Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Preview

By Gus Mastrapa Published 17 December, 2010

Deserters will be hot.

Just a day after unveiling the first trailer for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception at the Spike Video Game Awards, Naughty Dog gave the gaming press their first look at gameplay. The press event hosted by a handful of the game's developers in balmy Los Angeles granted a tantalising first glimpse of the PlayStation 3 exclusive, due out next November.

Before the live demonstration, representatives from the Naughty Dog team provided some background on the game's plot, new features and the status of their development team. Community strategist Arne Meyer revealed that Naughty Dog had just moved into a new studio in anticipation of hiring as the game progresses. (When Uncharted 2 went into crunch time in 2009 their old workspace became overcrowded. Some folks had to work on card tables.)

The new Naughty Dog space has a small, on-site motion capture studio to aid in creating the game's uncanny character animations. Sony is providing a larger, fully-featured motion capture studio for the Uncharted 3 team in Culver City.

1

This is for giving Uncharted a low score!

Creative director Amy Hennig – the scribe responsible for helping make Nathan Drake and his many friends and foes feel down-to-earth – lays the groundwork for Uncharted 3's plot. Based on the game's debut trailer it's evident that Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception will take the treasure hunter to the desert. He'll be following in the footsteps of T.E. Lawrence, the British army officer whose life story was told in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. But Uncharted 3 isn't as concerned with Lawrence's participation with the Arab Revolt in the early 1900s as it is with his archaeological interests.

Lawrence was fascinated with a lost city – a place he called The Atlantis of the Sands. He travelled the world looking for clues of a civilisation mentioned in the Qu'ran. Iram, the city of pillars, was once a centre of trade before, according to Hebrew lore, God struck it down and buried it under sand. Lawrence's life was cut short before he could travel to the vast and deadly Rub' al Khali desert to search for the city.

In Uncharted 3, Nathan Drake will pick up the trail with friend, mentor and father figure Victor "Sully" Sullivan. That means following in T.E. Lawrence's footsteps in search of clues, and that's how Drake and Sully find themselves in a rotting Chateau in France – a long, lost medieval site where Lawrence once trod in search of the fabled city.

2

Nice place. It's a shame we're gonna wreck it.

The live demo of Uncharted 3 catches Drake and Sully just as the action begins to ramp up. They're deep inside the bowels of the wooden medieval ruins. The place has been overrun by ivy and moss. Shafts of light shoot through gaps in the roof and a four-post canopy bed is crowded by creeping foliage. The setting, as one would expect, is lovely – perfectly expressing the Uncharted series' strengths in recreating vivid ruins and out-of-control nature.

The pair have little time to breathe as they're quickly ambushed by villains. Amy Hennig notes that Drake's enemy this go-around wouldn't be just an evil warlord or a greedy dealer in antiquities, but members of an ancient order that uses fear as a weapon. She alludes to some of the players in the days of the Drake's ancestor Sir Francis Drake, particularly John Dee, the Hermetic adviser to Queen Elisabeth I. In addition to Dee's interests in mathematics and astronomy, the man also dabbled in magic and the occult.

How Drake's pursuers are connected to Dee remains a mystery for now. But it's clear that these men don't want Drake and Sully to live to find another treasure. Drake spies a pair of the gun-wielding thugs on a floor below them – they're pouring cans of gasoline, soaking the building's splintered timbers with fuel. Soon the place is ablaze and the chase is on. Drake leads the way, leaping across gaping chasms, scaling the decaying walls of the ruin in hopes of opening new routes that his less agile partner can use. Soon the action reveals subtle new tweaks to the way that Nathan Drake plays.

While climbing the walls of the French Chateau, Drake cosies up to an arched ceiling. In earlier Uncharted games this would be the end of the hero's ascent, but in Uncharted 3 Drake can propel himself upwards and backwards, making a daring leap that allows him to grab hold of an opening in the ceiling. Game director Justin Richman confides that this new ability would break half the climbing puzzles in the game's earlier instalments, but in Uncharted 3 the new, acrobatic moves give the player more ways to get in and out of trouble.

Richman also touts Drake's ability to traverse physics objects, meaning the hero will be able to climb, crawl and walk on things that are bouncing about willy-nilly in the game's world. This new ability comes to light when Drake makes a daring leap across a mutli-storey chasm onto a giant chandelier. The massive, dusty ornament swings with the momentum of his landing. Drake pulls himself to his feet while his precarious platform sways back and forth. His motion-captured movements, each reel or attempt to gain balance, feel real and organic.

One rule that holds fast across all Uncharted games is Murphy's Law. If Drake tries to climb on something, you can bet that it will come loose and plummet to earth. He jumps clear of the chandelier just before it plummets to the ground.

When Drake spies an patrolling enemy on a floor below he opts for a stealthy takedown – a new way to subdue unwitting enemies in Uncharted 3. Drake leaps into the air and lands atop the goon, instantly (and somewhat quietly) subduing the bad guy.

3

Uncharted 3's gameplay includes subtle evolutions to the action.

