PS3 Review – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

10/12/2009 Written by Anthony Severino

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When Nathan Drake first graced the still new PS3 back in 2007 with Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, we were all in for a pleasant surprise. Part shooter, part platformer, Uncharted was a fantastic game which demanded a sequel. Little did we know, 2 years later, Naughty Dog would create the killer app that would truly show off the power of the PlayStation 3. That game is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves starts off in the stickiest of situations. You’re inside a train car, hanging off the side of the cliff. Worst of all you are bleeding… heavily. Nathan Drake is forced to climb the exterior of the train car, scrambling for his life as the train begins to slip down the side of the mountain. You take a leap of faith…and just make it by your fingertips. This scene sets the entire tone for the game, which is a non-stop action-packed adventure, with one cliffhanger after another.

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Naughty Dog has created a truly cinematic experience with Nathan Drake’s latest adventure. From the character relationships, to the cinema-quality action sequences, and the impeccable voice acting performances, Uncharted 2 at times feels like a summer blockbuster movie as much as it feels like a game. Throughout the entirety of the game there is never once a dull moment, whether it’s climbing over treacherous terrain, or if you’re in a shootout with a squad of soldiers, you’ll be left with your heart pounding, eagerly anticipating the next “wow” moment.

The dialog and character interaction is some of the best that I’ve witnessed. A subtle facial expression, or a simple sigh, will let you know how the character is really feeling. The conversations between characters are very real and full of emotion; it doesn’t feel scripted at all. The cinematics are as good, if not better, than Metal Gear Solid 4’s, but with a much easier to follow storyline. Ultimately, this will help Uncharted 2 appeal to a more mainstream audience.

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Elena Fisher and Victor Sullivan (“Sully”) reprise their roles from Drake’s Fortune (Unfortunately Sully only has a very short appearance). New characters include the cunning Australian Harry Flynn, the insane and villainous Zoren Lazarevic, and your love interest, the reckless and stunning Chloe Frazer. Nathan Drake and friends put on a spectacular show. Throughout the game there is very little time you will spend alone. Most of the time you are teamed up with one other character. At one point, you are carrying an injured camera-man, while you, Chloe, and Elena are trying to escape from an onslaught of soldiers and military vehicles while you defend yourself with your free arm and a pistol.

With that scene and many others, you get a sense of urgency, which translates into a feeling that this really is life or death. It’s this type of immersion that makes Uncharted 2: Among Thieves special. You get to know the characters, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them until the very end. Even the game’s villains have a believable personality.

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47 Responses to “PS3 Review – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves”

  1. Cameron Teague Says:

    Cannot wait to give it a go

  2. Dan Massi Says:

    Fantastic review. Good job!

  3. tigerminx Says:

    I want this game already :)

  4. Jeff Belote Says:

    Great review!!!!!!

  5. TheHater Says:

    1 more day.

  6. irishglass Says:

    thanks for the review…cant wait till friday

  7. wtGp Says:

    l’ll pick this up tomorrow

  8. Jonathan Leack Says:

    Outstanding game. I’ll be buying this tomorrow morning.

  9. BigWoopMagazine Says:

    yup, I have to take off work just so I can get to the store while its still open…. I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

  10. dr.ghettoblaster Says:

    ***FYI***
    Just found a copy of Uncharted 2 at Meijer store. Guy had no clue and it rang up just fine!! Kmart had em in stock too, but the register wouldn’t ring them up there.

    TRY MEIJER!!

  11. Jpat Says:

    Gonna pick up my copy right after school tomorrow :D

  12. DGR8Mc187 Says:

    Awesome reviews Sev!

  13. funkyellowmonkey Says:

    Great stuff, this is what the PS3’s made for – *Awesome games*

    ~funkyellowmonkey(ps3 id)~

  14. Marco Antonio Says:

    Great review. My order shipped from Amazon today so I’ll be getting this tomorrow some time. I can’t wait!

  15. IDemonstalkerXI Says:

    sooon it will be mine, awesome reveiw !

  16. SolidCake_ Says:

    “just to appreciate the breathtaking vistas located throughout.”

    awesome…

  17. BulletToothTony Says:

    Sev i been following your website since the first week it opened..

    just wanted to let you know that you’ve done a fantastic job with it and this is a hell of a review.. your constant updating is great.. good stuff bro

    Keep it up dude..

    UC2 ftmfw!!!

  18. Jonathan Leack Says:

    Only a few more hours… and it shall be mine!

  19. joinsideke Says:

    my only complaint is i wish you guys reviewed every game this thoroughly. 3/5’s on this site get about 10 sentences. Maybe i’m just trying to fill the old PSM void in my editorial heart.

    will buy

  20. giese095 Says:

    can I just say that it is impossible to beat Amazon’s Release Date Delivery for $5.98 and that I am SO GLAD I decided to pre-order this game so it will be delivered to my door tomorrow. Honestly, why do people get games anywhere else?? Cheap shipping, discounted prices, and NO TAX! I love Amazon…I’m pretty sure they should pay me for that amazing advertisement…I’ll be waiting for a check

  21. shadowjin Says:

    @ giese095

    your correct.. you get it the exact same day..

    @ joinsideke

    my only complaint is that some articles seam rushed or old information.. thats some articles not all.

  22. Old_Snake_ Says:

    AWESOME GAME- AWESOME DRAKE- AWESOME UNCHARTED 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! )))))))

  23. PlayStation LifeStyle » Uncharted 2 Fortune Hunter Edition Fetching a Fortune on Ebay Says:

    [...] to no surprise that someone lucky enough to nab a copy of the ultra rare Fortune Hunter Edition of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, has put the treasured collector’s item up for auction on [...]

