Is Uncharted 4 Better Than Uncharted 2?

Did Naughty Dog's latest finally outshine Uncharted 2?

[Tom_Hopkins]

I think it could be. What helps Uncharted 2 is the dramatic step forward for the series and Naughty Dog. It was something special we hadn't seen.

[Orejillz]

I def agree.

[nveenio]

It's my favorite. There is one sequence in particular that isn't scripted at all but was my absolute favorite part of the game. It was incredible. Uncharted 2 had a lot of fabulous jaw drops, and I'll never forget its place in history, but A Thief's End is the culmination of everything Naughty Dog has learned, polished to a beautiful sheen. I loved it in a way that is almost embarrassing.

[naruga]

i consider U1 the best Uncharted and secondly U4 along with U2..i dont know why, maybe because nostalgia but it has smthing that makes me like it more

[hulk_bash1987]

My personal list goes, Uncharted 4, 2, 3 and 1. But regardless, Naughty Dog has created something special with the Uncharted franchise. It's characters, stories, grahics, gameplay mechanics; you can tell that every single game was a labor of love. And I want to say thank you Naughty Dog for creating such an awe inspiring and all around beautiful experience. Definitely my favorite gaming franchise of all time hands down.

[Jayszen]

I think UC4 and UC2 are about equal - the story of UC4 is better told and the combat and platforming has improved but UC2 had better pacing, stand out set pieces and better puzzles. Where UC4 totally outdoes Among Thieves is the visuals and it feels more open yielding multiple solutions to a given situation.

If I were asked to pick one Uncharted game, it would have to be Uncharted 4 as it has benefited from Naughty Dog's experience of the first trilogy and The Last Of Us, and the visuals are just stunning. Before UC4 was released I was all set to enjoy the last Uncharted but after having finished UC4 for the first time, I actually hope that they bring Uncharted back for a fifth iteration on PS5 and/or PSVR with the two most obvious people gamers will see at the end of UC4.

[auvre]

.

[Aither]

Dude, spoiler warning for those who haven't finished the game. You just gave the ending away to everyone.

[itBourne]

Its hard to say, Uncharted 2 made a huge leap for not only the series but the gaming industry, pushing graphics, story, and set pieces to a whole new level, as well as perfecting the voice acting and motion capture they started in UC1.

UC4 has also made leaps, mostly from NDs experience with the Last of Us. These are more subtle on the surface, the game looks beautiful, but a lot of it goes unnoticed on the surface. Their animations, attention to detail, and interaction with the world has really gone to an entirely different level then Uncharted 2 even dreamed of. Their story telling abilities through the characters and the world is really unmatched and in my opinion no other studio can even hold a candle to it.

Not to mention, ND knows how to end games, and a series. People in all industries need to take note lol.

[DarXyde]

I think the general consensus is that Uncharted 1 is considered the worst of the series. Before 4, the order was basically 2>3>1.

None of them are bad games. They're all quite good. While I very much enjoyed 4 and can be considered at least on par with Among Thieves, if not better, Drake's Deception (Uncharted 3) was probably the most unique. I would say Golden Abyss is a lot like Drake's Fortune and Among Thieves most closely resembles A Thief's End. That sort of just leaves Uncharted 3 to be its own game. It wasn't quite like 2 and 4 but still not quite like 1 and Golden Abyss.

They all have their merits. None of them are bad games. I think Among Thieves was exceptional and A Thief's End recaptured that feeling. It wasn't until Uncharted 2 that Naughty Dog really went for the cinematic approach.

That all being said, when I really think about it, I honestly couldn't really choose between 2 and 4. 2 changed a lot and 4 brought some great closure to the series. Both incredibly strong entries. I just might give 2 the edge. It really put the series on the map.

[Fishy Fingers]

I personally preferred the Second. As much as I've been enjoying U4 I found the setting and more crucially, the pacing of U2 better, especially towards the end. But each to their own, both stand out games.

[BiggerBoss]

The pacing in 2 is definitely better (best in the series) but id say everything else is better in 4

[-Alpha]

What I disliked about 2 was the puzzles and boss fights. The puzzles were way too easy and clearly there as buffers for the action. "Look in the book, and follow what we laid out". Lazaravich and Yeti boss fights were both "run in a circle and blindfire"

UC4's final boss fight was not only very fitting, but the villain was the best in the series. The puzzles also felt like it required more thought.