As the flames grow and smoke begins to fill the building, Drake's animations begin to change. This is all part of Naughty Dog's aims to further ground the game's characters in the world. New, contextual animations will see Drake touching walls and other in-game objects as he moves around in growing agitation. As the action intensifies he'll also make subtle changes to his stance. During the course of the demo's chase sequence he crouches lower and lower to the ground. Eventually he begins coughing at the billowing smoke. When he encounters an impassable wall of flame he reels, taken aback by the heat.

Drake also has more opportunities to open fire in Uncharted 3. While making the treacherous jump from one wooden beam to another he is confronted by a pair of armed goons. Drake pulls himself up onto one of the supports, draws his weapon and takes down his enemies.

Perhaps the most welcome tweak to Uncharted gameplay comes in hand-to-hand combat. Drake's fisticuffs will take on the feel of a brawl. Justin Richman notes that Uncharted games have never delivered a bar fight – a staple in action-packed movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark. He promises that Uncharted 3 will be able to recreate a wild, cinematic fight scene leveraging the environment to add flavour to the encounter. If Drake finds himself pinned against a bar, he'll be able to pick up a bottle and use it to brain his opponent.

4

Drake will pair with favourite Sully on this adventure.

During the live demo we see a moment where Drake is set upon by two assailants. One grapples him from behind and the other pulls his gun. Drake leans back and kicks his legs forward, sending the armed man spilling backwards. In another tight spot he fools a gunman into shooting his ally.

While navigating the burning building, Drake sprints from cover to go mano-a-mano with an enemy. The camera moves in closer as Drake pummels the guy, who falls back and – in the only glitch witnessed during the smooth, cinematic demonstration – comes to rest on a small bit of cover, levitating impossibly in the air. Strangely the technical gaffe only serves to accentuate how flawlessly the rest of the demonstration has gone. A layman could easily mistake the balls-to-the-wall action in Uncharted 3 as canned.

The demo ends on a cliffhanger. Drake and Sully, after surviving the near collapse of the Chateau – by now a smouldering inferno – make one final leap of faith onto a ladder. They see sunlight – a possible way out of the deathtrap. But the entire wall they're on shakes and crumbles. The demo cuts to black, leaving us with a taste of the fast-paced action set-pieces we'll experience late next year when Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception ships for the PlayStation 3 – and leaving us in no doubt we'll want to be there again for the ride.

Picture of Gus.

About Gus Mastrapa

Read more articles from Gus by visiting the Gus Mastrapa archive page.

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Comments (101) Latest comment 1 year ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #1 1 year ago

    If there is one game next year i dont want to slip on its release date its this one, i will fogive all the others Sony as long as this one is out on time!

  • Tiberius_Gracchus #2 1 year ago

    Long ways away yet... sure know how to tease!

    Was sort of hoping Eurogamer were using the American calender...
    Edited by Tiberius_Gracchus at 17/12/10 @ 11:14

  • digoutyoursoul #3 1 year ago

    for me, uncharted is a fantastic series. great story, great graphics & gameplay, very good voice acting and with uc2 a great online mode/modes. it annoys me games like this and mass effect dont sell aswell as they should, give me something like this over modern warfare or halo anyday. i'm mainly a xbox player but a great game is a great game and i applaud naughty dog and sony for giving us one of a few top quality franchises this generation. you get your moneys worth imo.
    Edited by digoutyoursoul at 17/12/10 @ 11:15

  • natashaspice #4 1 year ago

    just started to read the article then i though to myself why should i do this to myself am going cold turkey on this one avoiding every information to do with this game dont want to spoil anything. sorry EG THIS IS ONE ARTICLE AM NOT READING THROUGH
    Edited by natashaspice at 17/12/10 @ 11:31

  • KayJay #5 1 year ago

    Great Write up Gus. Enjoyed that.

    Sounds fantastic and just cant come soon enough.

  • StolenGlory #6 1 year ago

    GOTY 2011.

    Fuck everything else.

  • PixelPirate #7 1 year ago

    Naughty Dog are easily one of the best developers around at the moment.

    Always bet on Drake.

  • ninjanutta #8 1 year ago

    I agree,this will be GOTY 2011.its a long way off but the wait will be worth it,at least we know its 100% gonna be brilliant.
    Naughty dog dont do shit games full stop

  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #9 1 year ago

    Ive also just got back into Uncharted 2 online with the dlc going half price, i couldnt resist! Really enjoying it too, when you think its there first online game theyve done an amazing job.

  • Ace-1 #10 1 year ago

    Uncharted is good but I see no reason why now in the third game they can't add some more depth to the very linear single player. How about some leveling up system for your weapons, like Resident Evil or Mass Effect. Or a world map where you can chose which level to tackle.

    Uncharted is a bit shallow as it is.

  • natashaspice #11 1 year ago

    @gamesprogrammer for some reason i actually have a feeling this would get delayed dont know why but i just have a gut feeling. if you look at sony's line up for 2011 its a abit insane if you ask me not giving their exclusives time to breathe. but hopefully it doesnt.
    ps not saying i want it to get delayed but my pocket is gonna be on fire next year heres my day 1 list fo far: ME2,ME3,INFAMOUS 2,killzone3,socom 4,last guardian,team ico collection, and your 1 and only uncharted 3.and those are just the one's off the top of my head not even to mention multi plat games. 2011 is a crazy year for gaming i guess. glad i made the right console choice.:D
    Edited by natashaspice at 17/12/10 @ 11:58

  • carlosdfn #12 1 year ago

    The game already looks so good, it's unreal.

