However, Libertalia, the pirate city named in Uncharted 4, was actually the creation of another book called ‘A General History of the Pyrates', another popular book at the time but potentially more a work of fiction than factual account. John Avery the Famous English Pirate’ has him escaping to Madagascar to set up a pirate utopia (and, by the way, while ‘Every is the accepted spelling, both history and the game occasionally throws in the alternate ‘A’ spelling). A 1709 pamphlet called ‘The Life and Adventures of Capt. There’s some uncertainty there because no one really knows what happens to him, but what is known is that he was one of the most successful pirates the world has ever seen, uniting several other captains into a raiding squad that ultimately netted £52.4 million in today's money. Whether you’re lost in a jungle or perched on a lofty mountaintop, it’s worth taking a break to appreciate the gloriously detailed scenery.The big haul the gang are after this time is the treasure of the Pirate Every, who lived somewhere between 16. “A Thief’s End” is filled with enough explosions, chases and hairbreadth escapes to fuel a summer’s worth of Hollywood blockbusters, and one in particular - a frantic race through a seaside town - left me giggling and breathless.Īll of this is presented with the most gorgeous graphics that have ever been summoned for a video game. The resulting firefights are far less rewarding, even if they are slickly executed.Īnd then there are the gonzo action sequences that are a specialty of developer Naughty Dog. Unfortunately, the Drakes aren’t the only ones on the trail of the treasure, and their path is often blocked by heavily armed mercenaries. The puzzles never get too difficult even when Nathan seems trapped, careful observation will help you find a way out. Your job is to guide the impossibly athletic rogue to his destination, with the most exotic settings turning into elaborate mazes. The best parts of the “Uncharted” games have always been the sequences where Nathan is exploring new vistas, whether he’s climbing mountains or descending deep underground. And we’re off on another high-stakes, life-or-death romp around the world. So when Sam reappears with a price on his head and a tall tale of lost pirate booty, his brother feels obliged to help. Nathan gave Sam up for dead during a caper that went bad 15 years ago. But as this new chapter begins, Nathan has settled into domestic bliss with his lovely wife, Elena, and sworn off his globe-trotting, treasure-hunting ways.
The twist here is that Nathan is kind of rakish himself, as we’ve seen in his three earlier adventures. Sam is the older brother of Nathan Drake, the hero of “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” (Sony, for the PlayStation 4, $59.99). You love the guy, but you know his appearance means there’s trouble ahead. Everyone has a relative like Sam Drake - that seedy brother (or uncle, or in-law) who shows up every now and then with a bottle of bourbon, a pack of cigarettes and a fresh neck tattoo.