Is Uncharted's linear gameplay formula outdated?

Alex Gibson from GamersFTW writes "Unchartered represents somewhat of the old school in its approach to video gaming. As the next entry in the series rapidly approaches, there is surely a question as to how relevant its highly formulaic and linear blueprint still is amongst a sea of enormous open world games. Moreover, with the length and replayability of video games increasingly being perceived as indicative of value, will Unchartered 4’s comparably limited content have enough substance to impress gamers?"

[DarkOcelet]

Nope, next question.

Besides, Uncharted 4 areas looks wide-ish linear so its the best of both worlds.

[Why o why]

the fear and preemptive downplay among 'some' segments of gamers and the media is not alarming. U4 is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. I can see some idiots marking it down and downplaying it because 'it's not open world enough' ......maybe because it's not or has ever been an open world game jokers

[BarneyS]

@bruce755

I don't get that either. Naughty Dog's storytelling and character building are imo the best the industry has to offer. It just doesn't allow for the game to be open world because Naughty Dog wants to tell you their story in a very specific way and with the exact right pacing.

Quote: "Moreover, with the length and replayability of video games increasingly being perceived as indicative of value, will Unchartered 4’s comparably limited content have enough substance to impress gamers?"

Personally I value my first 18 hour The Last of Us playthrough way more than any other open world game I've played, no matter how much content the game had. An experience like that just isn't possible in open world games.

[FamilyGuy]

UC4 has multiplayer, even if people did have an issue with linear story lines it's got replay value in the multiplayer.

[Saigon]

This is the argument they used for the Order; oh its Linear so its no good. I wonder if they are trying to pump the same to the masses hoping that UC4 will fail. Well, either way its already a purchase for me. I actually loved the Order if you take it for what it is and so far from the looks UC4 is going to be a classic.

[Link2DaFutcha]

Agreed. Personally I've got a bit of open world fatigue right now. Seems like every major release is "open world". Sometimes I just want to relax with a good story and not worry about talking to everybody to get some obscure fetch quest so I can upgrade my shoes.

I'm playing through the UC collection now, as I've never played them, and, having just started UC 3, cannot wait for UC 4.

[D3athc3ll]

@all above

Well said guys, I am glad to hear there are still ppl thinking with their brains!

I feel the same way. Open world or not. Depends on the game and how the developers execute everything.

In my opinion the best experience in a game I've had in years was in The Last of Us. That game will stay close to my heart forever. What a story! Just amazing. Thank you ND for creating games that makes its mark in my soul.

[rainslacker]

I really wish MGSV hadn't been open world. For as good as the game play actually was, I feel the game would have been significantly better if it had been extremely linear like the previous games, as more time could actually be placed into the story.

It's like people want it both ways. Great focused story, huge expansive open world with lots of compelling stuff to do.

While that would be cool, there are only maybe 3-4 games which exemplify the ability to have both great focused story and gameplay, and huge open world to explore.

Linear is not a four letter word, and it's really sad that this pervasive stance of linear is inferior keeps coming up as something worth discussion.

[miyamoto]

no clicks on that site from this gamer

no one messes with Druckman and Straley when it comes to good & daring storytelling

[SniperControl]

TBH, i getting a little sick and tired of the need for every game to be "open world", some games it suits it others it doesn't, in MY opinion, open world ruined MGS5 and should of stuck to the formula of the old MGS games.

As Why o why says above, UC4 will undoubtedly be down marked because it's not open world, which would be a massive shame as it looks gobsmackingly chin on floor amazing!

I get way more enjoyment playing games like Uncharted and The last of Us over games like MGS5 and Just Cause 3.

[ocelot07]

Completely agree with @SniperControl there are titles that simply don't need open world. Uncharted is one of them. Metal Gear Solid 5 was ruined for me due to it being a very boring empty open world. So boring I have still not completed it.

However I wouldn't mind a open world Naughty Dog game with the same gameplay as Uncharted.

[mochachino]

I 100% agree that open-world ruined MGS 5. There was no story in the final game in a story based series.

The most interesting part of the game for me was the beginning, which was completely linear.

