Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | The Risk of Starting with the Series Finale
Edited By
Dominic Crown
Who's Starting Off Wrong?
A wave of opinions is emerging from the gaming community regarding Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Many argue it isn’t ideal for newcomers to kick off their journey in the beloved franchise with this title. Here’s why.
The Value of Context
Jumping into Uncharted 4 blinds gamers to the rich backstories of main characters Nathan Drake, Sully, and Elena. The series’ previous installments reveal crucial character arcs that can’t be appreciated if one starts with the final chapter.
For instance, the character Nathan Drake has a significant twist regarding his real name, which is hinted at in the previous entry, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. As one fan pointed out, "You’ll miss out on so much character development from the earlier games."
Spoilers Galore
New players are also confronted with spoilers scattered throughout the game, including several artifacts found in Drake's attic, such as:
Spanish doubloon from Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Bottle of blue resin and tiny statue from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Decoder device and pamphlet from Uncharted 3
These elements spoil major plot points from the previous games, frustrating those who've invested time in the series. "Artifacts in Uncharted 4 give away critical moments from earlier games," argued one commenter, underlining the frustrations of players who cherished the full narrative.
System Accessibility
Interestingly, accessibility also plays a key role. Many players turn to Uncharted 4 simply because it’s available on PC, making it a more tempting option than going back to the earlier installments. As one gamer stated, "I get why people skip to 4; it just looks so good and plays well."
Mixed Reactions
Not everyone shares the same viewpoint. Some gamers believe that starting with Uncharted 4 can still be an enjoyable experience. One player claimed, "I played the 4th twice and none of the others and I’m very happy with it. Uncharted 4 is brilliantly written and doesn’t need any previous games to appreciate."
Overall, the community remains split on this issue. Some insist that understanding the series’ narrative is vital, while others question the need for sequential gameplay.
Sentiment Patterns
A pattern is emerging among comments:
Fans of the series stress the importance of playing from the start.
Casual players push back, emphasizing accessibility and modern graphics.
Enthusiasts of storytelling argue that solid writing can stand alone.
Key Points to Consider
🚫 Avoiding Uncharted series can mask character development.
📚 Uncharted 4 contains significant spoilers for earlier games.
🎮 Accessibility on PC makes Uncharted 4 a go-to for newcomers.
The implications of starting with Uncharted 4: A Thief's End are clear—players risk missing a crucial foundation of story that adds depth to their gaming experience. Are gamers the architects of their own enjoyment, or should narratives dictate the path to follow in gaming?
Future Steps for Gamers
Looking ahead, there’s a strong chance that discussions around starting with Uncharted 4 will increase, especially as more players are drawn to the franchise due to the improved accessibility on PC. Experts estimate around 60% of newcomers might prefer jumping into the latest installment first, simply because of its graphic appeal and prestige, despite the rich backstory they might miss. This could lead to a greater divide between hardcore fans who advocate for playing the series chronologically and casual players who prioritize immediate enjoyment over narrative depth. As developers observe these trends, they may respond by ensuring that future games incorporate more self-contained stories while still acknowledging past narratives intricately, making them appealing to various types of gamers.
A Tale from the Classrooms
In a parallel case, think back to when educational systems shifted from traditional teaching methods to incorporating digital platforms and video-based learning. Many students initially skipped foundational courses, opting for specialized topics that seemed more interesting at first glance. Over time, educators noticed that these students struggled with advanced concepts because they lacked the necessary groundwork. Just like in gaming, where skipping earlier Uncharted titles can impact understanding, a solid foundation in digital learning remains essential for students aiming to master complex subjects. This underscores how a proper introduction, whether in gaming or education, can significantly shape the overall experience.