Uncharted disembarking November 20

As the end-of-2007 game-release avalanche accelerates, some titles are getting out of its way. Last month, Grand Theft Auto IV and Too Human were officially delayed until 2008, and unconfirmed reports have Turning Point: Fall of Liberty and Mercenaries 2: World in Flames being pushed back to next year. Even Unreal Tournament 3's November launch window is looking less firm.

However, one game that definitely isn't getting delayed is Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Sony reps have confirmed that the PlayStation 3-exclusive action adventure will ship in North America on November 20. That puts it in direct day-and-date competition with the Xbox 360-only role-playing game Mass Effect and possibly the multiplatform Rock Band as well. The game has a less firm "holiday" release for the UK and Europe.

Developed by Jak and Daxter creators Naughty Dog, Uncharted follows a treasure hunter who believes himself to be descended from the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake. To restore fame and fortune to his family's name, he sets about island-hopping in the Caribbean to find the fabled, gold-packed city of El Dorado. Complications ensue when his seaplane crashes and he finds himself stranded on a remote isle crawling with ruthless, heavily armed mercenaries.

For more on Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.