Just beat the game, how do you enable in-game cheats?
just watched this Gamespot review. This is one of the worst reviews i have ever read/watched.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b-Xe4WdRJU
It's a five minute review and the guy barely talks about gameplay. He frames everything in story terms, even the gameplay. He says the setpieces are the best in the series which is bizarre considering there are only a couple of them and aside from the chapter 11 setpiece, they are mostly running away from things while things explode around you. Very simple. nothing complex like the train and tank sequences in U2 and the ship and plane sequences in U3.
What really irks me is how little he discusses the gameplay here. Every time he talks, he is gushing about it as if he is aiming to get one of his quotes on the back cover of the game. He never describes any mechanics in detail.
It's basically the Washington Post review in reverse. the WP guy hated the story where he loved it. Neither talk or care about the gameplay or the issues with the gameplay.
You are reviewing a game here folks. Review the game part of it.
People needs to realize that games aren't one universal thing, there's not a simple definition of video game. Open your mind or accept that there is far more than the basic concept of "gameplay".
Well said.
The other one that stood out to me is...I think 12 into 13?The boat chapter on the island. Again, stand alone, I'm fine with this. It happens right after the most high octane setpiece in the entire game, and has similar things that you mention (Sam & Nate character moments) though it perhaps lasts overly long with the sheer amount of climbing and crate pushing. But what gets me is how this mirrors UC2, and what they did differently--the opening setpiece. Once you solve some puzzles and get back outside on the island, you clearly notice the storm brewing. It's a cool moment that signals to the player that it's going to lead into the boat segment the game opened with.
However...it skips it. After this slow chapter that builds up, you are thrust into 13. Marooned. On a rainy island, slowly walking for awhile. Then climbing, meeting up with sam, etc. It's VERY slow and follows an already slow chapter, actually playing that setpiece at the start and covering it with a few quick flashes in a cutscene felt like it was missing in a spot where it was sorely needed.
UC2 opens with you climbing a train, without telling what happened to get here. Once you get the scene with Elena picking you up in the jeep and jump to the train ingame, the player KNOWS this is going to end poorly, but get to see it all unfold. Then they play a shortened version of the intro. It was much more effectively done, as opposed to the UC4 handling.
This is the type of stuff people talking about the pacing are talking about. It's not like our hands are shaking after 5 minutes of not killing someone.
The game starts off a little slow, which is off putting for some. I love the rope too, especially on traversal kills
What chapter are you at?
You're probably not halfway through.
Just read this post
That video review was fine
Right. As gaming expands, so does the definition of gaming. I guess what I am trying to say is that it bugs me that people no longer care about gameplay and are fine with games hand holding them till the end. I have noticed this trend since Journey won all those awards years ago and couldn't believe when Witcher 3 became the most awarded game in the history of video games. So I see the definition of gaming has already shifted and while I will have to get used to it, I am not going down without a fight. ;p I do want everyone here to know that I dont mean to diss anyone, and am just interested in discussing the game's shortcomings in a friendly manner. I dont want to shit up this thread, only air out my grievances.
One problem with focusing on the story aspect of video games is that you open yourself to criticisms usually reserved for TV shows, books and movies. The Washington Post reviewer pointed out all the problems with the plot and storytelling. As good as ND is, they cannot compete with hollywood when they are telling a pulp action story like Uncharted. There are just way too many plot holes in these games and they shift the focus of the review from the game to the story. At which point you have to start wondering why this person is reviewing the game if he's not interested in the game part of it.
This statement makes me laugh after seeing Dark Souls III's position on the April NPD chart.
Different people value different aspects of gaming. Some of us, like myself, can enjoy Bloodborne one minute and Life is Strange the next.
I think Uncharted 4s story easily competes with alot of films and I would say it's even better than most. Sure there are plot holes, but have you watched a Christopher Nolan film? Those are filled with plot holes and yet his films and storytelling are universally acclaimed.Right. As gaming expands, so does the definition of gaming. I guess what I am trying to say is that it bugs me that people no longer care about gameplay and are fine with games hand holding them till the end. I have noticed this trend since Journey won all those awards years ago and couldn't believe when Witcher 3 became the most awarded game in the history of video games. So I see the definition of gaming has already shifted and while I will have to get used to it, I am not going down without a fight. ;p
One problem with focusing on the story aspect of video games is that you open yourself to criticisms usually reserved for TV shows, books and movies. The Washington Post reviewer pointed out all the problems with the plot and storytelling. As good as ND is, they cannot compete with hollywood when they are telling a pulp action story like Uncharted. There are just way too many plot holes in these games and they shift the focus of the review from the game to the story. At which point you have to start wondering why this person is reviewing the game if he's not interested in the game part of it.
I think Uncharted 4s story easily competes with alot of films and I would say it's even better than most. Sure there are plot holes, but have you watched a Christopher Nolan film? Those are filled with plot holes and yet his films and storytelling are universally acclaimed.