  • nazzyq #13 1 year ago

    It is interesting to note that this City of Pillars, Iram, actually has a historical basis. In the 1980s, NASA satellites observed old camel trade routes and saw that many of them converged at one point in the Arabian desert. A team of archaeolgists excavated the site and actually found the ruins of an old settlement.

    Check the wikipedia page, its fascinating stuff.

  • jag10 #14 1 year ago

    @natashaspice's

    2010 had:

    MAG-January
    Heavy Rain- February
    God Of War 3- March
    God Of War collection
    Demons Souls
    come on what is this? gaming heaven.

  • NotSoSlim #15 1 year ago

    Top half of the year is Sony loaded, bottom half isn't so this won't be delayed.

  • Ace-1 #16 1 year ago

    I guess you are all happy to run from the start of a level to the end of a level shooting bad guys with very little in between. I expect a game that wants to be GOTY every time to try new things. You do not. This is where we differ. There are lots of games out there that do over the top set pieces, as well as a lot of very average summer movies.

    I guess I have higer expectations for my games than you. When you get past the graphics in Uncharted, it's not doing anything that hasn't been done a million times before.

  • sfp_noodle #17 1 year ago

    @digoutyoursoul

    To be fair, Uncharted 2 has sold ove 4 million since release now. Probably helps that Sony bundled it with every console bundle they had. They still do on some websites. But I agree, it still deserves better. I'd go as far as to suggest that EVERYONE, even non PS3 owners should go out of their way to play this game. The quality levels are so high it's almost unreal. A true modern day masterpiece.

    Having said that though, don't discount the original. It gives most current releases a run for their money and still looks spectacular despite being 3 years old. Uncharted for me, is the best game series this generation. And thats coming from someone who lived off Gears of War multiplayer for 2 whole years and loved every second.

  • richarddavies #18 1 year ago

    I've noticed in both areas of gameplay that's been shown Sully's there kicking arse with Drake. You think they might be sneaking in co-op?

  • richarddavies #19 1 year ago

    @Ace1. A great game doesn't have to do a single solitary thing that's new. It just has to do what it does damn well to be considered great. uncharted does this.

  • metalmike25 #20 1 year ago

    UC2 is the only game i've played in the last 5 years thats completely blown me away and left me wondering how the hell they created something so perfect. i cannot wait for this

  • Orikk #21 1 year ago

    Will be getting this regardless whether it gets delayed or not. For me it's a no brainer.

  • digoutyoursoul #22 1 year ago

    @noodle the first uncharted was fucking amazing aswell, the whole series is. one of my best gaming moments this gen was was when drake climbs up the rocks to get on top of the submarine with the sun shining over it and you search inside the sub. to me that was a genuine wow moment.

    i prefer 3rd person to first person, i like to see the character move in front of me and to me uncharted 1,2 and most likely 3 are a prime example of why i prefer that type of gameplay. oh great preview eg btw

  • Dave52 #23 1 year ago

    @richarddavis There's certainly talk of a campaign co-op, I just hope it's off-line as well as on.

  • Ceelion #24 1 year ago

    I need to clean myself up after reading that!

  • JBlokeUK #25 1 year ago

    @metalmike25

    Couldn't agree more. UC3 is going to be brilliant. Can't wait.

  • Ace-1 #26 1 year ago

    Uncharted

    the good:

    pretty graphics, and set pieces.

    The bad:

    Weak puzzles, average story and very linear shallow gameplay that has been done a million times before. For me it's all smoke and mirrors. The graphics make you think you are playing a better game than you actually are. It's aimed at people who like to go to the movies and watch the latest Tranformers or Indiana Jones. It's all a bit mindless and casual. Nothing wrong with that if you're into shallow mindless fun. I do think reviewers should look beyond that though. Uncharted does nothing to deserve GOTY, it's all very average in every area besides it's great visuals.

  • Widge #27 1 year ago

    Uncharted 2 was one of a few games where I actually felt gutted it had ended, enjoyed it that much. I think that and Bioshock have been a real standout moment for me in this gen.

  • Geordiemp #28 1 year ago

    ACE-1 what a nob.

    I have a 360 as well, and UC2 is mind blowing.

    Which games are not linear ? Mass effect 2, linear levels joined but you can choose which level to do from a galaxy hub ? Main and loyalty missions become available as you progress, you cant do Samara loyalty and get Reave until back half of loyalty missions, so its kinda linear as well.

    COD, linear.

    Gears, Linear.

    Hang on lets try something like GTA4, sandbox game, BUT missions do come in some sort of order, like RDR, linear missings in a sandbox hub.

    Something common here is there not ? All progrsion games with stories are LINEAR, dela with it.

    Lets try borderlands, true you can do any missing straight off, BUT for levelling, there are only 2 or 2 you should do at a time, so progression is linear with small variants in which mission first.