Pacing in UC2 is top tier, next to Last of Us. I'd say UC4 has some pacing issues as it doesn't touch LoU or UC2. But that's my only real issue with UC4, in addition maybe to not having a standout setpiece like UC2 or UC3. It also seemed to rely too often on sliding and swinging to end off any setpieces, and stealth was never anything to write home about with Uncharted games, as they are more about the action shootouts.

The burning house, airplane, and sinking ship, and the train/ collapsing building seem more memorable than UC4's setpieces.

I didn't completely buy the emotional slow moments either, but in my opinion, the treasure story in UC4, far exceeds all other Uncharted games.

The way the story of Captain Avery unfolds is so carefully done, so expertly crafted with mystery and teases, and the final reveal is so enjoyable as it combines the personal story of Drake and Sam with the brilliant sense of adventure and treasure hunting.

Uncharted 2 and 3 ripped you away from their lost worlds way too fast, and played out way too similarly. Uncharted 4 is masterful in that regard as its slow, mysterious, creepy, and so visually rewarding.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

I personally prefer U4. I think ND topped it in every department, especially in gameplay. The pace is still better in U2 because U4 takes its time to develop the story and characters. U2 is more straightfoward.

Damn I love this franchise

[Movefasta1993]

UC2's pacing was incredible, it makes you really appreciate the little moments when Nathan was in Tenzin's village ,that moment was one of my fav moments ever in a game.I just wish there wasmore moments like the ice cave,that was the best platforming section in the game.Damn that game was legendary,i need to pick up the collection to play uc2 again.

[BlakHavoc]

I'm the opposite I absolutely loved the settings in U4. The island and Mdagascar are just beautiful!! So many pics taken

[Vegamyster]

Same, the gameplay in UC4 is a big improvement & i personally like the story more but the pacing is much better in 2 & keeps it from dragging.

[cfc83]

I'm interested to know what difficulty level and aim assist number you guys used in uc4 ?

[Orejillz]

I turned aim assist completely off. Found it to be annoying even on low numbers. I've tried two difficulties of the game so far though.

[FITgamer]

You want a real challenge. Crushing, no aim assist, in 8 bit render.

[Livecustoms]

Doing that it would be like Dark Souls : Uncharted ... XD

[BlackTar187]

i picked hard first so Auto Aim or whatever i believe was turned off. Or it was turned off when i went to options and i don't remember doing it personally.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Started hard
Turned off Markings( this doesn't belong in Uncharted).
No aim assist (when it is at 10, it means it is turned off right?)
No so much stealth. I would take a couple ones stealthy then spot myself to take my enemies in a stylish way. That's how I play Uncharted

Now started my Crushing playthrough

[cfc83]

I think it's turned off at 0. 10 is full aim assist.

[RedDevils]

Lol facepalm*

[BlakHavoc]

No aim assist and my first play through was on normal, currently going through my second. Need to turn on vehicle assist if there is one cause I couldn't drive the jeep for shit on the Madagascar level when you're chasing Sam.

[cfc83]

Same here. I thought driving would have been piss easy. I was all over the place. I can't do another playthrough straight away. I'll go back and do 2&3...then go back to 4. I suck at aiming, but i'll stick to no assist.

[BlakHavoc]

@Cfc
Bruce made it look super easy during that E3 gameplay. I was not able to navigate through the city without crashing into everything and anything

[76erz24]

As a huge fan of the series I think Uncharted 4 is the better game objectively. It does so much well all at once. Uncharted 4 has the superior storytelling, vistas, characterizations, combat sequences, and platforming sections. Among Thieves has slightly better pacing, more exciting set pieces, and more awe inspiring puzzles. Uncharted 2 has a special place in my heart, it'll always be my favorite in the series, but Uncharted 4 is objectively the best imo. It does everything right.

[DrJones]

UC2 is your favorite yet you say UC4 is the best? I don't get it

[silkrevolver]

It's a question of objectivity vs. subjectivity. He personally likes Uncharted 2 more, but understands that Uncharted 4 is probably the better game regardless of his preference.

For instance, Final Fantasy 6 or 7 are usually considered the BEST Final Fantasy games (when looking at best game of all time lists and stuff like that) and I agree that they are probably the best FF games overall, but I personally prefer FFX for various reasons.