[rainslacker]

I agree, however, most games aren't open world, and most games are actually very linear.

The idea that open world is just better by nature is a fallacy which gets way too much discussion, because the nature of the game world does not denote the quality, appeal, or worth of a game.

I actually don't think UC4 will be marked down by most for being more linear, although surely some will make it a point of contention. I have a feeling that gamersftw.co.uk will be one that marks it down.

[Kingdomcome247]

I'm so tired of this debate in general. Open worlds don't necessarily mean more value, higher quality, more varied gameplay, etc... A primarily story driven dev such as Naughty Dog that is looking to tell a particular story, especially so in this case where they are looking to conclude a long running fan favorite story, wouldn't be able to pull it off with their usual gravitas in an open world setting. There is a time and a place for each style of game. Even with the more linear based progression that Naughty Dog has chosen for the Uncharted series they will still manage to create more varied gameplay mechanics than the majority of today's open world games are able to muster, I would imagine.

[zcmilano]

Some great points.. Im sick of open world games, so I cant wait for a more story focused game. The world needs to get over this perception that quality is quantity.

[spicelicka]

I just don't understand why people automatically assume "open world" when the linearity of a game is questioned.

Open world is an entirely different genre, might as well as argue that Uncharted should/shouldn't be a sports game.

The real argument is whether Uncharted should be a little less linear. This doesn't mean making the game open world or forcing RPG elements onto it. It simply means opening up the gameplay space, allowing for multiple vantage points, giving more space to fight in than just long narrow pathways.

This is something Last of Us did great at. And I have to say, based on Uncharted 4 footage, ND is approaching this the right way without changing too much. So I say wait for UC4 before making further arguments.

[jb227]

The article specifically compares to open worlds, so they are the ones that brought up the comparison, so if you have an issue w/ that, direct it towards them. We are all in agreement w/ you on open world being it's own genre.

As far as the nature of linearity for this game in particular, it's a moot point. The only gameplay we've actually seen from the title all consist of wide open spaces even larger than that TLOU design you specifically mentioned.

Either way even that TLOU design was just an evolution of what was already in place, the UC series always has some linear beats that give way to wider areas w/ multiple potential pathways, those areas have just gotten larger w/ each installment. I honestly think that anyone who has an issue w/ "linearity" in Uncharted can only fall in one of two camps: 1) those who haven't actually played it or camp 2) those that can't appreciate any degree of linearity whatsoever a.k.a. Open world only gamers.

[Aceman18]

Personally I'm frigging tired of every game needs to be open world crap, not every damn game needs it. The media needs to go do something better with themselves than write garbage articles like this.

[rainslacker]

It does seem odd to me, since it's been reported that most people do not even finish a linear game. It always made me wonder why make bigger worlds, if people are going to lose interest anyways. If you can barely hold their attention with a linear game with a focused story, how can you possibly hope to hold those people's interest for a less focused story, with tons of stuff to do, which most people don't care about to begin with.

Open world games to me are just grind fests. Rarely is the open world content that compelling, and is about akin to grinding out stuff in any MMO, without the lore attached in any meaningful way, because it's all so repetitive and rarely bothers to even try to make justifications for why you're farming the same thing over and over again, whereas at least in an MMO, they try to build some lore over why you now need to collect the different color of magical rock which incredulously only shows up on some random forest creature who has no desire to have such things, or a way to collect such things.

Generally speaking, about the only depth most open world games have for these types of things is...oh, you found this random thing on the ground...go find more random things which coincidentally have some loose correlation to the story, and when you do...it will actually not serve any purpose to the story, nor add to the story in any way except to add one line of backstory which was already stated earlier or not mentioned because it's meaningless and pointless to begin with...but congrats on completing the list and getting closer to 100%. Here's your achievement/trophy.

I like the open world games which make the extra stuff to do part of the actual story, and add to it for those that actually care enough to pursue it. Since there are so few of those, I find most open world games boring....no matter how good the game play is.

[MrsNesbitt]

I think that gameplay suits it's style, so no it's not outdated.

