Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception

 

 

So here it is, the much anticipated follow up in the Uncharted trilogy and the third in a series that has been claimed as the best ever PS3 game. Its predecessor Uncharted 2: Among Thieves managed rave reviews and was touted as game of the year- no pressure then. So let's lift the lid off this treasure chest and see whether the contents are worth there weight in gold………

Well continuing from the previous instalment the Uncharted 3 consists of a stellar depth of characters with commentary performances which excel this story driven affair. Nathan Drake and his mentor Victor 'Sully' Sullivan are thrust into action once again, this time in search of a lost Arabian city in the desert 'Atlantis Of The Sands', retracing the steps of Sir Francis Drake. As you would expect, during their travels they are met with danger and the old enemy 'Katherine Marlowe' returns against the stunningly visual backdrops from the cobbles ofLondonto the poverty stricken streets of Columbia.

The level of detail given to the characters allows you to see the slightest furrow of the brow; animation is crisp and in tune with the actors voiceovers giving more expressive power. 

It seems that in his absence, Naughty Dog has taken Nathan to a 'dojo' as he now has the fighting skills to 'melee' more than one combatant, with a mixture of takedowns and combinations ala Batman,ArkhamCity style. Our favourite manoeuvre is the ability to pull the pin off the enemy's grenade while it's still attached to his belt and kick him away before exploding. 'Nate Dog' is not afraid to get caught in a fire-fight, using an array of weapons with interactive objects lying in backdrops e.g. pans and fire extinguishers which can be used to kick ass whilst the excellent enemy AI are trying to flank you.

It is fair to say that the gameplay has been greatly refined. One of our favourite scenes involves a gun battle in a harbour where you have to time from when to plunge beneath the water to avoid getting shot and when to resurface to engage the enemy - there are so many levels like this it was hard to pick one out! The played out game levels and cinematography are complemented by an emotional score which are the best sound effects and voice acting you will see anywhere. This truly is a gaming experience of the highest calibre. 

In addition to the superb single player campaign there is the competitive multiplayer mode and new for Uncharted 3 a split screen cooperative. The multiplayer maps are brilliant for example there is a London Underground map where it begins with two teams in opposite trains speeding down the tracks beside each other shooting through windows and allowing you to jump across the opposing trains. The multiplayer features a good mixture of 'perks' called Kickbacks and Boosters which gives more enjoyment and reward. The co-op supports up to three players offers a different and fun challenge- but it is nice to see a game seemingly developed with the single player campaign as its main focus for a change.   

This is undoubtedly a masterpiece from start to finish. Sound, graphics, gameplay and characters are all 'Premiership'

 Publisher: Naughty Dog

Format: PS3

Rating:10/10