    I could go on, but is it worth it for such a shallow fanboy
    Edited by Geordiemp at 17/12/10 @ 12:09

  • muttler #29 1 year ago

    When this comes out the 360 will be the PS3's bitch, OFFICIAL!

  • Ace-1 #30 1 year ago

    Drake = Harrison Ford
    Sulley = Sean Connery

    And in Uncharted 3 the two of them trek across the desert in search of hidden treasures.Where have I seen that before?. With each sequel this franchise becomes less and less original and if it did start out as a Indiana Jones wannabe it's taking the piss now as it's a carbon copy of the movies.

    Don't you want a bit more from your games?. You seem so easily pleased.

  • digoutyoursoul #31 1 year ago

    @ace michael bays transformers are dog shit imo, apart from peter cullen the whole acting in transformers is turd, uc is a video game yet still manages to at least try to be of a level of quality in that department. give me the 80s cartoon movie anyday over that crowning turd in the waterpipe that is bay.

  • Dave52 #32 1 year ago

    Hey Ace-1, pray tell - what's you're favourite game...?

  • Widge #33 1 year ago

    Game about treasure hunter searching for hidden treasure shocker.

  • Osahi #34 1 year ago

    Damn, November first is a bank holiday here in Belgium. Hope it means we'll get it a day earlier or something :p (got U2 on the 14th in stead of the 16th, and yes, I remember that because the 16th was my birthday :D)

    Well, can't wait anyway. Hope they don't overcover it though, don't want to many suprises spoiled.

  • NeoKenzi #35 1 year ago

    Looking good for 2011... Can't wait! Having both consoles you get the best of both worlds.

  • SteveHolt #36 1 year ago

    Reminds me a lot of UC2, it looks amazing but it's a new genre, it's not a RE4 or Vanquish-like TPS, it's basically one giant script.

    I'm not a big fan of those "cinematic thrill rides"(COD campaigns, Gears2, GOW3..), they feel very claustrophobic to me, the path is so narrow, it's just not breathing, and playing them makes me feel amazed and bored at the same time, which is uneasy.

    I respect the fact that they're popular, and I understand that people want to play games that max out the hardware they purchased, but hey, whatever, nevermind.

  • Golgo #37 1 year ago

    great premise. got acopy of the 7 pillars of wisdom somewhere, will have to get that read.

  • Geordiemp #38 1 year ago

    @Ace-1

    So there are no sterio types in Halo, Gears, dont make me split my sides.

    What games do you refer, as I have them all, and UC2 is one of the best if not the best 3rd person shooter.

    The online is brialliant, Siege mode and coop are great..

    Only 3rd person shooter that I like that rivals it is transformers multiplayer, thats it.

  • space_ace #39 1 year ago

    great!

    btw are you sure "[Lawrence] travelled the world" - surely the Middle East?
    cheers

  • Big-Swiss #40 1 year ago

    if LBP2 wasn't released in 2011 it would be for sure GOTY, like this they will battle for it, but what do I care, 2 awesome games to play, and both on PS3!

  • miiiguel #41 1 year ago

    YAY! Hurrah!

  • digoutyoursoul #42 1 year ago

    i think some of you are being too dismissive on the likes of batman, deus ex, mass 3, elder scrolls to just say goty 2011. it will up there no doubt but dont rule out other games either.

  • patch #43 1 year ago

    Whose sock is Ace-1? Mate, go ask a Mormon how magnets work.

  • Cronan #44 1 year ago

    With this game coming, 2011 is going to be the year of the PS3, surely?
    (Don't call me Shirley).

  • SteveHolt #45 1 year ago

    @gordiemp: nah, level design doesn't have to be linear, for exemple Vanquish has a linear story but the level design is wide open, meaning that you can replay it multiple times and experiment new strategies and weapons and it will feel like a different experience, same with ME, playing as an Infiltrator is a very different experience from playing as a Vanguard. And sandbox games have optional quests and are open for exploration: optional and open = not linear.

    Uncharted or COD or stuff like that have linear story + linear level design + linear environments + linear scripts. So yes, they're VERY linear.

  • Ace-1 #46 1 year ago

    Uncharted is as casual as COD. A bunch of linear set pieces that make up single player, and a tacked on multiplayer. I don't know why it's ok to have a negative opinion of one, and not the other. PS3 owners lose their minds if you question one of their exclusives. Well I own all the Uncharted games and I see them for what they are. Get over it.

    Both are unoriginal casual and mindless. But fun. Not worthy of any GAME of the year awards though.

  • markymark22 #47 1 year ago

    The sun, moon, stars, shine out of naughty dogs ass's!! Looks like infamous's challenge of taking on uncharted took a dent. Uncharted 2-maybe, 3? Not a chance!

  • Goodfella #48 1 year ago

    Best games on all current consoles, bar none.

  • RodHull #49 1 year ago

    Looks truly awesome. Along with Mass Effect 3 this is definitely tying for my most wanted game of 2011.