[nowitzki2004]

Yeah, I like a variety.. Lets not make everything open world.

[LOL_WUT]

Exactly! Not every game benefits from being open world in many cases it makes it worse (MGS5 for example). ;)

[TwoForce]

Linear games are here to stay.

[ravinash]

No. I like open world games, so no one else is allowed to play linear games! /s

[GreetingsfromCanada]

Naughty Dog recognized the issue and adjusted with more open ended levels. It'll be fine.

[Perjoss]

Not by a long shot, lately we get too many open world collect-a-thons that are big on side missions but pretty light on main story. Its cool to have these focused games, especially when they are top quality like Uncharted.

[Why o why]

100

[DragonDDark]

%

[G20WLY]

Agreed

[Yukes]

Agreed. Although this may be the end for Uncharted, I'm hopeful that this sort of narrative-focused, linear approach taken by Uncharted 4, but with more expansive levels, comes into vogue. I'm tired of the open-world saturation.

[badz149]

JC3 was a great example. The open world is boring and the story is so predictable and bad! I just Platinum it and have zero intention to go back. Hell I already forgot what the whole game was about!

[Yukes]

How on earth did you manage to stay invested long enough to platinum it!? X)

[badz149]

I play Rocket League in between before I fall asleep playing JC3! - true story.

I got it at lauch due to hype. What a disappointment! Loading times are among the most terrible I have ever seen and the game crashed A LOT! Repetitive as hell with no creativity at all eventhough the game has massive potential! And no MP to boot! But I did paid full price for it. Might as well get the Platinum. I think I will trade it in for Ratchet & Clank.

[higgins78]

I don't know outdated, but yes, I do find the games repetitive and less fun more a chore.

[madmonkey01]

i find open world games can be more repetitive, with countless fetch quests, slightly altered to give the illusion of being unique,

[Wallstreet37]

Higgins we know your a Nintendo fanboy and you never ever admit anything Nintendo does wrong.

Nintendos biggest weakness and why so many million upon millions of gamers have shyed away from them is their lack of innovation in software, diversity and their stagnation. I dont know what what balance your talking about as i own a wiiu and it gets the least play time and not turned on for days as i grow bored of their games quickly. Please take your Nintendo and stealth trolling in another article. We know you by now.

By the way bought Knack for 8 bucks the other day and simply enjoy it! Been playing coop with my son since i got it.

Nintendo strengths making carbon copies of their games over and over lol gtfo thank god there is a Sony and Microsoft in the mix!!!!

[Kingdomcome247]

Once again, Higgins... you always bring this, "Me too", attitude into topics by going off topic, and feeling the need to bring Nintendo up no matter the subject at hand. Why?

[Pongwater]

I find all games repetitive. It's just a question of how fun the gameplay is or whether the story drives me onward.

[higgins78]

Agreed.

[rainslacker]

True, but even the best game play, repetative or not, can get old. Too much of a good thing and all.

MGSV, for all it's amazing game play, became so tedious after extracting my 20th enemy specialist and killing my one thousandth enemy who just happen to be standing in a place I could easily dispatch him quietly unnoticed...or shoot him in the head with a sniper rifle. When I start trying to see how many enemies in a row I can shoot in the groin with a tranquilizer dart to watch them brush themselves off in a sensitive area...you know it's just gotten old.

[TwoForce]

Well, some people like Knack. Nintendo have their strength but it also their weakness.

[higgins78]

Agreed. But where as Nintendo focus on their strengths, rival developers appear to try and appease everybody, usually ending up in little else but sales. Gamers - when retired - won't fondly remember sales...

[TwoForce]

I would prefer a new ip than continue franchise. I also want my favorite franchise to end legacy in a big way. That's why i like Sony let their first party to do whatever they want.

[remixx116]

You made a great point to twoforce, these debs need to focus on what there good at instead of trying to appease the masses, they just end up diluting the experience.

[Darkfist]

yet you enjoy playing that repetitive open world game, with countless fetch quests, and that bayonetta game were all you do is dodge, slow time, keep slashing, dodge, slow time, keep slashing and repeat.

