Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection Review – A More Dynamic Masterpiece

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection provides the definitive Uncharted experience for the PlayStation 5. Everything from its graphical overhaul to its creative use of the DualSense controllers show that this isn’t a rushed released to capitalize on the Uncharted movie’s hype. Instead, developer Naughty Dog manages to further refine the two games in this collection and remind players that there is still much more this series has to offer.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection serves as the natural extension to Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, which released in 2015. This time, the collection bundles Uncharted 4 and its less discussed standalone expansion, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. Both titles have been remastered and optimized for the PS5, making full use of the DualSense technology and the console’s high-speed SSD, as well as receiving a few low-key improvements to gameplay which make both games feel even tighter than they did on the PS4.

The first thing many will notice are the improved graphics and resolution options in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, with Fidelity Mode offering native 4k with a target framerate of 30fps. For players that choose to prioritize framerate but have a 4k compatible display, Performance Mode will upscale the resolution from its base 1440p and target 60fps, as well as utilizing improved anti-aliasing to downscale to a crisp 1080p. In the case of this review, Performance+ Mode set the base resolution to 1080p and target 120fps for those with 120hz displays, rather than using that processing power to downscale from 1440p.

While Legacy of Thieves Collection‘s use of DualSense isn’t at the same level as Returnal, for example, it does find some creative ways to embrace haptic feedback. As is the case for most games, the haptic feedback shines in the gunplay, providing resistance and even some kick-back when using stronger weapons like the China Lake grenade launcher. It also provides soft rumbling whenever rope catches a branch or more intense rumbling when Nathan is being dragged through the streets of Madagascar. Haptic feedback feels like a feature that’s always been there, and is sorely missed during each game’s calmer moments.

Even with the addition of 3D audio for compatible devices and the near-instant loading times that have become an expectation of the PS5, none of these updates would be as impactful if it weren’t for the games themselves. Uncharted 4 was already excellent with its tight and emotionally resonant story, exceptional performances, and stunning game design, but the collection’s new additions manage to elevate these aspects even further.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is the stand-alone expansion/epilogue to Uncharted 4 and while it was received well, it never managed to find its way into the bulk of discussions around the series and it’s truly a shame. For those who may have missed this entry, The Lost Legacy sees Chloe and Nadine team-up in their own treasure hunt, without Nathan Drake, and anything else would spoil the short and sweet adventure. Legacy of Thieves Collection shines a spotlight on an underappreciated element of the series’ broader narrative, and the collection and game are better for it.

With the Uncharted movie bringing more attention to the already beloved series, it’s a great time to explore what the world of Nathan Drake, Chloe Frazer, and Nadine Ross has to offer. Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection is authentic, exciting, and well worth exploring, neatly tying together the series past and potential future in the best version of both to date.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection releases on January 28th, 2022 for PlayStation 5. Screen Rant was provided with a PS5 digital download for the purpose of this review.

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