Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

By now, we all should have played as Nathan Drake. Just think about it. Naughty Dog was able to produce probably the greatest game of 2009. In fact, the anticipation was so big, Sony decided to let gamers play the game early, in theaters.

Just like many other games, I was able to get my copy on day one. As soon as I was jumping for joy and sent pictures online about my success, I popped in the disc in my PS3. If you were lucky enough to get into the beta, then you would recognize the menu screen. From there I quickly selected to start the campaign and go into multiplayer later. After reading a quote from Marco Polo, I was amazed at what I saw. For those who know me, they knew I hyped up the game from the premiere trailer. Yes, I was introduced to the train hanging from a cliff. The opening gameplay was easy to catch on to, especially if you were able to get your hands on the first game.

The way Naughty Dog began this game was pure genius. Instead of following into place on the ground, you have to climb your way up a train. The only reason it took me a while to complete this task, was because I was too busy panning the camera around. The Dogs really outdid themselves. I was shocked on how everything was so stunning. As soon as I made it up the train I was introduced to the snow, the main thing Naughty Dog was trying to go. Just like they did water its prequel, they perfected the snow.

When I progressed my way to begin my mission, the game did what I thought only God of War could do. It somehow managed to rotate the camera in a way, without any distractions. Going through small cracks as he turned his body to fit, was something you don’t see in everything games. Limping to get to his destination was, by far, realistic in any matter. While I moved through the game, I noticed a lot of references to this first game, with quotes like “It’s lock, it’s always a lock,” or “More climbing? Yep, that usually how it’s done.”  With merely only two hours put into the game, I could not put down the controller. I was having too much fun, shooting enemies in the head, breaking necks, or just throwing grenades.

Drake gets ready to take on more enemies.

The story of Uncharted 2 is unlike any other. Sure it has its Tomb Raider elements mixed with Indiana Jones, but stop and think about it. You read a book, and you just have to turn the page. Or, you watch a movie, and you just have to sit until the credits. While Uncharted 2 is that book or movie, hell it’s both. The thing that it has that no other game has, is what Naughty Dog calls, “dynamic environments.” Meaning you could be on a moving train, and it moves in real time. This gives you the feeling that you are actually on the train. Nathan Drake is just like any other regular Joe in the world. He even set a trend for goodness sakes. Yes I was referring to the half-tucked shirt. He can jump like we did, shoot like we do, and he shows fear like we do. I don’t think any character can come close to this guy. Speaking of character, Naughty Dog decided to add a few more to the game. Your new companions in the game are Chloe and Flynn. Chloe is probably the girl who can be the girl who is down for anything. Not only that, but she really does have an attractive ass. Flynn on the other hand can be tricky to understand at first.

Shooting is used all the time. Gotta love that gun.

As a said earlier, the controls are easy to understand. As a matter of fact, the controls are even better than last time. There is no more Sixaxis support for this game. Sure it may sound like a bad thing for Sony, but it’s excellent news for gamers who played the first game. Throwing grenades is probably the most improved control through the game. If you are stuck behind cover, you can aim with an arc while in cover. Hell, if you have many enemies and you like aiming with your gun, you can toss one while aiming with a gun. Additional editions to the gameplay are stealth and revamped melee. You like playing as Snake in Metal Gear Solid? Well you can now sneak around and take out an adversary from behind. With the new melee, close quarter combat has never been easier. Instead of hitting three buttons to pull off a combo, you can just hit Square and Drake will perform a melee attack. What’s even better is the ability to cover. Probably, my most favorite animation is dodging a punch, and then spinning around to hit the guy on the neck. Don’t think this is the same 1, 2 punch; there are over hundred animations for melee and stealth.

As you can see, there aren’t too many bad things to say about this game. Sure it isn’t perfect, but if it had a definition, it could damn near be a close example of it. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a game that every PS3 owner should go get, whether you win it, buy it, or even steal it (okay, maybe a bit too far), you really owe it to yourself to play this game. From beginning to end, the game will have you hooked. For certain reasons I did not review any part of the online component, because it will take forever to get all the details. Just know that, like the story, it is purely awesome. After making this breathtaking game, is Naughty Dog able to even top it? Well, one thing we can say for sure, Nathan Drake continues to live on for a very, very long time.