PS3 Review – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
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Lazarevic takes the role of the lead villain this time around, hell-bent on becoming the next power-hungry, evil dictator akin to Genghis Khan. Through his thirst for power, Lazarevic finds himself looking for the Cintamani Stone. The mythical stone is said to grant great power. Over the course of the game Drake learns exactly the extent of evil power which this stone can lend, and decides he needs to stop Lazarevic to save the world. Drake’s quest to beat Lazerovic to the stone will take you to various locations across the globe.
Like Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, the game environments are gorgeous, but this time around range from the lush jungle of Borneo, to barren snowy mountainsides of Tibet. Each environment fits the game’s theme perfectly, and is more stunning than the last. The sheer detail put into each seen is something to be marveled. In fact there was many times I stopped throughout my journey, just to appreciate the breathtaking vistas located throughout.
The game offers a perfect balance between climbing, platforming and shoot-em-up action. You never feel as though you are doing too much of either; there are even a few moments when you are doing both at the same time. The game controls are extremely responsive and smooth. They’ll feel immediately familiar as the game controls pretty much identically to Drake’s Fortune, although Drake does have a few new tricks up his sleeve. The near perfect cover system has returned, but now you can perform stealth moves from behind cover. Stealth plays a huge role in Uncharted 2; you’ll find entire areas which need to be cleared without you being seen, or some areas where it’s optional. I came across one particularly difficult area, mainly due to the odd layout of the environment, which I was able to overcome easily using only stealth moves to take down the patrolling soldiers. This type of variety means the gameplay never gets stale, not for a second.
Uncharted 2 features some of the best graphics and animations available on the PlayStation 3, if not the very best. Characters look life-like, everything from their hair, eyes, and their expressions. The animations are as smooth as can be, and they vary greatly. Every time Nathan Drake lands from a jump or runs up a hill, you rarely see the same animation twice. Trudging through the snow is incredibly realistic looking; even Drake’s feet get covered in snow, slowing him down. Tiny details really bring the game to life. One such example is watching Drake’s 5 o’clock shadow grow in as the game progresses. The game is filled with these subtleties, and IS even used to develop character personality traits. Nathan Drake’s playful side is revealed as he kicks a soccer ball back to playing children.
The game is chock full of twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Double-crossing foes get double crossed themselves. The line is constantly being blended between friend and foe. All of this makes for an enthralling plot which is set into motion over 26 chapters which make up the single player experience. Once the game ends (sadly the game has to end) there is still plenty for you to do. There are a ton of unlockables such as character skins and weapons, as well as medals (and subsequently, trophies) to achieve. Even though the single-player campaign is the game’s focus, multiplayer certainly isn’t a tacked-on feature. Featuring both competitive and co-op modes, along with a cash reward system, which unlocks attributes to be used in combat. The multiplayer maps are designed after the areas you’ll come across in single player, but with a different layout better suited for multiple players.
There is nothing bad to say about Uncharted 2, other than maybe the ending didn’t live up to the excitement which the game itself builds. The game takes storytelling and immersion to new heights, and has become a benchmark for graphical quality moving forward. Gun-fighting and platforming are well balanced, and take place over masterfully designed landscapes. Heart-pounding action will leave you in awe, as the game is brimming with memorable moments. Uncharted 2, as an entire single player and multiplayer experience, is hands down the best experience the PlayStation 3 has to offer. Not only is it easily the game of the year, but it quite possibly is one of the best games of all time.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Endless hours of co-op or competitive multiplayer fun Best visuals the PS3 has to offer with blockbuster cinematics |
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48 Responses to “PS3 Review – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves”
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October 12th, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Cannot wait to give it a go
October 12th, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Fantastic review. Good job!
October 12th, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I want this game already
October 12th, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Great review!!!!!!
October 12th, 2009 at 12:47 PM
1 more day.
