Home Reviews Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves – Reviewed

Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves – Reviewed

4 min read
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Uncharted2

Today sees the local launch of Uncharted 2, the sequel to one of the very best games released in 2007. The rabid fans among you will already be clutching your copies, eager to embark on the adventure that awaits.

Those of you who’re on the fence about it, ambivalent to the hyperbole might need a push to see if it’ worth your money. Let’s take a look and see if one of 2009’s most anticipated games is deserving of your cash.

The game has you take the reins as Nathan Drake, a not entirely noble man who ekes out a living as a treasure hunter. In Among Thieves you’re following a trail left by intrepid and infamous Marco Polo – one that’ll take you to some of the most breathtaking landscapes ever committed to code.

From the very moment you start playing, you’ll be impressed by one of the game’s biggest selling points; its incredible visuals. This is without doubt one of – if not the – most impressive games you’ll play on any platform this year. Beyond the technical prowess displayed, Naughty Dog have also managed an art direction that coupled with the incredible attention to detail produces a game so visually engaging that it’s difficult sometimes to not just stand around, taking in the resplendent sights in awe.

combat2

From a gameplay perspective the game plays much like the original Uncharted – a delightful blend of Tomb Raider adventure platforming and Gears of War style cover based combat. Included is a stealth mechanic that allows Drake to take unwitting would-be assailants down quickly and easily. In short, the game provides nothing particularly new – but what it does provide is so refined and polished that its lack of originality isn’t a negative.

A word that’ll often get thrown around Uncharted 2 is “cinematic”which this game certainly is. There are so many action-packed, thrilling, memorable moments – none of which I’ll spoil here – that rival the very best that Hollywood has delivered.

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While those aspects of the game are exceptional, Uncharted 2’s greatest strength is in its characterisation. Thanks to the superlative human animation – most notably its incredibly natural facial animation and the humourous, engaging dialogue Drake shares with his AI-controlled companions – the characters come to life and it’s hard not to feel attached to them.

It’s not perfect though – You may, like I was, be slightly underwhelmed by the game’s first two, almost claustrophobic levels – but once you get to the third the game’s areas open up a little, and you’d have to be bull-headedly unyielding not to be astonished. I also found that the game got a little combat-heavy towards the end of the game. Minor issues that don’t detract from the game whatsoever.

New in Uncharted is multiplayer, which Naughty Dog have taken great steps to ensure doesn’t feel tacked-on. Included are both co-operative and competitive modes of play – all of which take place in variations of locations from the single player game. Competitive multiplayer allows for objective based as well as standard deathmatch fare. Playing in any of the modes allows the player to earn cash, weapon upgrades and perks, and levelling up brings with it a sense of accomplishment that’ll ensure the longevity of the multiplayer aspect.

Combat

Uncharted 2 presents a synergy not often seen in video games; the combined effect of all of its parts is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Everything from the breathtaking visuals, to the absorbing gameplay  and most importantly its well crafted story work co-operatively to bring you a defining gaming experience.

If you have a Playstation 3, then Uncharted 2 belongs in your collection it’s a game every PS3 owner should have. If you don’t, then just know that you’re missing out on one of this generation’s best. I’ve never considered a single game worth buying a console for – but Uncharted 2 may just be the game to break that resolution.

Scoring

Gameplay: 9.0
Plays like the beautiful love child of Tomb Raider and Gears of War.

Presentation: 9.5
Best looking game available on any platform right now, including PC.

Sound: 9.5
Incredible. professional voice work helps drive the finely crafted story.

Value: 9.5
Roughly 11 hours for the single-player game, disregarding collectibles and trophies.Your multiplayer mileage may vary.

Overall: 9.5 – Buy this game.

Last Updated: October 16, 2009

24 Comments

  1. spl0it

    October 16, 2009 at 12:20

    Uncharted 2 is crap, Halo 3 rules

    Reply

    • Karl

      October 19, 2009 at 17:12

      Seriously?

