'Uncharted 2: Among Thieves' (PS3)

Also available on: N/A
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Action-adventure

The return of everyone's favourite Indiana Jones wannabe Nathan Drake is surely one of the most anticipated gaming events of the year. Despite being released two years back, few games define the PlayStation 3 like the character's first outing Uncharted: Drake's Fortune with its stellar visuals, gripping story and dynamic gameplay. Developer Naughty Dog has a seemingly impossible job on its hands topping such an undisputed classic, but it has really outdone itself with this masterpiece of a sequel.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is everything an effective follow-up should be, improving on every aspect of its predecessor. It's larger in scope, quicker paced and more cohesive in the gameplay stakes. An online multiplayer mode that could stand alone as a game in its own right has even been thrown in for good measure.

The storyline picks up a year or so on from the previous game and sees Drake searching for the mythical city of Shangri-La. What follows is a tale of adventure, betrayal and historical mystery replete with colourful characters and exotic locations from around the globe. The plot is expertly paced with enough strategically-placed twists to keep you involved from start to finish. While action adventures aren't exactly renowned for their Oscar-worthy scripts, the organic inter-character dialogue and cinematic cutscenes are engaging enough to sit through at least a handful of times.

Aside from minor gripes, there can be few complaints about the original Uncharted's gameplay. A melting pot of shooting, platforming, puzzle solving and stealth, the title embodies everything that is great about the genre. While the developer hasn't exactly overhauled the formula with this sequel, a handful of shrewd tweaks have made a world of difference.

Firstly, the cover mechanic operates more smoothly. It functioned reasonably well in the original, but now Drake is able to slide into position more easily and stealthily negotiate corners. Shooting from cover is also more practical, with an aiming system now in place to facilitate the use of weapons such as the shotgun. Hurling grenades has become refreshingly simple. Gone is the awkwardly-integrated motion component, replaced by a single push of the L2 button.

While the stealth aspect took a back seat in the first game, more functional level design this time around allows you to have some real fun with it. There was always the option to dispatch unsuspecting foes from behind in the first instalment, but in the sequel it is actively encouraged and frequently rewarded. The greater emphasis on stealth brings some welcome balance to the gameplay, lending some additional strategy to the run-and-gun fun.

Further variation comes in the shape of puzzle solving. Many of the problems Drake finds himself up against have blatantly obvious solutions, while for the more taxing conundrums there is a hint system which can be accessed at will when you become stuck. Presented with the option to pretty much cheat, the puzzles hardly pose much of a challenge but they do bring a welcome change of pace and give your pulse a chance to stop racing after a death-defying gun fight.

Enemy AI is generally strong but it can be found wanting during stealth instances. It often transpires that guards are completely oblivious that their comrade has been dispatched, despite the fact that he was standing beside him mere seconds before. Friendly AI also functions well overall, but there are occasions where their actions are incomprehensible. For instance, it's not unheard of for a computer-controlled character to run around in circles while waiting for you to move or do virtually nothing during a gun battle.

Computer AI is rarely perfect, but a more significant drawback is that it's not always obvious which objects are climbable. Anyone used to the likes of InFamous, where every solitary piece of scenery can be traversed, might feel a little restricted. However, with so much quality on offer, this is easy to overlook.

The secret to Uncharted 2's success is the way it seamlessly integrates multiple gameplay elements while always maintaining that sense of balance. This alone makes it a dream to play, but what really sets it aside is its spectacular set pieces. What other game has you scaling a mountain via a string of overhanging train carriages during a blizzard? Or has you racing through the streets of war-torn Nepal with an armoured car nipping at your heels? Naughty Dog really knows how to pile on the tension, throwing in an explosion or crumbling platform at precisely the right instant to keep you on your toes.

Another standout quality is the game's presentation. Uncharted 2 is one of the most polished offerings on the PlayStation 3 to date. The character models are highly realistic and some of the exotic backdrops simply jaw-dropping. Water and explosion effects are equally impressive, serving as a reminder of what current generation hardware is capable of. Music takes a backseat, but when the score does kick in, it really enhances the game's cinematic appeal. Not only is this a perfect showcase for the PS3, it will certainly do your HD television justice too.

Single-player mode offers plenty of longevity but if you want more, the multiplayer component has been given equal care and attention. All of the elements from the solo missions come into play during competitive matches, which range from deathmatch to capture and hold. There's even a co-operative mode where players square off against hordes of enemies. It's reminiscent of Gears Of War but packs enough original ideas to distance itself from Epic Games' frag fest.

Naughty Dog has defied the odds and delivered not only a vast improvement on an established classic, but a clear contender for game of the year. Seamlessly blending platforming, shooting, puzzling and stealth gameplay, Nathan Drake's second outing is as pleasing to play as it is to look at. Between the solo missions, bonus features and online play you more than get your money's worth. Even at full price, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a steal.



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