'Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection' PC version impressions
Earlier this week, the DRM-free version of Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection launched on GOG. While it’s not a new game, having launched last year on PS5 followed by a Steam and EGS release, it is the first time it is launching as a DRM-free edition on PC. This collection includes the remastered versions of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy which each initially debuted on the PS4. Starting with the fourth main instalment is an odd choice to introduce Nathan Drake’s adventures to PC gamers; but it’s as good a time as any to get a taste of what the Uncharted series is all about, and so I gave it a go.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End introduces an uncharacteristic Nathan Drake, the series’ protagonist, who has seemingly given up on his former adventurous lifestyle to settle down with his wife Elena Fisher. But he is shortly drawn back into that former life when he reunites with his brother, Sam Drake, who he thought was dead for 15 years and they pair up to find the long-lost treasure of pirate Henry Avery.
Unlike previous titles, Nathan Drake isn’t the protagonist in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. The second entry to this collection instead follows the story of Chloe Frazer who was first introduced in Uncharted 2. The treasurer hunter teams up with mercenary Nadine Ross on a quest to find the tusk of Ganesh, the son of Hindu god Shiva.
Both games of this collection follow an action-adventure template which is inspired by classics of the likes of Tomb Raider but with modernised controls. The focus on the narrative will hook fans of narrative-driven games and the cinematic presentation, with fluid transitions to cutscenes, detailed and varied environments, and no HUD make for an immersive experience.
This immersive aspect is enhanced on the PC version which features 4K resolution, Ultra-Wide Monitor support as well as a number of customisable graphical settings from textures to ambient occlusion. The PC version plays well, even on handheld gaming PCs, and the original plot, stunning environments and fluid gameplay has kept me hooked since starting it. It’s well worth trying out, even if previous entries in the Uncharted series on PC are lacking; but hopefully not for too long.