Extending on the original title, Uncharted 2 stretches over 26 chapters (versus the previous 22), each of which can be revisited after completion. The game is completely linear, guiding the player through platform, puzzle and gunfight sections in order to reach an objective. Unlike the first game, there is a notable lack of puzzles, especially at the very beginning, but this is redeemed by the substitution of raw action. Within the first five seconds of playing, you will find yourself climbing the dangling carriage of a train, suspended thousands of feet above pure nothingness. Though mostly scripted, the platform sections will usually end up with you jumping from one object to another as your footholds begin to crumble, explode, fall, etc.
Among Thieves handles precisely like its predecessor, but with a few sneaky additions. Platforming is conducting from simply jumping and movement, and the gunplay can either be done blindly or from behind cover. The melee system makes a grand return, and this time it even offers a challenge, allowing enemies to grapple Nathan and strike back. Another point to mention about the close combat attacks is that Drake has picked up a few ninja skills since his last quest, and can now perform stealth attacks on unaware enemies, as well as using the terrain as a weapon (pushing soldiers from cliffs etc). Everything handles perfectly, and I can say with one hundred percent certainty that I never encountered a single glitch or hiccup throughout the entire 26 chapters. For those worried about any complications in how the game play out, there are none, Naughty Dog have ensured that every aspect of the controls are simplified, more responsive, and most importantly, enjoyable.
The third person perspective affords a very accurate and effective cover system that is key to survival. Smart enemy placement provides a fair challenge; the several difficulty options will further accomodate your level of skill . Apart from the rehashes of weapons that were present in the first game, Uncharted 2 throws in a few unique additions, including the GAU (minigun), pistol, and the ancient crossbow. Choosing the right weapon for the right job can be crucial to the end result of a fire fight, but carrying a pistol and assault rifle should allow you to wade through most of the game.
Collectable treasures also make a return, along with unlockable awards which don’t just grant trophies, but also reward players with cash they can spend in the single and multiplayer stores. PlayStation users will also be delighted to know that the game does not require an installation, and the save data is transferrable between various accounts.
When Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune launched in the Winter of 2007, it was early days for the Playstation 3, and in the rush of launch titles that hit the shelves, Naughty Dog’s unsung masterpiece was lost. It was a bit of a blow for some followers to witness the studio known for their beloved Crash Bandicoot and Jak series' subsequently “dump” plans of making a new Jak for the PS3, instead switching to work on a new IP. Only recently with the arrival of trophies and by word of mouth has the original Uncharted caught on, and now branded as an all-time classic for Sony consoles.
Of course, the appreciation for the title only increased when gamers were introduced to the first sneak-peek of its sequel, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and this only grew as gamers saw the heaps of rewards from gaming critics around the world. Whether you reckon the the title has been severely overhyped or not, it’s finally arrived, and we have our verdict.
One of Uncharted 2's strongest points is presentation. Naughty Dog have just about flexed every muscle to make the game look completely unforgettable. Spanning several locations which each have a different feel, helpfully represented by an intriguing palette of colors. From the luscious forests of Borneo, and Ice caves of Tibet, to the train wreck and urban sector of Nepal, there is always something that catches the eye. Landmarks and sudden events such as tumbling boulders or explosions are all caught by the amazing work behind within the camera manager, making every minute of the game action-packed. Drake’s Fortune was renowned its amazing visual and water effects, and Naughty Dog have trumped it by including snowy effects too. I may sound like a raving nerd, but I have never stopped to look at a puddle for so long.
