The Realization of the PS3's Potential

User Rating: 10 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves PS3
Back in late 2009 there was one game critics couldn't stop talking about; Uncharted 2. It was the PS3's Holiday Season flagship game and Naughty Dog's second PS3 entry. The hype was tremendous and by all accounts, Uncharted 2 lived up to the hype.

So how does Uncharted 2 hold up today?

LOVED

Mr. Tomb Raider: Yes, the comparison still holds true, but Uncharted 2 is the finest tomb raiding you'll ever experience. The platforming segments are not difficult, but still enjoyable. The gunplay has been "tightened" to the point that it's now on part with the likes of Gears of War. Simply put, Uncharted 2 is atop-notch thirdpersonaction/shooter game.

More Like Naughty GOD, amirite?: Uncharted 2 is a technical showcase for the PS3, and that is because it was developed by a 1st Party studio. The game is treat for your eyes and ears. The graphics/animations/lighting/particle effects will make you happy to own an HDTV and the DTS audio wll make you wonder how you ever gamed on TV speakers.Games like Uncharted 2 are why you bought a PS3.

The Drake Chronicles: The narrative told is pretty darn good....on par with most action movies, in fact. Drake sets off on another crazy adventure while trying to deal with a love triangle. It's fast-paced, sometimes funny, and definitely entertaining.

The Complete Package: Uncharted 2 features the series' first multiplayer offerings. Thereare standard shooter modes (Deathmatch & Objective)and even co-op modes to play.It features a CoD-like perk & leveling system, and it's all wrapped up nicely with a Party System. The MP does not feel forced and will keep you playing long after you've finished the campaign.

Let's Party: I just mentioned it above, but the Party System deserves its own praise. It's an essential feature for any shooter, IMO. Naught Dog wisely included it.

Platinum for Everyone: All of the Trophies in Uncharted 2 are attainable if you have the time, and if you care about them, of course. No real luck required to get them. I like that.

HATED

Collect-a-thon: Completely optional, but you'll need to find all 100 treasures (some, devilishly hidden) if you want to platinum this game. I wasn't really searching for them,and I feel lucky to have found 40% of them.

Updating....Installing....: Not really a fault with the game, per se, but be prepared to wait at least 30min for the game to be 100% ready-to-go (both campaign and MP). It's annoying, but hey...at least it only needs to be done once.

Ghost Town: Maybe a little unfair and harsh, since I was able to find matches online, but the online community has moved on to other games. Eh...I guess such is to be expected, but it's still disappointing.

CONCLUSION

Uncharted 2 is the realization of the PS3's potential. The game is a true technical showcase for the console, displaying top-notch graphics and crisp audio to delight your senses. But Uncharted 2 is also a showcase of Naughty Dog's undeniable talent for crafting a story. You'll find yourself enjoying the narrative quite a bit if you're a fan of action movies, like myself.

Once you're done with the campaign (about 12hrs), there's a solid multiplayer offering waiting for you. Naughty Dog even included a Party System, making it easy for you & friends to game online together. Uncharted 2 is the complete package. There really aren't any faults with the game that I could find. This is a game every PS3 owner should play.