[madmonkey01]

pretty much every a action based franchise is essentially linear, and that works fine, halo, cod, gears, killzone,

[IIFloodyII]

Not for me, but I'm really burned out with open-world games at the moment.

I do like that they are going with a more open, but still linear level design though, some of my favourite games do it (MGS 3, RE4, Bloodborne and the Souls games to name a few), I much prefer it, to having a massive land space to just wander around, or a straight corridor with no branching paths.
It also helps with pacing too, which is extra important in games like Uncharted.

[madhouse02]

I replayed Uncharted 3 recently and couldn't believe how poor it felt from what I remembered.. still pumped for 4 but can't help but think these games are a bit dated in design.

[Errorist76]

I felt exactly the opposite. Those set peaces are still spectacular!

[SniperControl]

I just finished my second play through on UC3RM, the game is totally spectacular and is in no way "poor" as you put it.

[Errorist76]

I just replayed the whole trilogy and The Last Of Us and I want more games like this. We have enough of the Open World stuff already.

[jb227]

This gen is severely lacking in my two favorite genres of games, Action Adventure TPS titles like this one & Dead Space (obviously a more horror bent, but still gave me that vibe) & hack n slashers in the vein of GoW...got a ton of those games last gen & this gen we basically only have Open World RPGs or online only FPS. So I totally agree, gaming needs that variety & we need more games specifically like UC. Really hoping sales take off & push devs back into that arena

[MasterCornholio]

Nope.

Not everything has to be open world.

[TwoForce]

I have to agree with you.

[Gardenia]

Exactly. If done right linear is fine. Seems to me that half of the open world games only do this because it's "necessary"

I never felt like Uncharted was too linear

[rainslacker]

The popular, and mostly good, open world games start out their life as such. They're designed to work in that kind of environment.

The linear games, which try to put this concept into the game, tend to come across as weak entries in the series. I'm having a hard time thinking of any traditional linear game, which actually became better by going open world. Surely at least one or two must exist. Maybe some of these journalist could cite some good examples of how it can be better by changing a game's structure like this, so at least we can see why it matters...instead of just saying it would be better just because....well I still can't figure out the just because part either.

[basilboxer]

Well the uncharted collection sold well.. but I did prefer tomb raiders style of small open areas between linear sections. Hope Uncharted does something similar.. also since they included dialogue choices maybe that's a sign they are trying to expand?

[TwoForce]

Bigger doesn't always mean better.

[jb227]

I like TR as is & UC as is personally, they each offer their own unique experiences. UC4 is obviously taking a wider approach for this installment, but that's just an evolution of the previous games. Whether or not people remember, there have been open areas w multiple approaches to combat & exploration since the first installment, and each one after that has opened those ideas up.

As far as the hub world stuff that TR does, the main drawback in that style for me was variety in environments, it's just more conducive to an epic adventure story for me if you hit all corners of the globe as opposed to exploring one area in depth. It becomes a collect a thon, and you get as invested in the meta game of leveling up your gear & weapons as you do experiencing the story itself. May be one of the reasons why TR's stories tend to be lacking. It's all down to preference though really. For my tastes, Uncharted should stick to what they do best.

[Hunkaloverbear]

People don't really play it for gameplay they play it for the story. Can't wait to play it though.

[MasterCornholio]

I play it for the gameplay and story.

:)

Sorry that I don't agree with you.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

That is what the ignorant people say.

[TwoForce]

So you want every games to be multiplayer and open world ? Are you that ignorant and stupid ? Linear games are here to stay. I love open world games, but i feel it need a quality story and i'm getting very tired of it.

[rainslacker]

Yeah, I know the 4 UC games I played were such a chore in the game play department...but gosh darn it...that rather tropish, heavily cliched story really had me riveted from beginning to end. I particularly love the parts of the story which broke up the rather mundane game play to explain why Nate had to now make ridiculously impossible jumps, and go in a rather roundabout way to reach the same destination he was just at 10 minutes ago. /s

Disclaimer as the sarcasm was for Hunka: A story being tropish and cliched does not make it bad. The characters are what make the stories good.

