Uncharted 4: The Lost Version That Could Have Changed Everything

A video just dropped, shining a light on the Uncharted 4 we almost got, under Amy Hennig's helm. Hennig, who crafted the first three Uncharted games, exited early 2014. Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann stepped in, steering the game in a new direction.

Combat Makeover

YouTuber Thekempy unveiled Hennig's plan to overhaul Uncharted's combat. Her version cut back on the gunplay, pushing for more hand-to-hand action. Quite a shift from the final Uncharted 4, known for its guns-blazing, grappling-hook thrills.

Story Shake-Up

The video also reveals story tweaks. Nathan Drake would still hunt for Henry Avery's treasure, but character dynamics saw big changes. Sam Drake, Nathan's brother, was set to play antagonist. Players might've stepped into the shoes of Sully and pirate Henry Avery, too. And Alan Tudyk was lined up for the villain Rafe.

• Sam Drake as a possible foe
• Charlie Cutter making a comeback
• Playable Sully and Henry Avery
• Alan Tudyk as Rafe

Behind the Scenes

Hennig left after eight months amid reports of internal hurdles. Ex-Naughty Dog dev Gabriel Betancourt said Sony nearly pulled funding, nudging Hennig out and bringing Druckmann and Straley on board.

What We Don't Know:

• Would melee combat have matched the gunplay's thrill?
• How would changed character arcs shape the story?
• What other unseen ideas were on the table?

Why It Matters:

This peek behind the curtain offers a rare look at game development choices. It sparks debate about storytelling and gameplay in beloved series. Uncharted 4 nailed it, but these "what ifs" keep fans and industry folks buzzing. As talk of Uncharted 5 swirls, with hopes for Nathan Drake's daughter in the lead, these insights keep the franchise's story evolving.