Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)

Graphics

Uncharted 2 is without a shadow of a doubt a game that showcases the graphical power of the PS3. I love my Xbox 360, I really do, but I am extremely impressed with the graphical quality of Uncharted 2. There are so many details, so many great touches both in terms of the environments and locations that Drake visits through his epic adventure. The texturing, the design, the lighting and the composition are top quality throughout, there’s nothing that looks out of place in any of the levels or hastily thrown in. It’s a visual feast for the eyes and even more epic in scope than the first game, delivering some realistic and truly stunning vistas that stretch on for ages.

The character models are likewise and equally detailed, sporting numerous facial features and emotions in the lavish and well directed cut-scenes that make up the game’s story. From every cut and bruise on Drake’s skin to the snow that collects on his clothing in certain environments, the attention to detail is exquisite. If Drake is immersed in water, his clothing gets wet and slowly dries when he’s out of it, nothing new really, but extremely well done in Uncharted 2.

Animation

Uncharted 2 does not skimp on the animation, it ties the physics in with it as well so if Drake is close to an explosion, he can be knocked off his feet or staggered, he will even try and steady himself when he is close to a surface that he can lean on. Likewise when navigating the environment there are so many subtle additional animations that you’d think Drake was a real person, not a game character. In hand to hand, Drake and his opponents slug it out with some great moves, chosen by context and location. For example, you might be close to a wall; in that case Drake will slam his enemy against it and punch him, just like in a Hollywood Blockbuster. In gun play, opponents get staggered, they all react to physical bullet hits and if a grenade strikes the enemy, they will stumble or sometimes fall.

Physics

Uncharted 2 has a solid physics system that is capable of handling everything the game has to throw at you, from breaking environmental objects to large scale explosions that are incredible to watch. As previously mentioned it ties in with the animation system in every way and delivers a visceral and fun experience.

AI

Your partner AI is excellent, it never once gets in the way and it can actually feel as though you’re playing sections of the game with a player in coop. It knows how to navigate the environments and is a help rather than a hindrance in gun fights. The enemy AI has numerous advanced tactics and knows how to make good use of cover and hand to hand attacks, it provides a challenging and fun opponent that makes you think tactically.

Sound

The whole Uncharted 2 package screams quality and it doesn’t skimp on the sound, clever sound design brings the game world to life and adds to the atmosphere. From the beautiful ambient noises in the exotic locales to the biting and chill wind in the frozen wastes, the game delivers an aurally solid experience. Nice touches such as an ally’s voice over the radio if they’re distant from you add to the feeling of immersion.

Music

A great sweeping adventurous orchestral score accompanies the action and fits perfectly. At times it’s deathly quiet, when Drake is exploring and then at a dramatically appropriate time after the action starts, it sweeps in and accompanies the on screen events perfectly.