[BlakHavoc]

I agree with memorable set pieces, that's the only thing this game was missing imo. However I think it surpasses all others in environmental storytelling, puzzles, graphics, presentation, and gameplay. Just awesome, I've never been as awe inspired as I was during this game discovering what happened between Avery and his pirate captains.

[DeadManMMX]

I just finished platinuming the Nathan Drake Trilogy in preparation of Uncharted 4. I wanted a refresher before the finale. I have to say I always thought 2 was the benchmark but this time i actually had slightly more fun with Uncharted 3. They just dialed those set pieces to 11. The capsizing ship, riding on horseback through the desert in caravan, getting sucked out of the plane climbing back in just to be sucked out of the side without a parachute. Gold.

[kraenk12]

I just replayed the trilogy as well and while I don't think 3 was better than 2...it felt a title bit too short...it definitely was way better than I remembered and just as great as U2. Those dynamic set pieces were and still are simply extraordinary!

[BlakHavoc]

Thank you! U3 was epic, those set pieces were the best ever. Part of me kept waiting for one of that scale in U4, since it didn't happen I'd definitely say it resembles U2 more. Most epic set piece in U2 was clearly the derailed train sequence.

[WelkinCole]

The set pieces in 3 were better than 2 no doubt. The boat chase, the boat capsizing, the plane crash was on a whole different level compare to U2.

I also like it was a more personal story and not overstated.

It really is hard to say which one is much better than the other because each of them are all so good.

For U1 even the first time I was on the boat right at the start my jaw dropped. That was when I knew next gen arrived last gen. The jungle, The fortress, the lost city infuse with Nazi's was really something special. It was the best of everything I wanted in an action adventure. Great setting, action, script, mystery story etc.

[Ezz2013]

No doubt that Uncharted 4 is better in graphics.story,gameplay,
animation

Its TLOU=Uncharted4 >Uncharted 2>Uncharted 3>Uncharted 1

[DFresh]

Single Player: UC4>UC2>UC3>UC1
Multiplayer: UC2>UC4>UC3 (UC1 has no MP.)
Co Op: UC2>UC3 (I'm hoping UC4 will top it. UC4 Co Op releases Fall 2016 so we'll see.)
Understand this is my opinion.

[psplova]

Are they planning a co op SP version?

[DFresh]

I'm very certain they will much like that adventure co op in UC3. I just hope it's like UC2 where I choose whether to 10 rounds of survival, siege, etc.
Not have the modes mixed like UC3 Co Op.
There's no concrete details yet only that it's releasing Fall 2016. (I'm guessing October-November timeframe.)

[opinionated]

Nope. If uncharted 4 was like chapter 18 or 19 the whole game then it would have been. Great chapter but unfortunately it's not like that the whole game. The first half is a drag and the characters aren't as charming as they were in 2. I'm not a fan of whiny drake either. "But I promised I gave up this life waaahh".

I have yet to finish uncharted 4 but I already have no desire for a 2nd play through. The focus on story and walking simulation has killed the replay value for me unlike uncharted 2.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Ok

[opinionated]

I'm glad you see it my way.

[Picnic]

Walking simulation doesn't apply when there's platforming, treasure hunting, puzzle solving, to be done even in the parts with no shooting. Did you actually treasure hunt for anything other than Avery's?

[opinionated]

Yes I'm not talking about the platforming or puzzles (that still don't compare to 2). The set pieces can't be compared aside from the few chapters I mentioned.

I'm literally talking about the parts where you just slowly walk around talking (and there are many of them). It does apply. I wouldn't consider collectibles to add anything of substance in any game but yes I did go for the journal entries and such.

[DanteVFenris666]

@stonewall the lone talking is the best part. I litterally love the dialogue and just walking as the characters are telling their stories and corny jokes

[opinionated]

@dante
That's cool. I like the characters also. All I'm saying is there's no fighting on moving trains or anything like that. It's driving in the mud and wenching posts. The slow paced bits were really noticeable for me. The stealth in uncharted 2 was one chapter and I thought the back and forth was way more charming and light hearted.

Uncharted 4 took a serious tone and dragged that shit out for 10-15 chapters. I can honestly see why the last of us fans like it. As an uncharted fan I think it dropped the ball in everything but graphics and gun fights. Way too slow paced, gun fights way too infrequent, when they do happen it's in a MGSV stealth camp instead of something crazy the series is known for. The puzzles were retarded easy, they were either a halfassed afterthought or a way to make it accessible to the feminists. "Story only mode". The platforming was pretty generic as well. I did like the wall spike but they never utilized it in any challenging ways.