  • Ninja_Tino #50 1 year ago

    Ace, you're such a gimp. You're downplaying just how important graphics are. Sure, if Uncharted wasn't the technical masterpiece it was, then sure, it wouldn't be as great, because it's the graphics that increase our sense of immersion. The graphics for U2, though, are coupled with absolutely rock solid gameplay, which further enhances the experiences. Sure, it's not the most original gameplay, but it's handled so well and intersected with a plethora of cinematic moments that the sensation the player feels is increased when compared to similar games. I'm not really what it is you're expecting from games. I love videogames but I'm the first to admit it's one of the most immature mediums that ever existed. You seem to be holding out for Citizen Kane The Official Game of the Movie, but it just ain't gonna happen. The comparison with the God-awful Transformers films only relates on a technical standpoint. In regards to plot, characterisation and writing, U2 is leaps and bounds ahead.

    Also, just to add. Sully is Sean Connery's character?! What the fuck are you talking about!?

  • wallybee #51 1 year ago

    These games are very special. Total no brainer, if it was possible, I'd pre-order now.

    If you have not played the first or better still the second instalment then it's worth borrowing a ps3 and whiling away a weekend to find out what the fuss is about. It's great gamecraft at many levels. The motion captured animations, the convincing textures in the environments, the set dressing, the weather effects and the game engine itself. Sure it is on rails a lot of the time and you may choose to call the stories hackneyed but those "boys own" adventure stories are popular for a reason. Relax and let the goodness wash over you.

    I want this game in alignment with my face. ASAP.
    Edited by wallybee at 17/12/10 @ 13:06

  • Geordiemp #52 1 year ago

    Mass effect 2 did not feel different when I played it different times up to insanity.

    UC2 the varietry comes in seige and survival, each game plays differently and spent allot of time online as well.

    Mass effect 2 and vanquish have to have some different in replay as they have no online. Vanquish does it more with difficulty.

    Side quests in mass effect 2, mini levels, 1 planet per system has a side quest, and most follow a certain theme.

    Infact, all games are kinear and hard to put 60 + hours in. For me, UC2, Mass effect 2 and Transformers Cybertron (escalation and excellent multiplayer) managed to surpass those 60 hours.

    Not many games do. Most get under 10 hours for completing or get bored (GTA4 looking at you).

  • Markitron #53 1 year ago

    I think ACE-1 has single handedly defined a troll; Saw an article about a game he probably has not played (but has decided to hate because his mum bought him a rival console) and decided to post comments that prove he hasnt played it
    Edited by Markitron at 17/12/10 @ 13:59

  • StolenGlory #54 1 year ago

    I'm not in the mood for constructive commentary at the minute, so i'll just say this.

    ACE-1.

    You are a cunt.

    Of the infinitely clueless variety.

    ~Fin.
    Edited by StolenGlory at 17/12/10 @ 13:08

  • GamesConnoisseur #55 1 year ago

    Agreed that Uncharted series is the absolute treasure, even if you are an ardent Xbot fan, you still would not feel guilty of getting PS3 on the quiet and only plays Uncharteds!

    Such quality titles like Uncharted are good examples of what would breaks down boundaries and garners the developers Naughty Dog huge respect, admirations and even envy across the industry.

    I wondered what stories they would be mining and delighted they found a classical and fresh take, using T.E. Lawrence, Atlantis of Sand, John Dee rather than common and tired Atlantis of sea, Merlin or the hunt for the Grail etc.

    November 2011 can't come soon enough.

  • Ace-1 #56 1 year ago

    Ask yourself this simple question. If Capcom released Resident Evil 6 and it was exactly the same as RE4 and RE5, should they be in the running for GOTY?. The obvious answer is no. So why should Naughty Dog be allowed to release the same game three times in a row and expect a free ride when it comes to reviews. I hope they are pulled up next year for releasing the same game over and over. You could forgive them for trying it twice, many devs do. But Uncharted 3 looks so familiar I just can't get excited for it any more.

    COD became old once familiarity set in, same thing is happening with Uncharted, and it will not get the same praise as Uncharted 2 did. familiarity breeds contempt. And the knives will be out if this is just a reskinned Uncharted 2. Capcom were always getting slated for releasing Resident Evil games that added little to the previous games, Activision get slated for releasing COD games that play the same every year.

    So why the hell should Naughty Dog get away with it. They shouldn't

  • SeesThroughAll #57 1 year ago

    Ask yourself this simple question. If Capcom released Resident Evil 6 and it was exactly the same as RE4 and RE5, should they be in the running for GOTY?. The obvious answer is no. So why should Naughty Dog be allowed to release the same game three times in a row and expect a free ride when it comes to reviews.

    The only question I'm asking myself is who would be stupid enough to think that UC2 is the same game as UC1, when it clearly improves so much over the other.

  • fragglerocks #58 1 year ago

    *sigh* I'm going to have to buy a PS3 now aren't I!?

  • Widge #59 1 year ago

    Uncharted 2 significantly improved and expanded on Uncharted 1, you have no idea what Uncharted 3 is going to do yet. You're working off complete assumption.

  • muscleblade #60 1 year ago

    @Ace 1

    You could say that of any game series. A sequel is meant to be more og the same only improved. I think its safe to say that Uncharted 2 improved over number one in many ways. If the third game do the same thats more than enough to please the fans and theres plenty of them ive heard.