People tend to discredit storytelling in games because there's still a stigma attached that they're toys. The fact is, storytelling in games have been pretty damn great for years now.
I think Uncharted 4s story easily competes with alot of films and I would say it's even better than most. Sure there are plot holes, but have you watched a Christopher Nolan film? Those are filled with plot holes and yet his films and storytelling are universally acclaimed.
People tend to discredit storytelling in games because there's still a stigma attached that they're toys. The fact is, storytelling in games have been pretty damn great for years now.
Got platinum a few hours ago. Guess it is online for me from here on out.
As far as rankings go I'd say UC2>UC3>=UC4>>>>UC1
Already!!
You guys are too gud
Uh, no.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
There's more to good storytelling than "plot holes," although Uncharted 4 has plenty of those. Uncharted 4 actually gets a massive pass as a video game; judged against other mediums, its laughable.
Wholeheartedly disagree.
Wholeheartedly disagree.
Yeah, no. The Last of Us has fantastic writing fir any medium except books and Uncharted 4 isn't terribly far behind. Your fantasy that video games will forever be low art for children won't be true forever.Uh, no.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
There's more to good storytelling than "plot holes," although Uncharted 4 has plenty of those. Uncharted 4 actually gets a massive pass as a video game; judged against other mediums, its laughable.
They'really prohibitive in a myriad of ways that have nothing to do with the quality of the stories and writing. Some people are just not good at games, but everyone can watch a screen. Blu-ray are much cheaper than $400 consoles. Games themselves are $60.Most gamers do
But there's a reason video games resonate with an very small portion of people - extremely small compared to film. The quality just in't there.
Yeah, no. The Last of Us has fantastic writing fir any medium except books and Uncharted 4 isn't terribly far behind. Your fantasy that video games will forever be low art for children won't be true forever.
Uh, no.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
There's more to good storytelling than "plot holes," although Uncharted 4 has plenty of those. Uncharted 4 actually gets a massive pass as a video game; judged against other mediums, its laughable.
Most gamers do
But there's a reason video games resonate with an very small portion of people - extremely small compared to film. The quality just in't there.
Most gamers do
But there's a reason video games resonate with an very small portion of people - extremely small compared to film. The quality just in't there.
Most gamers do
But there's a reason video games resonate with an very small portion of people - extremely small compared to film. The quality just in't there.
Uh, no.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
There's more to good storytelling than "plot holes," although Uncharted 4 has plenty of those. Uncharted 4 actually gets a massive pass as a video game; judged against other mediums, its laughable.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
Okay, sorry. My bad.My goodness, now that's some projection.
I never said that my friend, nor do I believe it. Asking for better narratives, and not gushing over subpar stories told with graphical flash, shows exactly the opposite.
ND has such a firm grasp on what makes good acting that some actors could actually learn from how the characters acted in this game even though its masterful animation and not actually acting.
Its most certainly not on par with a transformers.That's ludicrous.
Uh, no.
Uncharted 4's storytelling is roughly on par with Transformers, or a Roland Emmerich film. Its there, yeah, but its just mercenary, a means to an end.
There's more to good storytelling than "plot holes," although Uncharted 4 has plenty of those. Uncharted 4 actually gets a massive pass as a video game; judged against other mediums, its laughable.
The storytelling in Uncharted 4 is easily on par with the average Hollywood action/adventure film. It's not attempting to be on the same level as something by Tarantino, Scorsese, or the Coen Brothers.
Really? I can see somebody making this comment about Uncharted 3 or even about Uncharted 2, but U4 story has emotional impact unlike anything Transformers related.
What you're saying is overly harsh. The problems with this game come from the pacing and several moments of padding. The actual story is decent enough for what it is.
The acting is the best part. But the story, plotting, and basic visual language are all exceptionally poor.
I know no one posting the in OT is going to agree; most probably fly into a rage just reading that post. But I really encourage people to step back and really look at what Uncharted 4 offers.
Yeah, I agree. Transformers is one such film.
These stories are marked by simplistic, utilitarian plotting. There's nothing wrong with this, as the focus is on the action - Uncharted 4 clearly follows this trend. Its the absurd praise the game gets that I'm responding to.
The acting is the best part. But the story, plotting, and basic visual language are all exceptionally poor.
I know no one posting the in OT is going to agree; most probably fly into a rage just reading that post. But I really encourage people to step back and really look at what Uncharted 4 offers.
Alright, so I think I have finally figured out how to best communicate what I did not like about this game. And I think I can explain that easily using Chapter 21 as an example.
Spoilers, obviously.
Chapter 21 opens after an explosive, exciting escape Chapter 20, with Nate and co. retreating from Nadine's army and fighting their way through some exciting battle. Chapter 21 on paper serves as somewhat of a "cooldown" chapter after the exhilarating previous one. Unfortunately, it kind of spoils the ramp-up pacing leading up to the end game and the final encounter. It's just kind of...there.