[Omeganex9999]

I thought the beginning was slow, but the game caught starting chapter 6 and from there it was a crescendo, both gameplay and story-wise.

PS: There are probably just a couple of walking simulation parts, most of the game is about jumping and climbing. Stop confusing genres.

[opinionated]

It started yes. Then it bogged out again. The 18 19 chapters were amazing. I wish the entire game was like that, that's all.

Sorry, climbing simulator lol. You don't even have to jump 80% of the time. Just aim drakes hand at the ledge. I like the mechanics you just never got any real challenge while using them. You're just "walking around".

I maybe had 5 to 10 ledges break on me the entire game of platforming, that's it. I remember drake sliding down a rope saying "please don't break, whew it didn't break" and all I thought was "of course it didn't, don't want to make things interesting" lol.

[Hurfs]

Not finished UC4 yet (but loving it) still so far I have to say UC2 is the better game! but this could be down to the fact it was the first UC I played (rose tinted specs and all).

[FITgamer]

I definitely think UC4 was the best in the series, especially the story. I think it was smart choice to have a more serious tone.

[MasterCornholio]

I really hope so and I can't wait to play it.

[OB1Biker]

I honestly didn't care that much for the story in the previous games. It was cool but I felt it was more like to support the gameplay whereas in Uncharted 4 the story is about ND life and all the game serves that purpose even if the gameplay is better than the older game. Specially gunfight feels much better IMO and wider areas you can explore.
Also it has a slow pace at the beginning but I enjoy that because it tells ND story with nice fan service we know it's the last one and care about every bit.

[ninsigma]

I still think the 2nd one is the best. 4 was awesome though.

[XOTV]

According to our review, Uncharted 4 is overrated.

[Deadpooled]

Oh that severely flawed nitpicking "review" from your no name clickbait website? No thanks ;)

[MasterCornholio]

So why is your site more valid than the others?

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Yeah I knew that mike and yourself were just bots hipsters. Now please take your site and leave

[kraenk12]

Luckily no one, and I mean no one at all cares for your trollish amateur website.

[Realms]

You got you're clicks now go away.

[TwoForce]

According to your site, you guys are idiot.

[BlakHavoc]

Aha!! Confirmation that his article is pure click bait

[OB1Biker]

What th are you talking about?
Is a review supposed to downplay all other reviews now?
Your sole focus should be about reviewing the game fairly and not judge all the other reviewer's opinion as flawed because yours is different. That's completely unprofessional and tbh close enough to trolling for bait.

[Ezz2013]

According to my comment, your site sucks.

[Omeganex9999]

According to my mom I'm the most handsome man on Earth.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

Who the hell writes a review and then says this?

You do realize that your review and possibility the entire website has now lost all it's credibility right?

You come across as writing the review solely to challenge all the other high scoring reviews.

To think the 'unbiased' septic defended this guy. lol

[TwoForce]

I think both of them are equal.

[oIITSBIIo]

Didn't play 4 yet but 3 is better than 2 for me.

[kenwonobi]

Yes. Without a doubt in my mind. I loved Uncharted 2. This one was just way more epic, beautiful, better story.

[Deadpooled]

I think imo if it had the same number of chapters as 2 with 26 chapters (by splitting some long ones eg chapter 11 and scotland etc) and maybe one (or two) extra huge setpieces then yes I would agree. But Uncharted 2 is incredible, the pacing was faultless and the set pieces are insanely good especially the train chapters.

[PistolsAtDawn]

Yes

[KimikoGaming]

As someone who plays games mostly for things like character development and storytelling, I definitely liked Uncharted 4 more than the other games.

[James-GAMES]

Uncharted 2 is one of my favorite games ever. but I love Uncharted 4 even more. I like the vibes I get from Uncharted 4 a lot. Uncharted 4 also feels different in a good way from the first three games.

[Pancit_Canton]

Uncharted 4 is definitely better than 2. The boss battle and ending is pretty epic. Probably one of the best boss fight of all time. MGS 4 comes 2nd place.

[Picnic]

The boss battle in UC4 is technically beautiful but UC2's is SCARY and hard. Actually, surprising how little UC4 ever tries to psychologically scare apart from the very start. Come to think of it, UC2 technically had at least 3 other boss battles - twice with helicopter (rooftops, train) and tank. UC4 doesn't try at all in that.