UC story was good...great even because of the characters...but I wouldn't consider it a masterpiece of fiction. It was fun...just like Star Wars and Indiana Jones are fun.

[Kyosuke_Sanada]

Nothings feels outdated when done right in my opinion.

[NeoGamer232]

Best comment in the thread award!

[Knushwood Butt]

No

Bring it

[Boobgrabber]

No it's not. Not every game has to be open world. Linear games can tell a great story if done correctly.

[jcnba28]

No, there's nothing wrong with it when it's done well. Not every game has to be open world.

[Tobsesan]

Never had a problem with it. I dont even like open world games.

[Pongwater]

The opinion heavy internet is outdated… in my opinion.

Wooo!

[ruefrak]

Problem is you can't tell a good story in an open world game because the developer loses control of the pacing. Linear games do story sooo much better. For example, it makes no sense that in Red Dead you're urgently trying to save your family.... except you spend three days searching for flowers for a crazy man before playing horse shoes with the farm hands. Linear stories like Uncharted don't allow you to break from the pacing of the story and it turns out much better.

[rainslacker]

I don't think that's absolutely true. However, the story has to be built in such a way where the impact of story events isn't tied to the time frame over which the story takes place.

For instance, MGSV(although this is common in many games) had this story which seemed rather urgent at times. Outside of two forced instances, you could go take care of these urgent things, which usually had some dramatic cut scene involved, or you could go collect resources, or extract some goats in an entirely different country.

OTOH, in The Witcher 3, despite there actually being a time thing going on with the finding of that one girl, what you had to do while searching for her fit in well with how the character works, and going out and following leads was sometimes on the way, or more stuff about the story could be found out.

Another good example is Infamous:SS. Despite not being the most amazing story, or open world game overall, there was no real urgency to the story, and the player could take their time to do other things. On top of that, doing those other things changes as the story progressed, because as you did certain things, the rest of the world changed and reacted to what you did.

However, I do agree that the open world formula wouldn't fit in with the current UC formula, because the game play is set up to be more a series of events, which lead to Nate getting into ever more increasing amounts of trouble each time. That sort of thing would be greatly disrupted if at one point he's just barely escaping a flock of bulldozers being manned by some cursed mummies...which somehow are related to some failed mysterious expedition from a hundred years prior in Cuba...to suddenly being in some random basement in northern England which has some artifact related to the Russian revolution...but it's actually only part 3 of 10 of one of the Russian crown Jewels....or something....all while Sully is saying how awesome that is, and questioning why it's even there...despite his past penchant for wondering why Nate always took so long to get anything done.

[ruefrak]

You're right. It doesn't apply to 100% of open world games. Assassin's Creed IV did a good job of allowing the player to go off and explore the world while having it make sense within the context of the game. But when that happens, the intensity of the story starts to fade. How many open world games have you played that when you go back to a story mission, you've kind of forgotten what was happening.

[rainslacker]

I'd say that for me, I often forget...or at least don't have the same level of engagement I had before I left the main track. I find this true with books that I read, then let sit for a bit, then get back into as well...or games where I often have to go several days where I don't get a chance to play...which can be annoying with RPG's.

[Inzo]

No.

[weirdo]

there is nothing bad about uncharted. if you feel that there is then feel free to seek medical advice. next.

[Dark_Crow]

The only thing outdated are these articles.

[esmittystud101]

The only plus to Rise of The Tomb Raider compaired to the Uncharted series is the camp fires you can visit in T.R. where you can save your game, change your clothes or weapons, upgrade your weapons and your skills, and the best of all fast travel between camp fires.

Other than this, the Uncharted series in general is right where it needs to be. It doesn't even need the campfire option like in T.R., really because of level design. T.R. kinda needed it for its level design.

Both series are top knotch in there genre. Couldn't ask for anything more. I hope they don't change either of them.

[Wallstreet37]

OmG hell no!!!! Whats overused and outdated are all these open world games with repetitive game play and bs fetch quests. I get its the popular thing now but most games dont do it well ir overkill it and after 10 hours im like *uck this bs. Assn Creed, Far Cry, and many others to name a few.

