The competitive suite of game modes remains pretty standard, but the way that you play these modes has taken a less traditional route. The cinematic techniques that are used in the single player story telling of the game are also now used in the multiplayer. With such a huge following after Uncharted 2, Naughty Dog has taken to the lab to improve the gameplay considerably. There’s been a huge effort put into the multiplayer component of Uncharted 3. There’s been a huge effort put into the multiplayer component of Uncharted 3 These refined, more lifelike animations add to the realism when moving slowly through the game world, but it can feel a bit awkward when transitioning from explorer to combatant. There are some parts of the game that certainly lend themselves to the gunplay better than others, and at times, it can feel quite good with the right weapons. When coupled with the new animations and spotty cover system, some fights can feel bogged down by what feels like poor controls. Unfortunately, in the single player portion of Uncharted 3, it’s the most awkward part about the game. Gunplay is also still a very big part of Drake’s arsenal when it comes time to throw down. It looks amazing, and is certainly one of the high points of Uncharted 3’s gameplay, although it can all feel a little scripted at times. The general flow of the combat is dictated by QTE’s that prompt you to grapple or dodge when appropriate. Fighting groups of enemies has a better flow than before, with Drake naturally turning parts of the environment on his foes. That of the hand to hand variety has seen some pretty incredible advancements in Uncharted 3, from a cinematic perspective. If Naughty Dog has proven anything with Uncharted 2, it was that they can hold their own when it comes to unimaginable set pieces, and frantic combat. Uncharted 3 exhibits just as much beauty as it does brains. The writing is witty, intelligent, and tells one of the most enjoyable stories in video games. Amy Hennig has given the characters of Uncharted 3 a more intimate feel, and the complex relationships between the cast of treasure hunters is deeper and more involved this time around.
As mentioned above, the story definitely hits closer to home this time around. This treasure hunt revolves around an ancient artifact that is tied to Sir Francis Drake, and allegedly, it’s a treasure beyond imagination. The treasure hunting duo will once again be on the trail of ancient riches, but this time around they’ll be in a race against time to beat new antagonist, Katherine Marlowe, to the treasure that they both seek. The instantly likeable combo of Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan are front and center in Uncharted 3’s single player story. That doesn’t mean that Uncharted 3 won’t thrill you with amazing visuals or hair raising sequences, but it won’t come as much of a shock to see and play through them this time around.Īmy Hennig’s writing is witty, intelligent, and tells one of the most enjoyable stories in video games. While you’ll find that all the trappings that you’ve come to expect from an Uncharted game are included in Uncharted 3, the real advancements in Naughty Dog’s latest probably come by way of the story, and a hugely improved set of multiplayer features to extend the Uncharted 3 experience. With such an immense swing in quality between the first two games it’s hard to expect the developer to be able to match that level of advancement in Uncharted 3, and they don’t. Now with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception just around the corner, does Naughty Dog have another trick up their sleeve for the third act?
It was a huge technical leap for the franchise. The beautiful narrative introduced us to a likeable cast of characters, and the stunning set pieces that were featured in the game proved that Naughty Dog had officially harnessed the power of the PlayStation 3. But in their second offering, Naughty Dog managed to breach into a realm of interactive story telling that few had ever accomplished. The PlayStation 3 exclusive franchise from Naughty Dog had a rocky start, with its first offering looking like nothing more than a Tomb Raider knock-off.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, video game to grace consoles this generation.