While the single-player story inc will be grabbing all the headlines, Naughty Dog have made sure the multiplayer component does not get overlooked by making it open to everyone last weekend.
Uncharted multiplayer focuses on movement and verticality. Drake’s rope, first shown during the PSX 2014 demo, can be used for swinging around the map quite easily.
Uncharted 4 multiplayer works similar to the systems established by The Last of Us multiplayer, with its own unique changes. Players can create loadouts using a maximum of 25 LP or loadout points. Each weapon, gear, purchasable and booster has its own LP. Boosters are standard perks that can give you several advantages such as being able to revive allies faster. Each booster has a second version but it also consumes more LP.
You get cash for everything you do in the game. This cash can be used to access the Purchasables you have added to your loadout. Up to 4 Purchasables can be a part of your loadout in any combination of up to 1 Mystical, 1 gear, 1 heavy weapon and 4 Sidekicks.
Mysticals act like the super ability from Destiny, one that can easily turn the tide of that encounter. They are also based on the lore of the Uncharted series. For example the Cintamani Stone instantly revives downed allies whereas the Spirit of Djinn allows players to teleport short distances.
While these ultimate abilities are fairly standard in modern shooters, Sidekicks are a more interesting addition. These 4 AI teammates perform a very specific function and can heavily influence the tide of battle. The Brute has a lot of armour and can suppress enemies, Savior can revive downed players and provide ammo, Hunter runs at enemies and puts them in a hold and the Sniper can provide much needed cover fire from range.
In Uncharted 4 multiplayer the graphics have been dialled down, making it look a lot worse. It’s very smooth and responsive while the shooting, traversal and movement feel just right. Players are also required to use Sidekicks and Mysticals that complement each other. It results in a fast paced, frantic experience which will reach its true potential if the game launches with a decent number of maps and game modes on May 10.
