Simply Epic

We're all gamers - that's why where here, isn't it? Well, except for Dastard and his use of 2o2p as a political soapbox. Seriously tho', we all are in search for those few and far between titles that take gaming to a whole new level. Those experiences that transcend gaming all together, and either by their production value, the quality of the story, you name it become more than just a routine game that we play and then discard as we move onto the next. Well, having finished the campaign last night, I'm happy to say that 2009 has delievered it's quota of one truly stellar game in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for the PS3. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune gave a strong performance for a fledgling console in a action/adventure genre that has given us some hits dating back to the original Tomb Raider, but also a fair share of mediocre games. However, strong sales and a solid new IP drove Naughty Dog to develop the sequel, and they did it right. I'm going to warn you in advance - this 'review' is going to sound awfully one-sided, but that is because the game is that good. The game is something that all PS3 gamers - hell, all gamers - owe themselves to play.

From the very first second of the game, the experience is more akin to a movie than a video game. The graphics and gameplay of Uncharted 2 are simply breathtaking. In thinking back to the whole campaign, there are no less than 6 "Holy fucking shit!" moments to be had. I'm not talking about a slight whistle, nod of the head, and a 'well, that was pretty cool' thought. I'm talking put-the-controller-down, stare-in-disbelief-at-the-screen moments. The best of those parts are while you're actually playing on top of it. Not pre-rendered video, which can be cool in it's own right, but events that you have to navigate as the game plays out. The game sets a new bar for production value.

Then there is the script of the game. I say script because this game had screenwriting that rivals some of the better movies out there today. While the whole premise of the story is pretty standard fare, the way the writers mixed in some emotional drama was done to perfection. Each character has his or her own personality, and they gel well within the game. Drake, the protagonist you play, develops a personality you can enjoy taking control of - very much like a video game Indiana Jones. And, let's face it, it doesn't hurt he's got two attractive saucy chicks as his sidekicks on and off throughout the game.

On top of that campaign, you can mix in a very respectible 5v5 competitive online aspect with regular deathmatch as well as objective-style games built in, and a great 3 person co-op mode as well. All in all, Naughty Dog has a winner on their hands. If you have a PS3, you should already own it. If you don't, shame on you. And if you're on the fence about picking up a new PS3 slim but need an excuse to push you over the edge, then take this as just that - the reason you need.