  24. PlayStation LifeStyle » Uncharted: Drakes Fortune To Unlock Uncharted 2 Bonuses Says:

    [...] 2: Among Thieves is one of this year’s best reviewed games, gaining full marks from PSLS and topping sales charts even before its release in the US. Uncharted 2 is the sequel to [...]

  25. ThatBoyTim Says:

    Not like I needed convincing as I pre-ordered this months ago – but great review. The multiplayer is cool – I am not very good at it though! Too much FPS COD-style on my part – though I am no good at that either! LOL!

    Can’t wait til Friday! I sense an all nighter ahead!

  26. PlayStation LifeStyle » Naughty Dog Gets Muzzled over Cross Game Chat Says:

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  27. PlayStation LifeStyle » Keep an ‘Eye’ on Upcoming Uncharted Prequel Says:

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  29. codnation Says:

    nice read! I just got my new PS slim last week, it’s pretty good :)

    Sincerly,
    Sodagod @ Modern Warfare 2 Forums

  30. WraithBringer Says:

    I quite hoped Uncharted 2 would become the PS3’s best seller in front of Metal Gear and Grand Theft Auto because its such a good titles and offers so much that I couldn’t imagine it not being a hit and after all the effort Naughty Dog and other Sony first party developers have put into touch ups and the making of, it would be a shame to let such a title be over looked. Im still happy to see it performing so well, especially in Japan, 46,000 units man, damn.

  31. PlayStation LifeStyle » Drake Charting Course to PlayStation Home Says:

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  32. Sneeches Says:

    i was gonna have to kick someone’s ass if this didnt get a perfect score lol.

  33. kirobz Says:

    This game is just so awesome. I’ve never had that kind of thrill in playing video games. The ending wasn’t so bad. lol. Clowns right? hehe.

    This is defintely Game of the Year. If I could just give people some PS3 just for them to experience this. Everyone should really try this.

  34. PlayStation LifeStyle » FIFA 10 Knocks Uncharted 2 Off Sales Pedestal Says:

    [...] Uncharted 2: Among Thieves came out only a week and a half ago it was instantly met with both praise and attention. However, [...]

  35. PlayStation LifeStyle » GameStop Delivers Uncharted at Lower Fortune and Free Shipping Says:

    [...] Uncharted 2: Among Thieves debuted only days ago, and shot into the gaming scene like a cannon. The widespread success of Uncharted 2 has given the series an enormous amount of attention which many fans feel it deserves. When the first title was released back in 2007, many were surprised at how underappreciated it was. Now that millions have enjoyed the second in the series created by the masterminds at Naughty Dog, many have been seeking to play the first game as well. For the next few days, GameStop is selling Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune at 10% off for only $26.99. To top that off, all orders above $25 receive free shipping as well. So for only $26.99, consumers can finally experience and hopefully appreciate what Naughty Dog improved upon to create one of the best titles of this console generation. [...]

  36. PlayStation LifeStyle » Uncharted 2’s Sales Slingshot Game to the Top Says:

    [...] With so much hype with the game, and the game actually delivering on that, (PSLS gave the game a 5/5 Editor’s Choice Award) did the sales pull through? The answer is a resounding yes! In the first week, Nathan Drake & [...]

  37. SteelFox Says:

    The story telling was done well.. its funny when Nathan is in the cell and cloe shows up.. reminds me of a classic Indian jones betrayal in a movie…the yet fight was awesome to.

  38. PlayStation LifeStyle » The PlayStation LifeStyle Playlist 11-06-09 Says:

    [...] For myself I will be playing a bit of NHL 10 to try and gain more XP. Need to treasure hunt more in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves as I have 73 treasures. Also going to try out Inferno Pool and start my reviews for Bakugan and [...]

  39. PlayStation LifeStyle » PlayStation Deals Update 11/08/09 Says:

    [...] & Clank: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [Review] Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – $49.99 [Review] Demon’s Souls – $49.99 [Review] Resident Evil 5 – $39.99 [Review] NHL 2K10 [...]

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    [...] Uncharted 2 – $49.99 [Review] Rock Band 2 Bundle – $99.00 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [...]

  43. PlayStation LifeStyle » Uncharted 2 Holds the Fort With Upcoming Free Content Says:

    [...] weeks after Uncharted 2: Among Thieves came out last month, Naughty Dog announced that additional content would be provided before the end [...]

  44. PlayStation LifeStyle » Uncharted 2 Gets a Deep Amazon Discount Says:

    [...] Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was released nearly 2 months ago and was the center of massive critical acclaim. With an average rating placing in the top 5 of all time, it is truly a game that everyone must play. If you haven’t had a chance to play this masterpiece, Amazon might have a fix for you. Amazon.com is selling Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for a low price of only $40.00. This title includes free shipping and tax is included in the sticker price, so there are no additional values added during purchase. Also, this deal is very limited and while no date was given, it is most likely only available until Sunday morning. [...]

  45. PlayStation LifeStyle » PlayStation Deals Update 11/29/09 Says:

    [...] Uncharted 2 – $40.00 [Review] Rock Band 2 Bundle – $99.00 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [...]

  46. jeddawi Says:

    gooood game it very cool

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    [...] with PlayStationLifeStyle.net for an update of this issue. Check out our review of Drake’s latest adventure. var amzn_wdgt={widget:'Carousel'}; [...]

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