Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Review Page 2

21 Oct 2009 at 10:36:54 by Andy Alderson
Systems used to review this title: (PS3)

The attention to detail is almost frightening, combining beautiful textures, lighting, effects and physics to create some of the most memorable gaming environments we’ve ever seen. The locales are also more varied this time around, taking in Borneo, Kathmandu and Tibet with the latter containing one of the most beautiful visual scenes ever displayed in game. The developer knows it too and walks you slowly through a Tibetan village, proudly showing off its work. All in all, there’s no doubt that Uncharted 2’s visuals are a step up from its predecessor and there’s more good news: so is the gameplay.

Naughty Dog has once again divided the game into three basic principles: platform adventuring, combat and puzzles. The former and the latter remain essentially very similar to the first game with the odd tweak here and there but it’s the combat which has received the most attention. The main difference you’ll experience is the all new stealth gameplay which, if I’m being honest, was a source of concern when it was first announced. However, there was no reason to worry as it soon becomes obvious that far from being an unwanted distraction, the stealth gameplay is, with one brief exception, simply an option. The developer has struck a careful balance between depth and simplicity, assigning all stealth moves to the melee button – all you have to do is sneak up behind an enemy and hit square. Or hide behind some cover and wait for him to come to you. Or cling to a ledge underneath an enemy and (I so want to write “pull him off” here) drag him over the ledge to his death.

The point is that stealth gives you an option that you didn’t have in the first game and it’s very welcome. You’re not pushed into unwelcome stealth sections, it’s just there if you wish to use it – on more than a few occasions I’d set myself little ninja challenges to see if I could clear a whole area of enemies without firing a gun. This new option is mirrored in some excellent level design and where in the first game most action sections would provide you with a few bits of cover, in Uncharted 2 most of the big firefights take place on multiple levels, allowing you to find new ways to approach them.

The most impressive aspect of the gameplay in Naughty Dog’s sequel, however, is the way in which the developer blends the three disciplines together seamlessly  - you’re never quite sure what you’ll be doing next in Uncharted 2 and, just when you think you’ve got the game figured out, it’ll throw a stunning set piece your way. Again, I can’t go into detail here lest I ruin the surprise but it’s worth mentioning that where many action games will break up the standard gameplay with an on-rails or turret gun section, Uncharted 2 does things differently and with frequently spectacular effect. And, what’s more impressive, is that these sections never feel jarring, again sitting perfectly with the rest of the game.

The result is one of the most complete, cinematic video games ever made. It’s not perfect by any means and while I still have a few minor complaints – the game occasionally takes control of the camera when it really shouldn’t, some of the death animations are a little wooden, every now and again the cover system has a little freak out and an audio bug can leave you without audible dialogue in cutscenes – none of these really detract from the overall Uncharted experience. Which, as we’ve established over the last thousand and so words, is utterly fantastic. Uncharted 2 ought to be a must for all PS3 owners  as it is a staggering achievement on almost every level.  Not only has it cemented its place at the top of the PS3-exclusive list, it has also set a new benchmark in third person adventure gaming.

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