Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a strange beast. It is a handheld entry in a series built on blockbuster set pieces, and it asks players to accept a smaller canvas while still delivering the same mix of wit, action and exploration that made the mainline games beloved. It succeeds at that balance more often than it fails, though the compromises are visible throughout.
The game follows Nathan Drake on a jungle expedition chasing a lost city. It is a linear adventure, and it knows it. There is no open world to wander, no side quests to pick up, just a tight corridor of puzzles, fights and climbing that moves the story forward at a steady clip.
Trailer, via PlayStation.
The Jungle Setting
The environment is the star here. The Vita’s screen is small, but the dense, lush jungle setting is rendered with surprising depth. Trees lean over narrow paths, vines dangle from high branches, and the camera finds ways to frame Drake in ways that make the scale feel vast even within the hardware’s limits.
Puzzles are scattered through the levels, mostly revolving around ancient machinery and hidden chambers. They are not particularly demanding, but they break up the combat sections well and give the player moments to breathe.
Combat and Controls
Combat is where the handheld nature shows. Drake can dodge, shoot, and melee his way through waves of enemies, but the aiming feels loose compared to the console entries. The touch controls work better than expected, but the game also offers traditional button commands for those who prefer them.
The cover system is simple, and enemies are not especially smart. This is a game that leans on spectacle over precision, and the boss fights deliver on that promise with dramatic set pieces that feel like scaled-down versions of the larger games.
Performance and Presentation
Performance is solid, if unremarkable. Load times are quick, and the game rarely stutters during traversal. The Vita’s hardware is modest, and the developers knew it, so the presentation is clean rather than flashy.
The soundtrack is minimal but effective, and the voice acting carries the usual weight of the franchise. Drake’s quips land with the same timing they have across the series, which is a small comfort given the technical limitations.
What Works
The pacing is strong. Levels are designed to move the player forward without overstaying their welcome, and the game rarely asks for patience. The writing is sharp, and the story keeps moving even when the mechanics stumble.
The game also includes a multiplayer mode, which adds replay value for those who want to compete online. It is a welcome addition, though it shares the same limitations as the campaign.
What Falls Short
The combat is the weakest link. Enemies are easy to avoid, and the difficulty curve is flat. Players who expect a challenge will find themselves waiting for the next scripted sequence rather than engaging with the action.
The lack of an open world is also a sticking point. The mainline Uncharted games have grown in ambition, and this handheld entry feels like a step back. It is a competent, enjoyable adventure, but it is not the same kind of epic that fans of the series have come to expect.
A Comparison to the Mainline
| Feature | Uncharted: Golden Abyss | Mainline Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Linear jungle corridor | Open world |
| Combat difficulty | Easy, forgiving | Demanding, precise |
| Replay value | Single campaign + multiplayer | Campaign + multiplayer |
| Technical ambition | Modest, handheld-focused | High, console-specific |
The table makes the comparison clear. Golden Abyss is a capable, entertaining game, but it is working within tighter constraints than its big-screen cousins.
Final Word
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a successful handheld entry in a major franchise, but it is not a revolution. It delivers the same tone and style as the mainline games, and it does so with a polished, if limited, package.
It is a game worth playing for fans of the series, especially those who want to keep the experience alive on the go. It is not a replacement for the console adventures, but it is a solid companion piece.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