[BlakHavoc]

Right?! I thought I pirate theme was a golden opportunity for them to inflict a little fear into the gamer. I kept expecting ghost pirates at the end of the game lol. It had its creepy moments but overall it wasn't scary at all.

[silkrevolver]

There are a lot of components to consider when comparing the games. Uncharted 4 has a better story, graphics, and gameplay mechanics. Uncharted 2 has better pacing, a better opening, and was considerably better than Uncharted 1 - making how amazing it was surprising despite the fact that U1 was already pretty great.

I prefer Uncharted 4 just a little bit more, but it's a close call.
Regardless, Last of Us is still my favorite ND game, hands down.

[joab777]

I think U4's opening would have been better had we not known about Sam and what happened. And had we not played TLoU's opening.

Also, pacing wise, I liked that U4 gave us all that it did being the last game. It had to and was better for it. But I do agree that U2 had the luxury of just being able to choose it's own pace.

[joab777]

It's very difficult to have the same impact this long into an IPS life. Which is why this game is so damn impressive. To me, it's better in almost every way. Now, I'm only on chapter 13, so I reserve judgement for the ending etc. But damn. This game is good. Is it the best game this gen? Its in my top 4 with TW3, BB, and DS3. It's tough to top TW3 with all of its dlc.

[GordyNYC]

I'm still playing it myself but I can honestly say that it is better in a few ways. The advancements in facial animation does a lot to endear you to the characters in a level that wasn't possible last generation. Also, the environments are huge and so detailed that it boggles the mind allowing an almost open world feel. Not only that but the combat now includes stealth mechanics that let you approach a combat scenario in a less rigid pop and shoot kind of way. Overall if you have a PS4 you owe it to yourselves to get this game now!

[Chaos_Order]

I'd say Uncharted 2 is my favourite of the series, but U4 is a close second.

[BossBattle]

2 is better because 4 has too much dialogue. Chapters 4-6 is mainly talking. Then 4 has you doing minor stuff like stacking boxes on that pallet inside that semi truck underwater. Like that was a waste of time. I didn't even care to play crash bandicot either. It's a bunch of fillers in my opinion but the game is still good.

[DanteVFenris666]

That part with the boxes I felt was very important. If you don't appreciate good story telling you should have gotten doom this month

[BossBattle]

Yeah the boxes were amazing. Brilliant and so creative. The funnest thing ever. What was I thinking?

[JustInTlME]

I think 4 is the best because it has by far the best story of all of them combined. If it was a movie it would be Oscar worthy.

[Platformgamer]

I think the 3rd is even better than the 2nd, and the 4th is better than the 3rd... so the answer is yes

[Heavenly King]

4>3>2>1 :)

[Picnic]

UC2 was made in only a year and a half, UC4 in 4 years. UC2 was an incredible marvel to be made in such a short space of time and Tibet was a unique environment. UC2 is also the go to Uncharted if you want modern urban scenes which still look PS4-like now. Never mind the train, what about a bus crashing, forcing you to climb up signs in to buildings. The seeds of The Last of Us ,urban destruction and ladder climbing, can be seen in UC2. UC2's pacing is excellent, Chloe's cool and the only thing that arguably seems overblown are the puzzles, unnaturally huge in size which some like but which have a feeling of contrivance to make you platform. The game has a menacing villain (whereas ND were lucky not to get sued by Helen Mirren for UC3's Marlow whose demise was very anticlimactic) and a solid ending. UC2 makes a great love story but also between yourself and your environment and noble seeming, family centred, cultures. In UC4, the interactions with locals might as well be a reskinned, prettier, version of UC3's busy areas. So that is an ommitance of UC4 - a local guide. UC2 is a truly great romp shooterwise and its scale as a shooter looms large. But the Goonies meets Romancing the Stone vibe of the last third of UC4, its mud slides and river rides with a vehicle is a 30 years in the waiting dream come true for me. UC2 is a tightly made masterpiece with no dull locations and the tank is actually a proper threat in it. UC4 is a brilliant swansong. But UC2 has little Sully, no maneouvrable vehicles and little water based fun apart from a river crossing. It's not fair to pick but UC4 has more replayability and more in the little moments. And it's much funnier - it's easy to forget that UC2 is possibly the least humourous in tone of all Uncharteds.