  • Widge #61 1 year ago

    Capcom got slated for taking Resident Evil 4 and making it shitter.

  • Power_n_Glory #62 1 year ago

    I’ve had a PS3 for a while and I haven’t been impressed with it at all. But Uncharted 2 is the reason why I’ve still got it. Excellent game. They took it to another level with the acting and facial expressions.

    The one thing I want them to improve on is the sound of the guns and the way enemies react when getting shot. Would love to see rag doll physics added and enemies reacting to multiple bullets. I bit more like Max Payne 2. They also need to make the gunshot sounds a bit heavier. More boom! Other than that, the game is perfect.

    Stealth, platforming, great story, characters…varied levels….can’t wait for 3. Hope they put a bit more work into the online mode as well. Just more support. I thought 2 was great but it didn’t have enough maps and no ranking system. Once they done the updates and added a ranking system, I had problems getting games online so I stopped playing. Was really fun though and I hope they put more into it. It was underrated.

  • Rodster #63 1 year ago

    This series is a perfect example on how videogames should be done.

  • DiamondIce #64 1 year ago

    I cannot wait. UC 2 did have a massive fault. I just could not put it down until I finished it.

  • sirtacos #65 1 year ago

    Day one. Also I love the bit where they talk about the fights in Indiana Jones. If they can pull it off, I'll be well pleased.

  • TelexStar #66 1 year ago

    I seriously don't understand why people are neg'ing Ace-1 to the extreme. His opinion, provided he's played UC1 & 2, is valid regardless if you disagree or not.

    Personally, I'm an xbox player but have always been curious to try the Uncharted series, they do look great and I've heard great things about the previous 2 games. From the sounds of it, they are truly exclusives to be proud of. Having said that, the people posting on here saying "UC3 will be teh uber amazing!!111" by simply reading a preview need to check their brains at the door... especially when they go criticising someone else's opinions (who's actually played the game), simply because they differ from your own. Sure, be mildly optimistic but you're fools if you start bandying around categoric statements, that have no basis in reality, as if they're facts. Have some sense people.

  • Markitron #67 1 year ago

    Ace-1 is being negged because he clearly hasnt played the game. Simples. He's a troll and the latest addition to my ignore list
    Edited by Markitron at 17/12/10 @ 14:04

  • Geordiemp #68 1 year ago

    OK Ace, what game series can you think of (go on, give us a laugh) is better than uncharted 2, especially with its very good multiplayer, excellent coop both coop mode and survival type, and varied single player.

    I enjoyed Mass effect 2 almost as much, although after a while felt a bit clunky and graphics on levels was a bit Unreally, if U play allot of unreal games U know what I mean here.

    Go on then..

  • Vanmunt #69 1 year ago

    ps3 sales should be more than the wii with all these bought then sold consoles.. and don't forget all the ones collecting dust. so sad, gt5 threads ruined buy xbots, now any drakes thread the same.

  • Ace-1 #70 1 year ago

    Uncharted 1, Jungle
    Uncharted 2, Snow
    Uncharted 3, Sand

    Uncharted 4, Under the sea or in Space, because they've used up every other cliche. Uncharted has become the most unoriginal game out there along with COD. Keep releasing the same game every two years if you want Naughty Dog, most people will buy the same shit every year, not me though.

  • mkreku #71 1 year ago

    Why do you keep posting, Ace-1? Why do you need to keep telling people, over five or so posts, that you think it's unoriginal? Once is enough.

  • Zaiz #72 1 year ago

    ...oh shit, I just saw the "dabbled in the magic and the occult" phrase in that. Nathan Drake fighting demons and/or having super powers in 5...4...

  • kangarootoo #73 1 year ago

    "How about some leveling up system for your weapons"

    Jesus, no thanks. Uncharted isn't a gun porn game. Picking up, emptying, and discarding weapons is far more its bag. When did you last see Indiana Jones or the dude out of The Mummy upgrading a weapon. I don't think that would suit its style at all.

  • kangarootoo #74 1 year ago

    @Ace-1

    As I read on, I start to suspect you have another motive. If UC was everything you describe, the players and reviewers that raved about it in their millions would all have to mad. I suggest a far simpler solution.

  • Zerobob #75 1 year ago

    How the hell are people seriously calling this GOTY 2011 already?!? I'm confused. I was under the impression you had to release a game and people had to play the game before awards can even be considered.

    Anyway. First impressions from the preview are that it looks pretty damn good. Still looks like a series of gorgeous set pieces (why not just watch a movie?) and has left no doubt to the fact the game series has stolen the naming convention from the Sharpe series, but then it should be as good as the other games.

  • kangarootoo #76 1 year ago

    @Ace-1

    You must realise you are embarassing yourself. Go and play in your sand pit or something.

  • StolenGlory #77 1 year ago

    [link url=http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx50/willesnille/DontFeedTheTrolls.jpg
    ]http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx50/...[/link]

  • Hindle #78 1 year ago

    Post deleted at 23:04:43 04-04-2012

  • TaoJay #79 1 year ago

    Ace-1 Hits a double fault!

