Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was a huge success and was ultimately a showcase to the world what the PS3 was capable of. Sony and Naughty Dog really had their work cut out for them if they wanted to continue the momentum of the first game. Lush, detailed environments, amazing character animations and intense action made it a must have for the system. Thankfully, the development team stepped their game up considerably by improving on practically every facet for the sequel. Couple that with the addition of multiplayer and you have yourself one hell of a kick ass game.
The first game was so well designed, the only way to make it bigger and better was to improve on the level design and action sequences really. Uncharted 2 accomplishes this with flying colours. Every level is incredibly detailed and beautifully rendered. Even if the climbing sequences still remained rather linear like in the first game, they still captivated me based on the gorgeous scenery you could take in while performing all of your jumps. It seemed as though every movement was a unique animation adding an incredibly life like feel to the game. After you’re done climbing around, expect to get into a few shoot-outs along the way as reward for all of your hard work. Shooting scenarios are more wide open than in the previous instalment. Instead of having just a few things to take cover with, you can now climb around to reach better vantage points or circle around enemies in order to flank them. The game has really opened up the way gun battles are played out adding a more opened concept level design to the game play.
The cinematic action sequences have been beefed up to the max as well. There are so many ‘wow’ factors in this game you’ll be captivated and drawn in like never before. From the opening sequence on the hanging train to jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle at a later stage, you’ll be thrilled. It’s apparent that Naughty Dog took a lot of time and effort to create the most enthralling video game experience you could possibly imagine. There is no shortage of action in this game from start to finish.
The story is great keeping the tradition of actual people with fictional missions to delve into and dig up dirt from the past. There are new buddies, new baddies and a whole ass load of plot twists and funny dialogue. Uncharted 2 starts off with Drake meeting a few old pals. Next thing you know, they’re doing their thing. Hoping around, climbing things, sneaky about and taking bad guys down. One thing leads to another, a double cross here, a triple cross there and then voila; you’re balls deep in another Nathanial Drake sized adventure. I won’t get into the story too much as it’s a huge part of the game and should be experience buy the player. I wouldn’t do it justice anyway. There are lots of twists and turn if you know what I’m sayin’. Voice acting is the best you’ll see in a game to date. Character animations...ditto. I’ve never seen facial animation represented so well in game before. All emotions are clearly visible by non auditory cues depicted in each characters facial expression. Their lips are in prefect sync with their voice and their body language is uncanny. It’s hard not to get immersed in a game so incredibly detailed and captivating.
This brings me to graphics. And by graphics I mean HOLY SHIT THAT LOOKS AWESOME! If you ever wanted that little extra incentive to go out and buy a top of the line, big ass, million to one contrast ratio, back lit led, LCD, mondo TV, this would be it. This game oozes next generation sexyness. Every colour is vibrant and really pops out. Every building, tree, mountain top view, milk create, you name it, every single thing is simply stunning. The views you sometimes get when monkeying around are nothing short of spectacular. I say this because from time to time, the climbing routine does get a little monotonous. They do toss in a loose brick or wobbly plank to spice things up a bit but you can only do so much. What saves the day is the lush, expansive environments in which you are performing said monkeying. Although climbing is a big part of this game, Naughty Dog keeps it fresh by essentially using this as a showcase to bear witness to their incredible level design. Why go on vacation to get views like these when you can just pop in Uncharted 2 and not worry about Hepatitis C or projectile diarrhea? Am I right people?
One component that was missing in the first uncharted game that has now been introduced is Online Multiplayer and co-operative play. For your monies worth, the single player campaign alone is worth it. To keep you coming back for more, online play is now available and it is amazing. It’s almost as if you’re getting two games for the price of one here. There are your regular online matches such as deathmatch, elimination, capture the treasure and more. A ranking system has been put in place allowing you to purchase upgrades and utilize new perks. The levels are the same ones in the campaign so you get to really take advantage of brilliantly crafted levels but in kick ass multiplayer mode. You’ll garner a greater appreciation for these levels than you might have just cruising by them in the single player game. Co-op is loads of fun as well. You’ll get placed into certain scenarios that presented themselves in the single player campaign. Only this time, enemies will pop out of just about everywhere and you’ll need to constantly move around, scope out the scene, and communicated effectively with other players in order to survive.
I could honestly go on for much longer about this game but I feel you guys have been through enough. It took me 9 hours to beat the game on hard and it felt like it went by in the blink of an eye. I was captivated and in awe about 95% of the time. It had me from start to finish and ended up being a gaming experience I will remember for a long, long time. Truly one of the greatest games available for the PS3 and it would be a silly move to pass up on this gem. If you have the means, run out and pick up Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for the Playstation 3. You will not regret it.
