In an interview with Game Informer, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End co-lead designer, Ricky Cambier, discussed how the environments for the game will be much more open. That means some of the spaces will provide a more open, “sandbox style” approach to the actual gameplay. While the terms open-world and sandbox might not actually mix with the aesthetic and style of the Uncharted video game franchise, I completely understand what is Cambier referring to. The idea to cover multiple paths to complete an area or map has been realized in previous installments of Uncharted. It sounds like Naughty Dog has planned a good progression from the earlier games.
In the interview, Cambier stated, “I think our goal with the layouts in some of these spaces is that there’s not that golden path. You turn this corner; you’re going to find something surprising. Or maybe this way you’re going to use your potions; the mix-up of your different tools. There might be a shimmy ledge this way; there might be things that break this way; so every path has that action, that tempo that you want.”
Actually, there were similar elements to what Cambier stated in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. In certain stages or areas, players did not have to pass the area or complete the objectives in one fashion. In the role of Nathan Drake, players could take a more stealth approach. That meant players could take out enemies by knocking them out. However, the games also allowed environments where players could either take a stealth approach or just go in, guns blazing. So, while the single-player campaign experiences often have scripted out and specific moments, there were wrinkles in the gameplay that allowed players to take some different approaches.
It makes sense for Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End to take that approach and apply it to a more epic scale. The franchise is transitioning to the PlayStation 4 console. That means there is a lot more leeway for much bigger, grander set-pieces for the game. I believe the demo showcases some of the aspects of the more open, sandbox style to the game. After Drake emerges from a dark cavernous area, he makes his way into a mountainous rain forest. The forest is crawling with armed thugs and goons. it appears Drake could hide and pick off the enemies one by one. However, if Drake is spotted by the enemies, he has to engage in a massive firefight.
I am looking forward to other epic environments featured in the sequel. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is scheduled for a release later this year. The game will be available exclusively for PlayStation 4.
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