  • drumbaby #80 1 year ago

    Sure, there are other cool games coming out, but this is the one and only game I am counting down to in 2011. Such a long wait...sob.

  • parablax #81 1 year ago

    I loved uncharted 2 but am I the only person who prefered uncharted 1.
    Better story, environment, characters and levels. Submarine, Jet ski rapids, Jeep chase, all absolutley breath taking.

  • Widge #82 1 year ago

    Ace IS allowed to have an opinion, but when you say there was no improvement from UC1 -> UC2 then that is factually incorrect. Not even opinion. A decent multiplayer and co-op component was bolted onto the game, plus any balancing concerns players had from the first SP game had been ironed out along with the technical issues.

    We can only comment on what U3 is offering once it is out. Plus if you are penning game by setting, surely it is more like:

    UC1 - Jungle
    UC2 - Indoor museum setting, Far East city setting, Jungle setting, "fantasy land" setting and THEN we can perhaps bung Snow on

  • dwalker109 #83 1 year ago

    I just replayed Uncharted 1 and 2 last weekend. Awesome, still.

    They aren't totally original, but I think to call them horribly derivative is to focus purely on the fact that Indiana Jones exists, and so does Lara Croft. Thing is, when UC1 dropped, it felt unlike anything else. The climbing mechanic was so far beyond anything that had come before it that it transcended the fact that yes, Tomb Raider did it first.

    Also, the level of polish given to the visual, controls and gameplay marked it out as different. It still does that now - there is nothing quite as well executed as the Uncharted series, and quality of execution matters a hell of a lot when you are planning on spending 10 or 20 hours playing something.

  • FuzzyDuck #84 1 year ago

    Ace, why are you trolling?

    You're coming out with such obvious, done-to-death, unoriginal statements it makes me wonder why Naughty D... I mean you're evening bothering!

    These days prospective archaeology students are told "...it's not really Indiana Jones, you know". In years to come it'll be "...it's not much like Uncharted now!".

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #85 1 year ago

    @Ace-1

    Uncharted 1, Jungle
    Uncharted 2, Snow
    Uncharted 3, Sand


    Lol, what do you expect from an adventure game. These are game and film staples. Uncharted isn't supposed to be a study of the human condition or some abstract work. Go and read a good book or something because you are clearly are missing the point and want Uncharted to be something it isn't.

    To play Devil's advocate, what other feasible settings are there for an adventure game? Nearly every setting has been done somewhere before, it's only the characters and nuances that separate.


    -jungle
    -desert
    -ice
    -fire
    -sea/underwater
    -space/space craft
    -alien world(s)
    -post apocalypse
    -parallel universe
    -hell dimension
    -inside the mind
    -inside the body
    -on some king of transport, train, ship etc.
    -war
    -supernatural


    Maybe Uncharted 4 should be a text adventure set in a courtroom with Phoenix Wright defending Drake. Seriously, if you've become so jaded that you can't enjoy the simple things then that's kind of sad.

  • Soton4084 #86 1 year ago

    For me, Uncharted 2 is the best game of this console generation. I've yet to play Mass Effect 2 (I'm a PS3 owner), but played the original and fully expect the sequel to be on a par with the brilliance of UC:2.

    I loved the storyline of UC:2 (easily good enough to be a blockbuster movie, so it's a shame that the director of the upcoming film has changed it), the graphics are the best I've ever experienced on console, the gameplay was fun and the online was brilliant. It really puts games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops to shame and even GT: 5, which I found to be a huge disappointment (in my opinion). I'm not sure Uncharted 3 will be able to beat what was arguably a perfect game, but if it is anywhere near as good, then it will be a huge success.
    Edited by Soton4084 at 17/12/10 @ 16:34

  • sfp_noodle #87 1 year ago

    @Ace-1

    What I find amusing is that you continuously compare the Uncharted series, a series only reaching its third entry, to COD - a game entering its god-knows-which-entry and has been the same game for over 3 years. Since when was Uncharted released every year? Did the first even have multiplayer? Is the current rating of 96 on metacritic there because Sony paid a billion dollars to every game site out there? Are the 4 million people that bought it and loved it insane and you are somehow wiser in any shape or form? Stop being a twat.

    Also, the reasons you slate Uncharted for can be levelled at other big and successful exclusives. Gears of War is uninspired, linear and repetitive. But what it makes it so awesome? The graphics, the set pieces and the gameplay. Halo is colourful like an episode of the Tellytubbies, but the MP is fantastic and guns are balanced to perfection. The campaign is linear and been done a million times before, but its one of the select few FPS franchises that stands out with its personality and attention to detail.

    You honestly come across as someone who doesn't like having fun when playing a game. If you love creativity and origininality so much, why didn't you buy Ico or Shadow of the Collosus at release? Or Heavy Rain? Or Little Big Planet? You didn't buy them nor play them so don't try and act like you did.

    Your arguement has no substance and you really haven't made any valid points with your comments. 4 million+ gamers agree and you are one insignificant troll in a pool of shame.

