The Indiana Jones inspired hero is back and this time Nathan Drake has a few more tricks up his sleeve.
Uncharted 2: Among Theives sees Nate on the trail of Marco Polo’s lost treasures in the Himalayan Mountains. However he isn’t the only person seeking out the mythical Shambhala and the unworldly treasures concealed within. Will our hero find the treasure, defeat the bad guy and get the girl, or is this one adventure too many for the roguish All-American action hero?
We’re introduced ‘Nate’ Drake in a train-car teetering perilously over the edge of a snowy abyss. As the wind whistles through the carriage and the metal creaks Nate regains consciousness after a catastrophic train crash. You are thrust head first into the action, scratching for a handhold as the carriage teeters over the void. A fitting blockbuster introduction for what is among the most cinematic games in recent memory.
From the very first moment the visuals in Uncharted are stunning. The facial animations, vibrant indoor environments and beautiful vistas in Uncharted 2 are absolutely gorgeous in high definition. In moments of drama you could be forgiven for believing you’re watching real people as the game seamlessly transitions from gameplay to cut scenes. Environments feature war-torn cities, snow-capped mountains, jungles, museums and everything in-between. Colours are vibrant and the attention to detail is staggering, with interaction between characters and their surroundings really quite superb.
The storyline is not hugely original and borrows heavily from the Hollywood adventure template, but works well in the context of an adventure game. Dialogue is well written and it manages to combine Drake’s occasionally corny lines with a melodramatic self awareness. Controlling Drake should be quite simple for anybody who’s played any action-adventure game in the past. Nate is a surefooted hero, with the ability to traverse the smallest ledge . He’s also a crack-shot with a pistol and not adverse to silently take down an approaching foe with stealthy ninja like abilities.
The Dynamic Camera angles blurs the line between cut-scene and gameplay
Nathan Drake is an extremely entertaining character and fortunately he is rarely alone in his adventures. Characters returning from Uncharted: Drakes fortune include Elena Fisher and Nate’s mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan. New characters Chloe and Flynn have believable chemistry and the banter that ensues is written with all the care and attention of a first rate comedy. Even when Nate is paired with a Nepalese Sherpa(who doesn’t speak English), there is a touching bond thats conveyed through gesture and Nate’s running commentary. These exchanges add a level of believability to Among Thieves, and the world feels richer for it.
Another new addition to Uncharted 2 is the ability to take the action online. Multiplayer modes offer the same gripping gun battles and close combat action that made the single player game engaging. Levels have received the same attention to detail as any of the single player levels and suffer no noticeable downgrading of graphics to deal with the online carnage. Online, all the classic team based modes are available, deathmatch, capture the flag and a survival style mode. Another great addition is the ability to play specific levels from the single player mode with up to three companions. Despite multi-player being predominately gun based combat players still have the ability to scale buildings, make death defying leaps and take cover behind objects.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will leave a long lasting impression with fantastic action, pace, and bar-raising character dialogue. From the perilous train wreck opening to the climatic final scenes, Uncharted 2 is as near to an interactive movie as you are likely to get. It’s the sort of game that makes many wish they had PS3, and makes others glad they already own one.
Mark Craven
Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this. The original stands out to me as one of the most enjoyable games in recent memory, especially on the PS3. I warmed to Drake straight away and actually found myself really enojiyng the bit of banter mid-level as opposed to wanting to rush straight into the gameplay elements.
I think a lot of developers can take some insight from the cinematic yet incredibally fun dynamics that this series has to offer. Just the right balance between movie quality cut scenes.
It’s funny how emulating story telling into a game like this can work out fantastic whereas with others, such as MGS4, the uber epic plots and snazzy cut scenes can be too forced sometimes and become quite a bore.
@Mark
Has indeed been a great year for the PS3. Demon’s Souls is also a fantastic platform exclusive – I imported it, but it’s a crime there’s no word on a proper European release at all.
@jay___k 2009 Has been the year if the PS3. 3 of the best games have been PS3 games, two of them exclusives.
Games like this make we wish i had a PS3.
I’ve played through this game once already and have just sat back and watched someone play it the whole way through as well! Loved it both times!!!
Storyline was great! Gameplay is awesome! And well … it looks and sounds superb! Definitely the dogs bollocks!
Myself and Tamoor played the first 45minutes or so for a Playtest and I thought it was superb. Unfortunatly the audio recording on said video wasn’t up to scratch technically (still working out a few bugs).
I’ll get once I buy a new TV. My proejctor doesnt support HDMI and I cant bring myself to play this gorgeous game on Standard Def
Definately one of the best single player game I’ve played all year on any format.
The multiplayer side of things isn’t half bad either, though it uses a CoD style perk system which I’m not overly fond of. I dread the day folks start using the “Drop a grenade upon death” one en masse.