Some new Uncharted 4 information has surfaced courtesy of a Game Informer print magazine story (sourced via NeoGAF and Gematsu).

The game takes place three years after Uncharted 3, with Nathan Drake and Elena living happily ever after until Nathan’s reckless older brother Sam – thought to be dead – appears.

According to Naughty Dog, there is a strong rivalry between Sam and Nathan, and Sam guilts Nathan into a treasure hunt.

Sam is an AI character only, and works in a similar way as Ellie from The Last of Us, although he is stronger and more capable.

The story takes the pair to Libertalia, "a mythic Madagascar colony purportedly founded by pirates", although snowy and urban environments will also feature.

On Libertalia there are two rival hunters, Rafe and Nadine, and the game’s villains will play a larger role.

There is a focus on freedom, with plenty of side stories, some choice and consequence, and no single perfect path through the game.

A multiplayer mode was also confirmed.

Uncharted 4 is expected to drop later this year.