      I have a feeling that was said in jest, but one needs to make sure about these things…

      Reply

  2. ewie

    October 16, 2009 at 12:25

    Where is the 10, we can see you guys are just xbox fanboys scoring it this low.

    Reply

  3. Phoreals

    October 16, 2009 at 12:34

    LOL at both these comments

    Reply

  4. Goose ZA

    October 16, 2009 at 12:40

    This and God of War 3 are the games that make me lust after a PS3.

    And good on you Geoff for not giving it a ten like the rest of the reviewing world.

    Stick it to the man!

    Reply

  5. Fred

    October 16, 2009 at 12:42

    Naughty dog deserve some good sales on this one , they did a great job. Sorry xbox fans ,whish you could play it too.

    Reply

  6. Gerald

    October 16, 2009 at 12:52

    Nice review, makes me really really want a PS3 now.

    Hey!! Does anyone need a kidney? Excellent condition, smells a bit funky, only R4499.00.
    🙂

    Reply

  7. Ruslan

    October 16, 2009 at 13:22

    Honestly one of the GOTY contenders for 2009. Simply amazing… and thats without touching the MP as yet. :w00t:

    Reply

  8. Nick de Bruyne

    October 16, 2009 at 14:04

    Argh, I need to get my hands on this game… too many games to deal with already… SIGH.

    Oh wait, so Geoff, you are done with the copy then eh… 😀

    Reply

  9. Termin8r

    October 16, 2009 at 17:19

    This game is AWESOME, and this is coming from a Xbox addict.

    Reply

  10. ewie

    October 16, 2009 at 19:09

    If i had a ps3 i would get this.

    Reply

  11. Maxiviper

    October 16, 2009 at 20:09

    I am gonna get this tomorrow …oouh YAA!

    Reply

  12. eXp

    October 17, 2009 at 11:59

    Good luck trying to play multiplayer. It’s not broken, locals just love sitting around in a lobby for 10 or more minutes waiting for one guy to join.

    Does my head in. :pinch:

    Reply

  13. lans

    October 17, 2009 at 13:12

    online is fantastic but is definately not noob friendly
    if you in online avoid pistols and sniper death matches as well as any mode in the ice cavern match, you will be owned

    Reply

  14. FEARLESS

    October 18, 2009 at 20:19

    i got the game its good but the graphics are overated,crysis kills this game visualy and gears of war is way more fun but its probaly the best game on the ps3

    Reply

    • RSA-Ace

      October 19, 2009 at 08:32

      Are you serious? Of course crysis kills it, it’s on pc. You really can’t compare pc to consoles.

      Everyone mentions the graphics are the best this console generation have had and well if someone disagree’s then they must be using a SD tv.

      Reply

  15. Shodan

    October 19, 2009 at 13:37

    Marko!!!

    Reply

  16. Worm

    October 19, 2009 at 13:41

    Polo :biggrin:

    Reply

  17. Eblet

    October 20, 2009 at 17:23

    Fish out of water!! 😆

    Reply

  18. Sketch

    October 20, 2009 at 18:29

    You are so unprofessional… 😉

    Reply

  19. lans

    October 23, 2009 at 15:13

    I am Mostly Professional

    Reply

  20. Terence

    October 31, 2009 at 10:44

    Uncharted 1 and 2 excelent games, have got God of War 3 on preorder. This is what ps3 is all about.

    Reply

  21. akad

    October 31, 2009 at 17:40

    hi i think this game is seriously unreal, i mean look around when ur in a tomb or ruin and i mean really look at the detail and the time tht they must have spent on tht alone, they deserve prais from the highest level for this breathtaking game, iv got all 3 consoles and im waiting for the cod mw 2 super elite 360 but i have got to say tht if u truley like gaming dnt judge this one by its cover spend a hour or 2 and i promise u wont be disapointed

    Reply

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