Uncharted 4 vs. Uncharted the Movie: A Projector-Powered Adventure

The Uncharted franchise is a masterpiece of action-adventure storytelling, blending cinematic and interactive elements like few others. Whether you’re navigating Nathan Drake’s treasure hunts in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End or watching Tom Holland bring the character to life in the Uncharted movie, this franchise knows how to keep its fans on the edge of their seats.

But what happens when you bring these two experiences to the big screen—literally? Projectors have the unique ability to transform both gaming and movie-watching into larger-than-life experiences. Using one to showcase both the game and the movie highlights the strengths of each medium while magnifying their cinematic qualities.

In this article, I’ll dive into the interactive magic of Uncharted 4 and the cinematic spectacle of the Uncharted movie, comparing and contrasting how they each fare when played or watched on a projector. Along the way, I’ll also share my personal experience with the BenQ X3100i, a gaming projector that truly made this adventure unforgettable—and tell you about a surprising encounter I had with Nathan Drake himself, Tom Holland.

Gaming on a Projector: Uncharted 4 - A Thief’s End

Playing Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End on a projector is an experience that blurs the line between gaming and cinema. From the very first scene, you’re thrust into a high-stakes treasure hunt filled with jaw-dropping visuals, clever puzzles, and adrenaline-pumping action.

One of the first things you’ll notice when playing on a projector is the sheer scale of the environments. The dense jungles of Madagascar stretch endlessly across the screen, with every leaf, vine, and rock rendered in stunning detail. Libertalia’s overgrown ruins feel imposing and mysterious, while Scotland’s stormy cliffs seem almost tangible, as if you could feel the cold wind cutting through the air.

This is where projectors truly shine—they bring depth and immersion to these environments in a way smaller screens can’t. Subtle details like the texture of ancient carvings or the play of light across a flooded cavern become impossible to miss. Every vista, from sunlit coastlines to eerie shipwrecks, feels larger-than-life.

Of course, Uncharted 4 is about more than just stunning visuals. Its gameplay is an exhilarating mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense action sequences. On a projector, these moments feel magnified. Imagine scaling a 40-foot cliff on a 120-inch screen, or swinging across a chasm with Nathan’s grappling hook while the camera pans to reveal a vast, treacherous drop below.

What sets the game apart is its emotional storytelling, which takes on an almost cinematic quality when displayed on a projector. While Nathan Drake is the character you’ll control for most of the game, there are moments when you step into the shoes of other key figures, like his long-lost brother Sam or his wife Elena. These shifts in perspective deepen the narrative and let you experience the story from multiple angles.

The action sequences, meanwhile, are pure Hollywood. Whether it’s an explosive jeep chase through the streets of Madagascar or a tense shootout in an ancient tomb, every moment feels like a blockbuster set piece. Projectors amplify the scale and intensity of these scenes, making your living room feel like an IMAX theater.

Watching the Movie: Uncharted

The Uncharted movie offers a different kind of thrill—one that trades interactivity for fast-paced, polished storytelling. Watching Tom Holland as a younger, more playful Nathan Drake brings a fresh perspective to the character, while Mark Wahlberg’s Sully adds humor and charm.

Speaking of Tom Holland, I had the unexpected privilege of seeing him in person during the 2022 Sony press conference at CES in Las Vegas. While attending the event to cover projector news (you can find that CES 2022 – Projector Reviews Tradeshow Report here), I found myself in the audience as Holland took the stage to talk about his upcoming role in Uncharted. He previewed a spectacular trailer featuring the iconic crate-hopping plane sequence, directly inspired by Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Seeing the enthusiasm Holland brought to the role convinced me that the movie would be a must-watch—especially on a big screen.

When I finally got around to experiencing the movie on a projector, the cinematic qualities truly shone. From the opening scenes, which showcase Drake’s agility and resourcefulness, to the explosive set pieces like the gravity-defying crate-hopping plane sequence, every moment felt grander and more immersive.