  • man.the.king #88 1 year ago

    @muttler

    "When this comes out the 360 will be the PS3's bitch, OFFICIAL! "

    Nobody needs to become anybody's bitch. Please leave fanboyism at the door.

    The Uncharted series is my favorite game series, ever. That doesn't mean I'm going to not enjoy other games like Gears, Halo, Banjo-Kazooie, etc.

  • Ducklord #89 1 year ago

    Just so you guys know, ACE is one of those trolls who just likes to get under the skin of others- he's posted exactly the same stuff on all uncharted threads, so it would be better to just ignore him completely :p

  • jack24 #90 1 year ago

    I think Ace gets off on all this negging.

  • Bander #91 1 year ago

    Maybe I'll soak up some of the negging also by saying that this sounded like a very by-the-numbers generic demonstration level. Like the UC2 E3 demo last year, or the Gears of War 2 one from the E3 before that with the collapsing buildings, which were practically the same as each other in terms of the new features being showcased.

    Regarding the new features, the added freedom of movement and the stealthy take-down is certainly good but doesn't sound like anything Mirror's Edge didn't do. The interacting with the walls reminds me of the alleged Beyond Good and Evil 2 demo video, but given that BG&E2 seems to be stuck in limbo, I am pleased that some of its ideas for natural movement animation are being adopted.

  • madjim #92 1 year ago

    After Ace-1's comments, I discovered the big faults of the Indiana Jones movies. All 4 of them are linear, and in all of them, Indy searches for archaeological artifacts! I also found the "linear story" problem in many the books I have read, like "Les Miserables", "The Name Of The Rose" or "Blindness".

  • TetsuZaemon #93 1 year ago

    "Deserters will be hot."

    That's gold, right there.

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #94 1 year ago

    @Bander

    It does look like more of the same - but slightly improved. There was nothing mind-blowing and it was a very by-the-numbers demo. Nothing wrong with telling the truth and that's a balanced assessment of the footage :) I can't really agree with the Mirror's Edge comparison. Imo, the games are too different. The movement, the pace, the perspective, the way enemies are engaged and the climbing for starters.



    @TelexStar

    You raise a fair point, but without playing the games you won't understand why everyone is so looking forward to U3. It's Naughty Dog - one of the few dev houses that has delivered an absolute barnstormer of a sequel to an already successful game.

    Frequently we have to endure ever so slightly disappointing/OMG why haven't they fixed that engine problem/went in the wrong direction/should have been expansion packs sequels to good games . But with Uncharted 2 Naughty Dog joined the likes of Valve in the upper echelons because whichever way you slice it, U2 was mechanically, artistically and technically a fantastic game. Game fans (not fanboys) love that.


    So, the tiny bit of demo footage didn't make my head explode either - but it didn't look like they had broken anything :) Maybe U3 actually could turn out to be disappointing and won't pull any punches, but - going by what evidence I have - previous performance - the odds are against it. So I will remain 'mildly optimistic' with the odd outburst of 'yeeeeeeeeeeehhhhaaaaaawww' ;)

  • Bander #95 1 year ago

    @RESIDENT_nEVILe, I probably could have named several third person games for the movement or take-downs, particularly as Mirror's Edge doesn't have quite so much gun play as an Uncharted, and indeed has a different view point. It's just the first one that came to mind. The brawling sounds interesting though. I look forward to seeing or reading more about that.

  • manFromC64 #96 1 year ago

    I played Uncharted 1 half way, Uncharted 2 around 35-40%, and next I won't be buying the yet another totally linear scripted tunnel adventure as I've seen it hundreds of times already.

  • Cadellio #97 1 year ago

    Uncharted 2 was an awesome game, but it was missing one thing - SULLY! Now that that has been rectified i dont think there is another game that tops Uncharted 3 for me next year. Better graphics are great, better mechanics are great, but id get the game even if it didnt have them. Nate and Sully are awesome characters that actually have their own personality. If Cloe's back, sorry but Elena was nowhere near as cool as her, then this game will just about top Uncharted 2. Who would have thought that was possible?

  • vegard #98 1 year ago

    PS3-owners, you are a lucky bunch!:)

  • man.the.king #99 1 year ago

    @manFromC64

    "I played Uncharted 1 half way, Uncharted 2 around 35-40%, and next I won't be buying the yet another totally linear scripted tunnel adventure as I've seen it hundreds of times already. "

    Oh look! Another troll echoing the EXACT SAME SENTIMENTS as Ace-1 in almost the exact same words.

    Both Ace-1 and manFromC64 have a very small post history dedicated heavily to bad-mouthing Uncharted.

    What a co-incidence!
    Edited by man.the.king at 20/12/10 @ 07:25

  • Lemming81 #100 1 year ago

    "Justin Richman notes that Uncharted games have never delivered a bar fight – a staple in action-packed movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark."

    Finally! I've been going on about this for the last two games! If only Lucasarts would give naughty dog a shot at the Indy license. The only way Uncharted would be better is if it was Indy himself with the John Williams score.
    Edited by Lemming81 at 21/12/10 @ 00:48

  • HASJ #101 1 year ago

    GeoW3and UC3, it's gonna be a hell of a fight in 2011.