[Ezz2013]

***It's not fair to pick but UC4 has more replayability and more in the little moments. And it's much funnier - it's easy to forget that UC2 is possibly the least humourous in tone of all Uncharteds.***

you just went into my mind with that line.
I was thinking the same thing.

[RenegadeRocks]

Nope ! UC2 had the best balance of action and downtime, UC4 is too placid and lacks action.

[Skankinruby]

Al humongous reason uncharted 2 got so much love is because it was soooo much better than the first one. And no doubt it was an amazing game but when you break it down to a realistic level 2 doesn't match up to 4 at all, and it was only even fractions better than 3. Uncharted 4 is on a whole new level and I'd be very surprised if there's another game this gen that could live up to the standards that it set.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

No. Not enough shooting in UC4 for my taste. I like UC4 but I loved UC2.

[Summons75]

The second was the best in the series but with U4 the story is fantastic (I would say on par with Uncharted 2 but the pirate side of the story was beautifully done and I could see the rise and fall of Libertalia right in front of me without ever seeing it actually happen), Rafe was just as insane as Lazarivich and Nadine was just as strong and smart (though she was robbed of how amazing she could have been), and the gameplay was the best it's ever been (the set pieces just as memorable as U2). I would honestly have to say that Uncharted 4 slides into very by a VERY small margin.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

I'm on chapter twelve and so far liking it more than 2. IMO the car chase scene in Madagascar eclipses the train level in two and thats saying alot. I can only imagine whats comin in the later chapters .

[jay2]

No didnt like the ening. Diolouge treet. Qtes

[Darkwatchman]

Uncharted 4 does a lot of small things that really add to the experience and it certainly makes other games in the genre feel behind the times, however, I wish it had more set pieces. I have no issues with the slower pacing and the increased amount of exploration and puzzle solving, but after that chapter 11 or 12 set piece from the e3 demo, I wanted more set pieces on that level.

I think it's good that as a whole, uncharted 4 has less shooting things when compared to all the other things you do, but after set pieces like the damn plane sequence in Uncharted 3, I expected Naughty Dog to go more nuts with it and they rarely did. They went nuts with tinier details for immersion and not as much with the bombastic action, which when it's in the game, is fantastic.

I think it's really weird to think that with Uncharted 4 having the most accomplished combat of the series, it also has the least amount of action in the series as well.

[Realms]

In many ways U4 is the best game in the series but there is no denying that U2 was the first one to really show case what ND could do U1 was a bit incomplete in that regard so IMO U4 puts everything ND has learned into practice and end's the series nicely.

[BlakHavoc]

For me I'd have to say 4 over 2, but I also prefer 3 over 2 as well. I don't understand all the hate for that game lol, it was spectacular. 4 just tops the others in terms of setting, acting, graphics, gameplay, and presentation imo. It shows how much ND has grown as a studio, I'd put it right next to TLOU. Playing U4 has me unbelievably stoked for their next game.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

I don't think so.

[Articuno76]

I'm currently playing Uncharted 2 again right now on the PS4 (after having just done Uncharted 4). And I'm going back and forth on which is the better game.

I feel Uncharted 2 has the better writing (Uncharted 4 has this almost Marvel movie-esque reliance on fourth wall pressing self-abasement that I just I can't get behind), pacing and balance of action and downtime. However everything in Uncharted 4 is more polished from the stealth, climbing, open/complex combat arena design, puzzles etc; The individual parts that make up Uncharted 4 are just BETTER than anything in Uncharted 2.

But games are also often greater than the sum of their parts, and that's what makes it so damn hard to definitively select one as a winner over the other. If I had to pick (based only on single-player as I don't do online multiplayer) I would give the lead to Uncharted 2 as it's more even balance of shooting/non-shooting helps its replay value at higher difficulty levels, whereas with Uncharted 4 you have to go through a lot of non-shooting stuff (stuff that is the same on all difficult levels) to get to the sparse (and fleetingly short) shooting sections (the meat of a replay).

But even then, it's not like one of these games is above and away better than the other.

