Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the sequel to 2007's critically acclaimed PS3 action-adventure blockbuster, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Developed by Naughty Dog, the same talented folks behind the popular Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter franchises, Uncharted 2 offers a combination of platforming, puzzle-solving and high-octane gunplay all set in a fantastically presented world. Building on the success of the first game, Uncharted 2 ramps up the action with more features, a bigger story and an all new multi-player mode to keep the player busy long after the main story has ended.
In Uncharted 2, the player again takes on the role of Nathan Drake, an affable and wise-cracking treasure hunter. Set roughly two years after the events of the first game, Nathan is enjoying a little time off from his thrill-seeking lifestyle when he is once more pulled into the world of crime, mystery, intrigue and betrayal.
Scripted better than some movies, Uncharted 2 whisks you around the world from one exotic locale to another at a break-neck pace. A great cast of supporting characters and some of the most memorable action sequences this side of Indiana Jones keep the story moving and the player's interest high until the final credits roll.
The main storyline is about 10 to 15 hours long and combines liberal amounts of platforming and third-person shooting with a light dusting of puzzle elements. This combination works outstandingly and the action never lulls for too long. Uncharted 2's shooting and platforming aspects both feel much improved from the first Uncharted, which was just a little polish short of being a great game.
Visually, Uncharted 2 represents the absolute cutting edge of modern console graphics. This is the best looking game you'll play this year unless you've got Crysis running on a $5000 PC, and even then it would be a close call. The animations are smooth, the lighting is stunning and there is virtually no graphical distinction between the game's interactive and cinematic sequences. In addition to the stellar visuals, Uncharted 2's phenomenal soundtrack could rival any big-budget Hollywood film.
The new multiplayer mode offers several game types such as deathmatch, capture the flag and co-op. The action is fast paced and the graphics are almost as good as those found in the single player game. During my time playing online, I detected almost no lag and the interface for matchmaking is very intuitive.
Uncharted 2 does, however, have a few very minor flaws. For example, it's not always apparent where the player is supposed to go and sometimes it's hard to judge if certain gaps are jumpable, but these minor squabbles in no way detract from the overall experience. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Uncharted 2 is far more than even the sum of its parts. If it sounds like I'm gushing, I am. This is by far the most enjoyable gaming experience I've had in the current generation of consoles. From the time I bought the game at 10 a.m. on launch day until 11 p.m. that night when I completed it, the controller never left my hands for more time than 10 minutes here or there for food. I'm currently on my third run through and trying to collect all of the hidden treasures scattered around the game world.
The takeaway: If you liked the first Uncharted, buy this game. If you have a PS3, buy this game. If you don't have a PS3, buy one and then buy this game. If you have to choose between buying this game and buying groceries for the week, go hungry - it'll be worth it.
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