uncharted franchise.