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The critically acclaimed "Uncharted" series is going out with a bang next March.
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For those unfamiliar with the PlayStation-exclusive franchise, you play as a treasure hunter named Nathan Drake, who travels to beautiful locales around the world uncovering historical mysteries and thwarting evil-doers. It's a lot like the Indiana Jones movies if they were set in modern times.
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The "Uncharted" games have sold millions of copies, and Naughty Dog, the series' developer, has won several "Game of the Year" awards for its efforts, weaving strong character development with excellent visuals and thrilling gameplay that's straight out of a Hollywood movie.
But the final "Uncharted" game, "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End," could be the best one yet. Just check out this gameplay footage from Naughty Dog and Sony.
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What you're looking at here is real gameplay footage from "Uncharted 4."
Treasure hunter Nathan Drake is exploring a dark cavern. He's looking for something.
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That can't be a good sign.
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Drake emerges from the cave and steps into a gorgeous-looking jungle. The sunlight reflecting off the rocks is particularly striking.
Yet another bad omen.
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In most "Uncharted" games, you'll find yourself running, jumping, and climbing to get to your destinations.
Your efforts navigating the rocky terrain are immediately rewarded with a stunning view. Thanks to the power of the PlayStation 4, you can see far into the distance.
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When you start fighting enemies, the camera will often zoom in, which makes it feel both visceral and cinematic.
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Shooting weapons takes place over your shoulder for accurate aiming.
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You also have a rope for swinging across large gaps a la Indiana Jones.
The lighting effects here are gorgeous. Notice how the sun illuminates the wet ground as well as the surrounding plants. The fact that you can see each individual leaf is astounding.
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Navigating a dense jungle is one thing, but weaving through this crowded marketplace shows how Naughty Dog can stuff a ton of characters into one frame to make the setting feel more realistic and alive.
In the "Uncharted" games, Drake is often accompanied by his mentor, a fellow treasure hunter named Victor Sullivan, a.k.a. "Sully."
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As you bump into non-playable characters in the crowd, Drake will react dynamically to every single one.
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Gunshots ring out in the marketplace, and all the characters instinctively duck their heads and start running for shelter.
These Hollywood-esque chase scenes are heart-pumping, but there's plenty of witty dialogue to make the game feel lighthearted and fun.
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It wouldn't be an "Uncharted" game unless you were scrambling across rooftops.
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This scene where you're driving through the city, trying to escape the massive tank that appeared in the marketplace, is an impressive demonstration of Naughty Dog's commitment to detail.
As you drive by people, cars and houses, you really get the sense that you're there.
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Just because you're about to drive off a pier doesn't mean the chase scene has to end!
Pretty clever, Drake.
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Drake really doesn't want this chase scene to end.
Naughty Dog is great at seamlessly blending gameplay with cinematic elements.
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Of course, it wouldn't be "Hollywood" without a big explosion.
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Whew!
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Environments look gorgeous, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention how realistic all the character models look in "Uncharted 4."
Here's Nathan's brother Sam, who finally gets his debut in "Uncharted 4."
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Here's Sully looking particularly worried about something.
This is Elena Fisher, a journalist and Drake's love interest since the first "Uncharted" game.
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And here's Drake looking surprised. We hope to encounter plenty more surprises when we jump into his shoes next March.
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