60 Frames Per Second
I want to hug whoever decided to sacrifice some graphical fidelity to bring Uncharted 4’s multiplayer experience up to a crisp, unwavering 60 frames per second. The difference between 30fps and 60fps can’t be overstated when it comes to shooters and multiplayer. It means that everything moves more smoothly, gameplay feels better, and skill plays a larger part. When a noticeably lower frame rate isn’t limiting the eye, players can notice things faster, aim easier, and react to dangers more quickly.
Also, the locked-in frame rate means that nothing ever slows down, and it never feels like the game’s fault when killed by an enemy. Uncharted 4 looks so great already, that it’s tough to even tell that the visuals suffer from the frame rate. A lot of this is also thanks to the excellent look and design of the maps, which, now that we mention it…
The Map Design
Naughty Dog really brought it this time around with their multiplayer map design. The new grappling rope adds new and welcome twists to the traditional climbing and jumping of Uncharted maps. Almost every time I hop into the air, hoping a grapple point would be there to fuel my leap across a gap, there is. The ability to shoot while on a rope and jump into an insta-kill punch takes roping from a purely movement strategy, to a combat option, and makes your location on the map a bigger factor.
The single player also sports a fantastic collection of locales that the multiplayer maps take great advantage of. The design sensibilities of the maps is reminiscent of Halo in several ways, mostly in that there’s always a several pathways and shortcuts to get across the map without spawns ever feeling off-balance.
The In-Game Store
Uncharted 4’s in-game store is possibly the smartest addition to the game’s traditional multiplayer, and the best lesson learned from the studio’s last multiplayer endeavor, The Last of Us. The store allows players to purchase powerful “Mysticals,” heavy weapons like RPG’s, and sidekicks that add a new layer of strategy to the game. The feature feels like a natrual evolution and adaption from TLOU’s mid-match crafting and upgrade system.
The Mysticals and sidekicks are a highlight of the experience, especially the easily-summoned sidekicks like the Savior, who follows the player around, helps in combat with his pistol, gives ammo packs, and quickly revives allies when they go down. You can even equip the Sniper sidekick and place them in a good position to take out unsuspecting foes. Another favorite is the Cintamani Stone Mystical, which can instantly revive all allies in a radius.
The best part of the in-game store, though, is its speed. The store is instantly summoned with the touch pad, and a quick tap of the d-pad upgrades your gear or summons your sidekick beside you. It’s an excellently designed system.
THE TAUNTS
The past Uncharted multiplayer modes have a history of fun taunts to bust out when celebrating kills, but Uncharted 4 takes them to a new level. It’s much tougher to tell you about them, so I’d rather just show you.
Thanks, FP Good Game for the above video.
Free DLC Moving Forward
Every new future map or mode for Uncharted 4’s multiplayer will be completely free. This has been a great trend in competitive games, with another recent example being Halo 5: Guardians. Similar to Halo’s Req Pack system, Uncharted 4 also has random vanity chests that unlock new costumes, hats, and skins for player characters. 343 Industries has publicly stated that money made from players purchasing requisition packs pays for the game’s free DLC, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Naughty Dog is working under a similar idea with Uncharted 4. We have yet to see the first of this new content, but regardless, free DLC is always a good thing.
What do you think of Uncharted 4’s multiplayer?
MORE UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End
- Uncharted 4 Reminds Us of the Power of Brevity
- 6 Incredible, Tiny Details You Probably Didn’t Notice in Uncharted 4
- Uncharted 4’s Top 5 Most Beautifully Emotional Moments