[Picnic]

I understand but the 4th wall pushing remarks in UC4 I hope gave many people the total pleasure that they did for me. Like them pointing out that the main door to any building always seems blocked or locked. UC2 had stuff it wanted to prove in gameplay balance, exploration possibilities and character relationship. UC4 didn't need to be the tightly structured linear popcorn movie. UC4 admirably seemed to say to the player in every part of play 'Naughty Dog is with you. We know what you've been through. We know what's a bit of a retread and what's new. (I laughed when, after being forced in to a short brawl after a much longer one early on, Nathan sarcastically says "Really?"" The game playfully trolls itself there!) We know if a prison guard tells you to go left, many of you will go right'. This guessing of the mind of the player I think, from some conversation arcs, runs deep.

[Articuno76]

That's certainly an interesting insight. I might tune into that aspect of it on a subsequent playthrough.

[Brugal]

The way I see it is that Uncharted 2 and 4 are the Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders of video games. They're both master strokes of video games but one better than the other for different reasons and vice versa. There's days where I think Low End Theory is better than Marauders and vice versa, you can also apply that to Chronoc and Chronic 2001. They're both masterpieces.

[Mr Lahey]

I think 4 is a better game than 2. Both great games, but imo TLOU is Naughty Dogs masterpiece. :)

[WelkinCole]

U4 is the better game overall but U2 was the one that made the biggest leap and really was a breakout game. It is why it will always remain as one of the best games ever for most PS fans.

Objectively though U4 is better than U2 in virtually everything and as I said the better game.

In U4 ND incorporated some of the quieter moments like in TOLU which I love. It is fitting as it is a send of to the series.

[senorfartcushion]

Glad Uncharted 2 being "the best one" is a fact....oh wait, that is not how subjectivity works for example: 3 is better in every way technically and it has better writing......to ME.

It is up to you which one you think is better.

[Apex13]

Hell no it's not. It's a good game but it's not a great game. Uncharted 2 is still king IMO.

This has a such a deeper story but a lot of repetitive moments like the chest you have to pull and the half cut ladders. I also think some of the climbing parts are unnecessary but bar that I'm loving the game...but 2 is still the absolute truth.

[Snappy]

Uc4>uc2>uc3>uc1

[ufo8mycat]

As great as Uncharted 2 was, it's not even close.
Uncharted 4 is better in every single way
Better narrative
Better gun play
Better world design
Better stealth
Better and improved climbing mechanics
Mind blowing action sequence (You know which one I'm talking about) that makes the train sequence look like child's play.

Naughty Dog have out did themselves!

[Clown_Syndr0me]

The first still holds number one spot for me.
I think it's because it was original to me at the time, and I remember it as the first great game I played on PS3. Also when the monster things turned up it was totally unexpected for me and a real "WTF" moment. I thought all the enemies would be human and then they threw that into the mix!
None of the games since have been able to shock me, I've just been waiting for the monsters to turn up every time.

Oh and WET NATE! The first time I played it, on the demo (remember those?) I stepped out the river and Nates clothes were wet. That was awesome, I'd never seen the effect done so well before.

[Germaximus]

Uncharted 4 is better than 1 - 3 combined.

[S-Word]

No. Uncharted 2 was pretty much perfect in how it improved from the 1st Uncharted. The Uncharted games after 2 didn't really improve on too much other than the stealth element. Even Uncharted 4 had too many "oh crap" type scenes where he almost doesn't make a jump or something. It felt like they overdid that. Not to mention Uncharted 2 is still the only Uncharted game that had a REAL boss fight where you have full control over the character and not a bunch of QTE fights. Uncharted 2's multiplayer was also great. I hate the way you go down in Uncharted 4's multiplayer after getting shot too many times. That type of thing is fine in an Elimination style mode but not a TDM.

[PiperMCFierceson]

U2 was so good because of U1 was so bland, also easy to top. U3 had a hard time surpassing expectations. Especially with the same platform U2 was on. U4 has it a bit easier since the platform it's on allows it to top all previous installments.

[Picnic]

Uncharted 2 has an authentic feeling of fighting your way around a pretty modern urban city and the environmental detail and art direction remain impressive by any current standards. There's always a sense that something could circle you - a helicopter , a tank. UC2 has in effect several types of boss battle. UC4 never has that 'all seeing enemy' feel. Despite its suggestion of grittiness early on, it's really The Goonies with a touch of Romancing the Stone in the last half (and does so excellently). This will ensure that debates over UC2 v UC4 will always exist and some hardcore shooter fans, and boss type battle fans, will consider UC2 to be the classic of the series on those terms.

[formanbradley]

The game came out less than a week ago. I don't trust anything people say until 3 months after a game's release.