This larger-than-life presentation is perfect for capturing the movie’s adventurous tone. Whether it’s the glittering gold of hidden treasure chambers or the chaotic, wind-swept fight scenes on pirate ships hoisted by helicopters, the projector enhances every detail. Shadows are richer, colors pop, and the scale of the action feels truly monumental.

One of my favorite experiences with the Uncharted movie was sharing it with my daughter, who watched it for the first time. Seeing her light up at Nathan Drake’s daring escapades reminded me of why this franchise is so beloved. Watching it on a projector added to the excitement, making it feel like we were on the adventure alongside the characters.

While the movie doesn’t dive as deeply into its characters or relationships as the game does, it’s undeniably fun. The humor, banter, and high-octane action make it an ideal choice for family movie nights or casual rewatches with friends.

My Experience with the BenQ X3100i Gaming Projector

During my tenure at Projector Reviews, I’ve had the privilege of testing some incredible gaming projectors, including the BenQ X3000i and TK700. Over the years, I’ve logged over 1,000 hours of gaming and viewing time on these devices, primarily with my PS5. That hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for how projectors can transform gaming and movie-watching into immersive events.

For this article, I used BenQ’s latest offering, the X3100i, and it was a standout performer. With its 4K resolution, 3300 ANSI lumens, and low input lag (just 16ms at 4K), the X3100i is a powerhouse for gaming and cinema alike. Whether I was swinging through Madagascar in Uncharted 4 or watching the high-octane sequences of the Uncharted movie, the X3100i delivered vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth visuals.

As of this writing, I’ve logged over 516 hours on the X3100i, exploring its capabilities across both gaming and cinematic content. The projector continues to impress with its versatility, featuring specialized gaming modes—RPG, FPS, and RCG/HDR-RCG—that optimize performance based on the genre. These modes adjust input lag, contrast, and color balance to suit the content, ensuring that gameplay feels responsive and immersive while movies look rich and dynamic.

Though any good projector can enhance your Uncharted experience, the X3100i is a testament to how cutting-edge technology can take immersion to the next level.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Game vs. Movie

Narrative and Storytelling

Uncharted 4 gives you control over the narrative. You don’t just watch Nathan Drake—you become him, guiding him through puzzles, combat, and emotional challenges. The ability to control other characters like Sam and Elena adds layers to the story, letting you experience their perspectives firsthand.

In contrast, the Uncharted movie offers a more passive experience. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Nathan Drake is charming, and the streamlined plot keeps things moving at a brisk pace. However, the movie doesn’t allow for the same depth of connection or emotional investment as the game.

Visuals

Both the game and the movie excel visually, especially when experienced on a projector. The game’s open-world design lets you explore intricately detailed environments at your own pace, while the movie wows with polished, high-energy set pieces. Projectors highlight the strengths of both mediums, from the game’s sprawling vistas to the movie’s dazzling action sequences.

Emotional Engagement

The game has the edge when it comes to emotional engagement. Its story is deeply personal, driven by your actions and choices. The relationships between Nathan, Sam, and Elena feel authentic and heartfelt, creating moments of genuine emotional impact.

The movie, on the other hand, offers a shared experience. Watching it with my daughter made it special, as her excitement and laughter brought a new layer of joy to the adventure. While the movie may not reach the same emotional heights as the game, it’s perfect for bringing people together.

Conclusion: Adventure Magnified

The Uncharted franchise proves that great storytelling can thrive across different mediums. Whether you’re solving puzzles in Uncharted 4 or enjoying the explosive set pieces of the Uncharted movie, both deliver unforgettable adventures.

On a projector, these experiences are elevated to something truly special. The game’s interactivity and emotional depth come alive on a massive screen, while the movie’s high-octane thrills and humor become a spectacle to share with others.

If you’ve been holding off and don’t yet have a projector, do yourself a favor and go get one—you’ll thank me later. Whether it’s exploring Uncharted’s breathtaking vistas or diving into any of your favorite games and films, a projector turns ordinary entertainment into something extraordinary.

So, whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or new to Nathan Drake’s world, grab your controller or popcorn, set up your projector, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.