Naughty, but twice

Uncharted 4 pays homage to the Bandicoot

FORMAT PS4 / PUB SONY / DEV NAUGHTY DOG / RELEASED 2016 / SCORE 10/10

We didn’t dare believe it at first. We’re fresh out of a marital spat over Nate’s career, and Elena’s insisting it’s her turn to do the dishes until we suggest playing for the privilege. Hang on – play what? “Your little TV game thing,” says Nate, pointing to what is quite clearly the suggestive grey silhouette of a PlayStation. Oh, Naughty Dog. You didn’t.

But it did, of course. Up pops the furry orange face of Crash Bandicoot to herald the descent of Nathan Drake’s last hurrah into full-on Naughty-ception. It’s straight into level 13 of Crash’s first outing, Elena cracking wise as Nate gets to grips with the controls for the first time.

But as die-hard PlayStation fans, this is far from our first boulderdodging rodeo. It’s a heartwarming treat to have Crash back in our hands again, and he spins, jumps, and flips just how we remember. Bliss. Not that Nate’s especially enamoured with PlayStation’s first iconic platforming hero. “It’s like a fox in jeans,” he quips. “Why is a fox smashing crates? It’s not very realistic.” Damn, Drake, show some respect – this is your heritage.

Elena’s rocking a tasty high score of 3500 – too rich for our boy’s blood. You might have just had your virtual butt kicked by your wife’s brilliant Bandicoot bouncing, but at least you’re rewarded for your efforts with some flirty tickle-torture and a kiss. (You can beat Elena’s high score later on in Uncharted 4 – and it means all the more if and when you do).

Chapter Four’s comfy Crash scene is unforgettable, an inspired piece of fan-pandering from Naughty Dog – and surely one of the best surprise moments in PlayStation history.