Uncharted: The Lost Legacy warrants a few playthroughs before one can really appreciate its action and detail. If you’re like me and this was your first trek into Uncharted territory, the controls and feel of the game will take some getting used to, but once that step is taken, you’re in for a rip-roaring adventure.

The story follows Chloe Frazier, a once-supporting character first introduced in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Nathan Drake is out of the picture while Chloe and Nadine Ross of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End fame take center stage. Together, they work to uncover a hidden artifact – the legendary tusk of Ganesh – in India’s western Ghats while avoiding the path of a ruthless warmonger set on inciting civil war.

I admit my first reaction to The Lost Legacy was something of a mixed bag, and to accurately tell this tale, I must first discuss my primary qualm with the game: it’s length. At first, The Lost Legacy feels more like an experiment than an actual game. While other entries in the Uncharted series boast anywhere between 16 and 20+ chapters, this one offers only nine. From what I’ve read, the game was originally going to be a mere extension of A Thief’s End, though eventually, ideas sprung out of control resulting in a spin-off of sorts.

The Lost Legacy will likely require anywhere between 12 and 15 hours during your first play. When it was over, and the end credits began to roll, my reaction was a solid, “Meh.” For the most part, I felt relatively underwhelmed save for the game’s look. The action failed to make an impression on me, while the controls were outright confusing. This was my first exposure to the Uncharted series, and I wasn’t prepared for the extensive climbing, crawling and rope-swinging I was suddenly required to pull off. I put the game away and tried to move on…

But then, something strange happened. The game popped into my head the next day and refused to leave. I began revaluating everything I had seen and experienced and started wondering if maybe – as the game was short enough – a second playthrough was warranted. I eventually gave in, this time completing the campaign within eight hours, and I found myself completely blown away. From the weapons and stealth tactics to the game’s gorgeous environments, Frazier’s story had struck a delayed, yet powerful chord.

This game has a clear idea of what it’s trying to do. The writers have taken their time while crafting its brazen, yet natural-sounding dialogue. Chloe and Nadine share incredible chemistry together, and the action scenes are astounding. Both figures travel into rocky terrain, forests and even temples, carving their way through enemies and leading to the final level aboard a moving train that stands as one of the most exciting scenarios I’ve ever experienced in a video game.

The voice acting also deserves special recognition. Claudia Black, a regular as the voice of Chloe Frazier, returns in full form, bringing her usual sense of realism to a character that could otherwise be something a stereotype, and Laura Bailey is fantastic as Nadine Ross. Troy Baker is also back as the voice of Sam Drake, a character first introduced in Uncharted 4, and Baker is one of those voice actors that can do no wrong. He doesn’t just give his characters words; he gives them life. In just voices alone, Baker provides each character with unique qualities and traits, and Sam is no exception.

In his two Uncharted appearances, Sam sounds like someone we all know; a person that’s curious and mischievous, yet boasts good intent at the same time and who somehow always finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Lost Legacy is one of the most real-looking games I’ve seen in a while. Every tree branch, leaf and bush you cross reacts appropriately to weather or takes on new form granted its crushed under your character’s jeep. Every visual detail, from the creases in a person’s face to the gray in one’s beard is offered special focus and attention. There were moments I had to remind myself I wasn’t watching a live-action film.

As with every Uncharted game, there are treasures and artifacts abound for your character to discover. If the story doesn’t keep you busy enough, the treasure hunting surely will. The puzzles are challenging without requiring too much time minus one section in the middle involving levers and moving statues. There are probably hundreds of combinations to choose from, but I guess that’s why we invented YouTube tutorials.

A final note: for anyone who suffers from vertigo or fear of heights, this game is probably not for you. The characters traverse some of the highest points and swing over massive canyons that are sure to hatch the butterflies in one’s stomach. I suppose, in this sense, there’s a downside to this game’s realistic appearance, but granted you’re unaffected, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy yourself.

Score: ****1/2 out of ***** (4.5 out of 5)

Image courtesy of dualshockers.com