Just like the second in the Jak series, Uncharted 2 takes what made the first one great, and multiplies it, ten-fold. Uncharted 2 is a beautiful trip, one filled with oohs and awes, and keeps it going till the very end.
Uncharted 2 chronicles more adventures of Nathan Drake, a descendant of Sir Francis Drake, who (with the help of a long-time friend Harry Flynn, and old flame Chloe Frazer) is tasked with stealing a lamp from a Tuskan museum. One thing leads to another, and eventually he's up against a psychotic international criminal, racing to find the lost city of Shambhala. The pacing is excellent, Hollywood-style (but better, because Hollywood sucks), and really makes you feel like you're playing a movie, devoid of filler. The narrative is highlighted by excellent voice-acting, and some great writing by Amy Hennig. Nolan North is phenomenal as Nate (some would say that Nate is his best role), as is Richard McGonagle as Sully (though he is basically demoted to extra in this game). Yes, it is sad that Sully takes a backseat to Chloe and Flynn, since he and Nate's banter ranks up with the best dialogue of the series, but live and let live.
For a couple years, this game had the best graphics on the PS3, until it's sequel hit the market. The first one was fine, but the environments looked bland. Same is not the case with 2, as every nook and cranny is filled to the brim with details. The same can be said for the facial animations, which are very well done. Nate is also noticeably buffer than in 1, as the model used for this game was the one that ND wanted to use in 1, but by the time the game hit post-production, they were too late. Everything is so colorful, and wonderful; very immersing.
The game, like it's predecessor, is a third-person shooter, with platforming and puzzle-solving elements. This time, however, it's more refined, as in every problem I listed for the first game (the weird crosshair, for example) is fixed here. The platforming element also comes in handy more during the firefights, providing cover and a strategic upper-hand. U2 has a lot of awesome set-pieces, which I will not spoil, as you will need to experience them for yourself; this is an example of a game that constantly tops itself.
Even though multiplayer for a game never, EVER influences my final score for it, I thought I should mention it. It's basically single-player gameplay, without the cinematic narrative, against a bunch at most 9 other people. It's not bad, though it is pretty dead-end.
When I first played U2, I played it on an SDTV, and even then it was an amazing, beautiful experience, that is near-flawless (I have an HDTV now, so no pity). I recommend this masterpiece to anyone with a PS3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves receives my award for Game of the Year 2009.