Chapter 21 is just a traversal chapter. That's it. Nate leaves behind Sully and Elena to go rescue his brother. It leaves Nate alone to get to the Avery's ship and rescue his brother. He climbs a lot of stuff. I'll give it to the game that this traversal chapter is slightly more interesting than the rest, with some nice views and some non-obvious pathing, but it's still there, feeling completely out of place after the ramp-up of 20 and the dramatic conclusion that happens in 22. As weird as it sounds, it feels like filler.
And this permeates through U4 in general, but I think this chapter is the most clear example, because it possibly sours the dramatic build-up that happened in the previous chapters and just exists, seemingly, to give the player a break from the action. But what's so wrong with a break?
Well, nothing, on paper. In some chapters in U4 there are segments of no combat traversal that yield some interesting character development. Nate and his bro share some memories, reminisce, or dig up some of their feelings. Although not exciting in an action-adventure way, these serve a purpose to propel the characters forward through the story. There is something to be said of where these are placed and why they sometimes don't work quite well sandwiched between exciting setpieces, but that's another criticism that we've been through over and over again.
Chapter 21, however, is just there. You traverse some environments and reach your destination. It feels like player busywork before the big payoff. And it brings me to what I feel like Uncharted 4 so desperately needs: editing.
Editing, of course, is a film term, not really a game one. But because this series so much seeks to emulate the medium of film, I feel like I need to criticize it through the lens of film in some respects. In a movie, after a huge action setpiece moment a la Chapter 20, the action movie would likely take a little break. Give the characters some small time to take a breather, talk about something, and then finally allow the main character to make the journey up the cliff to save his half-wit brother. But the difference? The movie wouldn't spend 20 minutes on the protagonist's climb up the mountain, because that is god damn boring and completely breaks the pacing. And I must ask , why the hell does ND think that is important to experience? We, as the player, have done dozens of traversal sections when we get to this chapter, we get the jist. At this point in the story we want to see the ending, to see what happens, who lives and dies, etc. What we don't really want is to scale yet another cliffside for the hundreth time for 20 minutes. Wouldn't it be great if U4 trusts the player to "get" it on their own, and do some obvious cliff montage. Wouldn't it be great if they just did a cinematic of Drake climbing the mountain, using some quick edits, and a few key player interaction moments during some exciting jumps. We don't need to be in it for half an hour to get that Drake is climbing that mountain. We don't need to be with him that entire time. We can be trusted to understand how edits work.
And it's not just this example, U4 does this all the time, with little things. Pushing a box around for a handful of minutes here, moving a crate over there, solving a completely obvious environmental puzzle to proceed, doing some half-assed traversal in order to make it to your destination. Little road blocks that break up the pacing. Small moments that serve no greater narrative purpose nor give the player anything interesting to do with gameplay. And it's not like they are a spectacle, either. They are busywork. It's just downtime for the sake of downtime.
This permeates the game, and, in my opinion, has no place in it. There are parts of Uncharted 4 where I feel like I'm watching The Revenant in slow motion.
The acting is the best part. But the story, plotting, and basic visual language are all exceptionally poor.
I know no one posting the in OT is going to agree; most probably fly into a rage just reading that post. But I really encourage people to step back and really look at what Uncharted 4 offers.
The acting is the best part. But the story, plotting, and basic visual language are all exceptionally poor.
I know no one posting the in OT is going to agree; most probably fly into a rage just reading that post. But I really encourage people to step back and really look at what Uncharted 4 offers.
In what way?
I just can't see it, sorry. Nobody is saying that this is a Robert Altman film or something super complex but Uncharted 4 has a story more nuanced and developed than most of blockbusters films which is what it aims for.
But maybe there's a Transformers movie with a plot and storytelling much better than Uncharted 4 and I haven't seen it!
I agree with you in part, but I think as with any story telling in video games its not perfect but its getting better than what it was
It would help your argument to give good examples so that we may examine it against UC4.
I'm interested in what you mean by visual language though... is that body language?
The acting is the best part. But the story, plotting, and basic visual language are all exceptionally poor.
I know no one posting the in OT is going to agree; most probably fly into a rage just reading that post. But I really encourage people to step back and really look at what Uncharted 4 offers.
I don't know about that. The plot and characters were mostly straightforward. I thought they would have gone more all-out for the last game, maybe 3 different conflicting parties trying to fight for this treasure like some sort of rat race to the biggest heist of all time. But they kept things simple and small. They really didn't explore the villains as much as they could have and I just don't feel it's as ambitious or deeply explored in terms of story as The Last of Us.
I'm referring to the visual language of film, the placement of objects in the frame, their movements, the edits - everything through which film communicates visually with the audience. Literal books have been written on this, and I'm not going to pretend to be an expert. If you want a nice crash course on some of the fundamentals, check out Every Frame a Painting, a great youtube series examining this aspect of film.