October 12th, 2009 at 12:50 PM
thanks for the review…cant wait till friday
October 12th, 2009 at 12:57 PM
l’ll pick this up tomorrow
October 12th, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Outstanding game. I’ll be buying this tomorrow morning.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
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.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:44 PM
***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!!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Gonna pick up my copy right after school tomorrow
October 12th, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Awesome reviews Sev!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Great stuff, this is what the PS3’s made for – *Awesome games*
~funkyellowmonkey(ps3 id)~
October 12th, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Great review. My order shipped from Amazon today so I’ll be getting this tomorrow some time. I can’t wait!
October 12th, 2009 at 4:15 PM
sooon it will be mine, awesome reveiw !
October 12th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
“just to appreciate the breathtaking vistas located throughout.”
awesome…
October 12th, 2009 at 5:13 PM
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!!!
October 12th, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Only a few more hours… and it shall be mine!
October 12th, 2009 at 8:13 PM
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
October 12th, 2009 at 9:26 PM
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
October 13th, 2009 at 8:05 AM
@ 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.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:24 AM
AWESOME GAME- AWESOME DRAKE- AWESOME UNCHARTED 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! )))))))
October 13th, 2009 at 11:41 AM
[...] 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 [...]
October 13th, 2009 at 7:03 PM
[...] 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 [...]
October 14th, 2009 at 5:58 AM
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!
October 14th, 2009 at 5:47 PM
[...] has just spawned a sequel which is getting rave reviews. Some chatter recently popped up on the Uncharted 2 multiplayer beta forums that has given the cross game chat rumor more credence then it’s ever [...]
October 15th, 2009 at 2:58 AM
[...] Stay tuned on PlayStation LifeStyle for more on Uncharted 2. Make sure to check out our Uncharted 2: Among Thieves review. [...]
October 16th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
[...] Page 1 2 3 [...]
October 18th, 2009 at 6:01 AM
nice read! I just got my new PS slim last week, it’s pretty good
Sincerly,
Sodagod @ Modern Warfare 2 Forums
October 19th, 2009 at 11:22 AM
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.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:57 PM
[...] the release of Uncharted 2 and the hype surrounding it, it was only a matter of time before we saw it invade PlayStation Home [...]
October 21st, 2009 at 6:58 PM
i was gonna have to kick someone’s ass if this didnt get a perfect score lol.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:45 AM
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.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:38 AM
[...] Uncharted 2: Among Thieves came out only a week and a half ago it was instantly met with both praise and attention. However, [...]
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:17 PM
[...] 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. [...]
October 26th, 2009 at 2:22 PM
[...] 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 & [...]
November 4th, 2009 at 3:45 PM
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.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:48 PM
[...] 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 [...]
November 8th, 2009 at 5:43 PM
[...] & 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 [...]
November 13th, 2009 at 5:02 PM
[...] the massive onslaught of blockbuster holiday titles such as Uncharted 2, Modern Warfare 2 and more, many gamers have been left with an empty wallet. If a lack of funds is [...]
November 15th, 2009 at 8:19 PM
[...] Assassin’s Creed 2 – $55.99 Uncharted 2 – $49.99 [Review] Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [Review] Tekken 6 – $49.99 [...]
November 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 PM
[...] Uncharted 2 – $49.99 [Review] Rock Band 2 Bundle – $99.00 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [...]
November 25th, 2009 at 9:10 PM
[...] weeks after Uncharted 2: Among Thieves came out last month, Naughty Dog announced that additional content would be provided before the end [...]
November 28th, 2009 at 8:23 PM
[...] 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. [...]
November 29th, 2009 at 6:59 PM
[...] Uncharted 2 – $40.00 [Review] Rock Band 2 Bundle – $99.00 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – $49.99 [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 6:59 PM
gooood game it very cool
January 27th, 2010 at 2:33 AM
[...] with PlayStationLifeStyle.net for an update of this issue. Check out our review of Drake’s latest adventure. var amzn_wdgt={widget:'Carousel'}; [...]
February 12th, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Great game – I don’t much like the multiplayer but the single player is great and I am trying to get the time to play through again.