Its all subjective but i prefer a quasi open world game or a linear, story driven game that keeps you intrigued. My favorite ips this and past gen....

Tlou
Uncharted
Bloodborne
Gow

Some open games do the open world well lime GTA and to some extent Witcher but overall i prefer linear.

[Revolt13]

Somewhat

[G20WLY]

Some what?

[Sharky231]

Not every game has to be open world! The linear thing allows for them to really tell a great story! Naughty dog has always been very cinematic. I'm fine with that! They do a great job at getting the story told and keeping the gamer connected! It's just a different genre of game!

[DivineAssault]

No.. Not everyone likes open world titles.. Matter of fact, im getting tired of that opposed to this linear style..

[Naughty_Cloud]

In a world where most games/franchises are trying to go open world. I still thoroughly enjoy Uncharted/Tomb Raider type of games that are story focused first, within a deep narrative gameplay structure.

[SCW1982]

Stupidest article I have read in a while.

[KentBenMei]

Not everything needs to be f***ing open-world you brats.

[Darkfist]

nope its not outdated, making a linear game with fantastic gameplay and story, is way better than force to make an open world with hardly things to fel that empty space, look at xenoblade x, copy and past everywhere.

[neomahi]

No. If that was the case the last three games would have flopped having come out at times that games were very open world. People love story driven games and The Last of Us continued to prove that. You forget as well that Xbox Exclusive games Gears of War were pretty linear too. You could choose paths (sort of) but it didn't stray too far from the linear path. If you wanna tell a good strong story, like the creator of The Witness said "there's no filler."

It's been in the gaming news about open world games and that feeling of getting your moneys worth. Metal Gear Solid V I spent the bulk of the game running around a friggin mountain trying to get from location to location in a friggin dessert! Sage brush and sand. That's not very scenic, doing the same type of mission over-and-over again. I've heard many say the same of Assassins Creed gameplay. Open world games ONLY give you your moneys worth if there's enough variety and less filler. Not because it took you 40+ hours to complete it. The developer is just wasting your time.

Hard to explain but, if you really think about it, it makes sense. It's no different than grinding in a JRPG in my opinion. Sometimes, linear is better.

[Germany7]

Gaming journalism is outdated.

[Night99]

If Uncharteds gameplay formula is now outdated than it was outdated even long before the first Uncharted game was released. It is not different now than it was back than it`s not like the Uncharted IP is 30years old the first game was released 2007 and by this time a lot of games with amazing freedome and lots of gameplay possibilitys were released even 15 years before Uncharted1. System Shock(1994), Shenmue(1999), Deus Ex(2000) GTA3(2001).

So the point is Uncharted is not more or less outdated than it was already at the release of the first game, some people love this casual, movie-like gameplay with not that much interaction of Uncharted games and others like me never really liked it.

[kenwonobi]

No. Let's not start this after already giving Tomb Raider all the good reviews for essentially stealing Uncharted gameplay formula. Tomb Raider got all those great reviews doing the same thing. Every Uncharted is always rated highly because it's solid gameplay and storytelling.

[nommers]

To get the best of both worlds, games should try for a more semi-linear FF6-FF10 structure or perhaps hub structured progressive style of game. FF had linear segments for some parts of the story, but they were open enough to have significant and meaningful sidequests that impacted the game between the segmented story sections. There was an open-ness to them, but without feeling empty and meaningless. Then when the end game came, the entire world was your oyster to do the rest of the sidequests and eventually beat the game if and when you chose. There hasn't been a progressive game structure better than this imo; especially if you love both story and gameplay equally.

[zarbor]

Reading these posts are comical. Man, gamers have gotten dumber as the years go by. A game is not worse or better just because its linear or open-world. What bunch of dopes.

[BenRC01]

TLOU raised the bar so high for me that going back to unchatred (albeit the collection) just felt very "gamey". Felt it in the demo too, dont buy the "oooh eeer" every time i hang off a ledge anymore. That being said the recent videos look incredible, im not expecting it to mive me like tlou did but im sure its gonna be a lot if fun.