[Picnic]

I don't get your comment at all. You don't trust people if they say the game contains Nathan Drake? You don't trust people if they say it's better than ET on Atari?

Formanbradley- and it's obvious in that case that I'm using an extreme example to show that what you said is a bit too cautious. I mean, if you ever played Uncharted before you broadly know what to expect anyway. Unless you're talking about where it fits compared to the other games in the series but that's a matter for your personal consideration after you play the game anyway.

[formanbradley]

Why wouldn't I believe a fact? It's so obvious I'm talking about the accolades being given out by every fanboy like "GOTY" and "The best video game ever created".
Remember how everyone talked about Fallout 4 when it came out? Go search some boards now and see how that's changed.

[Smokingunz]

I haven't beaten uc4 yet so I really can't judge it yet. My personal line up is:
Uc 2, Uc 1, uc4 a diva 3 last. 3 was terrible.

What I don't like about 4 so far is the way how the enemies just appear out of nowhere and shoot you out of nowhere from all angles, I had huge problem with that. I also didn't like the recoil on the guns as much. This uncharted started off slow and wasn't action heavy consistently like the last few Uc games. This Uc is a lot harder as well but I'll have to finish the game to make a proper judgment. Oh yeah what's up with all the hills you keep sliding down? The stealth in this game was crazy too because once you get spotted your more likely to do die.

[SynestheticRoar]

This is the second time an article on n4g echo these words

[SuperbVillain]

i picked a bad time to be broke

[MagicBeanz]

We running out of stuff to compare Uncharted 4 to? lol! The whole series is great but U4 is defenitly the best of the series.

[Deathpreacher]

Uncharted 2 is way better, i returned uncharted 4 as its the worst game ever!!!

and i know you people will vote this down

[killer_goat]

Too much salt kid

[goldwyncq]

Uncharted 4 has the best story out of them all but 2 has the better pacing and setpieces.

[DrumBeat]

A debate for the ages, and I'm undecided. Edit: UC4 FTW.

[jorellpogi]

I've concluded the UC4 two days ago. Wow! The game was an absolute masterpiece. But I believe the UC2 was more groundbreaking in terms of tech, story, gameplay and wow factor.

[Xasthirion]

Definitely better. I stand by my opinion that Uncharted 2 is the worst in the series. I believe the order to be 3, 4, 1, Golden Abyss, 2 for best games in the series. I have platinumed all of the games in case someone says I don't know what I am talking about.

I just find the pacing awful in 2. It is non-stop action for much of it (which I'm sure most people like), far too many annoying helicopter fights, extremely hand-holdy puzzles even more than other games, and almost every single major plot point was copied from the first game and occurred nearly the exact same percentage through the game as they did in the first game. Honestly I believe the popularity of 2 was due to three factors: The dramatic increase in graphical fidelity from 1, the Call of Duty crowd loving the non-stop action (I personally prefer the much more relaxed pace of 3 and 4 that give you a lot more time to explore and walk around between action sequences), and the fact that the story emulated the story in the first game so much; people love having the same story fed to them over and over for some reason. Same shit with Hollywood movies.

[Picnic]

You call patting cows and going around ice caves non stop action? Given that gun fights were so prevalent in Drake's Fortune, UC2 is the best balanced game of shooting and exploring. The helicopter's great, as is the tank. I find UC2's puzzles to be more contrived than hand holding though, huge, unlikely, edifices designed just so that you have to platform for a while. UC3 is so heavily shooting in its last third that it feels like a punishment on the player for getting that far. Anyone who doesn't like shooting all that much though should find UC4 easiest to admire as a whole. UC3 has some great moments though (I love its multiplayer)- it's only the overrated desert crawl and the rushed ending that let it down and, weirdly, it's great parkour chase sequence is not attempted to be replicated in some form in UC4.

[LoveSpuds]

Its impossible for me to choose between any of them, they are all incredible titles that, at the time of release, seemed groundbreaking. I loved the story and set pieces in 2 but then the set pieces in 3 were even better again in my opinion, I loved the variety of locations in 3 too.

Clearly 4 sets new standards in story telling, acting and visuals but the thing I loved most was that it seemed more mature while still keeping to the spirit of Uncharted and Drake. Some have complained about the pacing, for me it was an utter masterclass in game design, with the performances and story building being just as important as the action and exploration.