GamerNode: Reviews - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• PlayStation 3
• Naughty Dog Software
• Sony Computer Ent.
• October 13th, 2009

Every console has a game or series that defines it -- something that stands out above the others. The Super Mario, Sonic The Hedgehog, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Halo, and Gears of War series have all filled that role in the past. Now, the PlayStation 3 has its own defining game and series thanks to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Nathan Drake's latest adventure is a game that will make every PlayStation 3 owner happy. It's a great, standout game that is definitely one of the year's best. At the same time, it isn't perfect. A few shortcomings and minor aggravations prevent it from a perfect score, but addictive gameplay, an immersive story, beautiful graphics, and an amazing soundtrack make this a classic.

The story begins a few years after Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Nathan Drake has seemed to have taken a break from fortune hunting after his experience with El Dorado. However an old acquaintance of Drake's, Harry Flynn, proposes a job surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Marco Polo's treasure fleet. This chance at uncovering such a huge historical secret is enough to get Drake back into the game.

This is arguably one of the best-told videogame stories of all time. From the opening cutscene, where a bloodied and befuddled Nathan Drake awakens inside a cliff-hanging train car, it sucks you in. The game always feels like you're right in the middle of an action/adventure movie. The betrayal, witty wisecracks, comic relief, drama, and suspense all keep you glued to the screen. The story is very character driven and will keep players invested in everyone involved. It's so well told that players will find a hard time pulling themselves away. You will want to know how Drake will get out of his latest mess, if any of the characters in peril will make it out alive, and when the next twist that unravels the mystery surrounding Marco Polo's fleet will come.

Gameplay is another addictive part of the game. While it is pretty much the same as the original, the controls have been slightly improved. A fresh new melee system introduces counters, and the game does a great job of balancing duck-and-cover and run-and-gun gameplay. However, many of the same problems from the original also pop up. You will try to roll away from fire only to instead take cover facing your enemies and thus be in clear view for them to shoot you. Also, melee animations turn Drake into free target practice until the sequence ends. This can lead to some extremely frustrating moments.

Platforming in Uncharted 2 is the same as before. Most of it is pretty straightforward and easy to find, with hints being offered in case you are stuck. Unfortunately there are situations where the hints are unclear and not very helpful, telling you where you need to end up instead of where you should begin. Despite this and the gunfight shortcomings, the gameplay is still extremely addicting and will keep you engaged.

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