Uncharted 2: Among Thieves review (PS3) By Sayed Islam Published: 10/19/09 PrintEmail
Naughty Dog delivered an astonishing game with the release of the original Uncharted back in 2007. With such lofty expectations to exceed the first Uncharted, Naughty Dog definitely had to devote countless hours to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. But does this game imbued with an excellence or mediocrity? To put it succinctly, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is one of he best games in 2009. The storyline transpires approximately two years after the events of the previous Uncharted, and players will reprise the role of the main protagonist Nathan Drake. As a treasure hunter, Drake will undoubtedly attempt to locate Marco Polo’s esoteric treasure. Along the way, he will encounter a various characters to work alongside him in his quest (some which won’t be revealed here to prevent spoiling anything). The narrative is appealing, and the characters are likeable. Cut scenes immaculately capture this tale of adventure and action.
Much like Uncharted, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves follows that same premise of gunplay, puzzles, and platform jumping. The cover system has remained virtually untouched from the last game, but there have some minor changes to the platform jumping. Rather than dying because of a poorly timed jump, you will find yourself getting killed by bullets. This is because the jumping is more rudimentary, and the game does a nice job of guiding you through to prevent you from failing. Furthermore, you will be traversing from one location to another location on the globe. As soon as you start playing the first twenty minutes, you will be immersed. The big addition to this sequel is the multiplayer. Both a competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes are available. This is where you will incessantly be coming back for more and more. As you progress, there are experience points to accrue and strategies to employ. Cooperative mode will enable three gamers to work together on eradicating adversaries and traveling through the levels. All of the usual modes are there from capture the flag to deathmatch. Uncharted 2 is not without its fair share of flaw, but they are so microscopic that you will barely notice them. For starters, the stealth combat missions are completely incongruous and not likeable at all. Secondly, the puzzles are insipid and not very enjoyable. It is fine to provide a pleasant change of pace from the gunfights and cinematic moments; however, the platform jumping portions of the game does that perfectly. Excluding those two trivial gripes, it is an arduous task to discern any more blunders in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
In terms of art direction, everything is brilliant. If you thought the graphics in the original Uncharted were superb, then wait until you experience this game. From the gorgeous architecture to brilliant flora, you will be in awe.
The audio is fantastic as well. Even the competitive bantering that occurs between Drake and his colleagues are appealing. Voice acting is awesome, sound effects (especially during the train sequence) are off the charts, and the music is just what the doctor ordered.
More often than not, you will refuse to put the controller down other than to take a quick timeout to go to the bathroom. Overall, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves can easily lure you in and is simply unwilling to remove its grip on you.
Art direction 10 In terms of art direction, everything is brilliant. If you thought the graphics in the original Uncharted were superb, then wait until you experience this game. From the gorgeous architecture to brilliant flora, you will be in awe. Audio 10 The audio is fantastic as well. Even the competitive bantering that occurs between Drake and his colleagues are appealing. Voice acting is awesome, sound effects (especially during the train sequence) are off the charts, and the music is just what the doctor ordered. Gameplay 9.5 Much like Uncharted, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves follows that same premise of gunplay, puzzles, and platform jumping. Presentation 9.5 The narrative is appealing, and the characters are likeable. Cut scenes immaculately capture this tale of adventure and action. Replay Value 10 Single player and multiplayer are through the roof. Final verdict 9.7 out of 10