Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Review

By Simon Parkin Published 24 October, 2011

Smoke and mirrors?

Version tested: PlayStation 3

And Action. Nathan Drake, a blur of khaki and stubble, leaps from what must be the fiftieth rooftop high above the bustling streets of Yemen in pursuit of the be-suited villain. It's his sixth take ('life', in olde game parlance) in the most impressive chase yet seen in a video game, one directed with the kind of technical flair that wins Oscars. As he spills through a market stall, agitating chickens into a cloud of feathered squawks, the camera quick-pans to exaggerate the sense of kinetic drama.

Into the road and a stunt-car driver accelerates ten feet forward out of the wings, braking on the director's signal in just the right spot to allow Drake to tumble over the bonnet. Crash through a door and extras dressed as military police bark orders in machinegun-volley Arabic before retreating to the Green room for a sit down and a cup of tea.

No such respite for Drake, who leaps to grasp a window ledge with his fingertips then up and a dash to where a coat hanger turns a washing line into a 30-foot zip wire. Whoosh. And Cut.

Uncharted 3 is a game that has an unshakable sense of its own identity. The series has always had clear aims: an unapologetically mainstream Boy's Own romp whose primary interest is in creating unrivalled thrills through daring spectacle rather than daring design. But in this, the third outing, it has settled into the kind of assured swagger that comes from finding repeated successes in a specific creative mine.

Its greatest debts are to Saturday matinee cinema, Indiana Jones puzzles and pacing, Jewel of the Nile romances born in the kiln of perilous adventure; Han Solo quips. But at this point in the trilogy the designers have established a template of their own to follow.

It's a game in which the skin of your fingertips saves every rooftop leap, while each stonework puzzle solved in the belly of some inexplicably well-maintained tomb leads to another, yet more exotic continent. It's a game of button-mash punch-ups that leave neither blood nor bruise, and conundrums whose solutions pop up if you take too long to unmask them. It's a game about overcoming the odds, saving your friends, finding the treasure and getting the girl. Both of them.

Back to the rooftop chase, just one of any number of white-knuckle ride segments that lodge in the memory. The sequence demonstrates Naughty Dog's peerless talent for cinematic flair, often surpassing its movie inspirations for mastery of the action set-piece.

But it also reveals another truth. Uncharted 3 is the most exciting game in the world, but only until you deviate from the script. Even in this chase the conflict between the developer's theatrical choreography and player-controlled interactions is clear. In order to ensure each set-piece is set off correctly, the game commits the cardinal sin of insinuating you have full control of your character, but in fact tugging you towards trigger points - making sure you're in the right spot to tumble over the bonnet of that braking car, for example.

Likewise, mistimed leaps are given a gentle physics-defying boost to reduce the staccato rhythm of having to restart a section. It's entirely understandable given what the developer is attempting to achieve - an unbroken flow of action that leads to climax - but, at the same time, beneath the spectacle there's a nagging feeling that your presence in the scene is an irritation rather than a preference.

Your freedom of choice risks ruining the shot. Indeed, throughout the game, if you jump into an area you are not supposed to visit, Drake will crumple on the floor dead, Naughty Dog switching role from movie director to vindictive god. That is not your predestined path: Game Over.

Eurogamer plays Uncharted 3.

This reluctance to give the player more than a supporting role can be seen in the use of one treasure at the core of the experience, a cipher-solving contraption once owned by Sir Francis Drake. Come up against a hieroglyphic that needs solving and, rather than giving you the chance to decipher the words using your own mind, your job is simply to press the button that pulls the gizmo out of Drake's pocket. He handles the rest. Your role, here at least, is one of interactive butler.

Frustratingly, you must always move at the script's pace. Enter a room with two giant cogs that need turning and Drake won't call over a comrade to help him until the correct sequence of cut-scenes has played out. The world is destructible, but only when Naughty Dog says so, and at times you cannot even un-holster Drake's gun, the developer simply disabling the button till the appropriate juncture. Oftentimes the game feels like a simple series of puzzles in which the puzzle is simply to locate the next trigger point for the drama.

The strict, linear design and tight camera management may contribute to a sense of being a semi-spectator on a fairground ride, but the benefit of this design approach is that it allows the team to focus every ohm of PlayStation processing power onto what is on screen at any one time. And so Uncharted 3 routinely stuns with its visuals. Turn a corner on a castle parapet and the camera pulls out just enough to take in the warm glow and detail of a French town far below. It is spectacular and the regularity of these jaw-dropping moments dizzies the mind.

Likewise, in the minutiae there's evidence of stunning workmanship as branches bend and swipe as Drake brushes past pot plants while special-case animations bring the supporting cast to vivid life. If the game's interactive design strains at a template laid down by the first game, then the world-building and presentation excels because of it. While the loss of agency grates, the developer's visual execution is peerless. It's impossible not to get swept up in the drama, and succumb to the ride.

Few risks have been taken with that ride, however, save perhaps for a couple of sections where drug-tipped darts cause havoc with the ensemble cast's minds, and some wonderful moments when the scriptwriters dip back into Drake and Sully's origin story.

It's a people-pleaser. Controversy has been eliminated from the curve of the game's progression with surgical precision, every bump in the road smoothed out by the footfall of a hundred play-testers. Some would argue that's best blockbuster practice, that Sony's Minis and indie Vita launch titles are the playpens for experimentation. But the result is that safe thrills and awe-inspiring spectacle are all that remain, sugar-rush gaming that sends your mind into repeated spasm but does little to reward beyond the immediate high.

The story races along with all the unapologetic chutzpah of a Wilbur Smith novel, the trio motivations of survival, treasure and friendship driving it at such a rate you've no time to notice its potholes. Nolan North's vocal turn as Drake is as assured as ever, while the hapless cockney good guy and Eton-educated bad guy tropes only contribute to the Hollywood aura.

The shooting - which next to puzzle-solving and scaling the environments makes up a third of the primary interactions in the game - is robust, guns feeling weighty and pleasing in the hands. Stealth is positively encouraged, but as soon as an AI soldier spots you so too does every enemy in the area, who instantly line up their sights on your position (even if you retreat to cover) with irritating telepathic prescience.

The series' single collectible currency of random relics that are left lying around the environments remains. However, there's very little sense of achievement or elation when you discover one, those feelings instead overwhelmed by a greater sense of irritation at the trinkets that you have no doubt missed. There is no reason to play the game twice beyond finding these.

More on Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Where repeated play is warranted, however, is in the assured multiplayer campaign, an entity so divorced from the single-player story that it's been available in its entirely as a download to PlayStation Plus subscribers for some time now. With a template borrowed from Modern Warfare, the meta-game is tried and tested with its experience points, medals awarded for any positive actions a player makes in the game, Boosters (Uncharted's take on Perks) and an emblem editor.

In play, however, the game is far more breezy and colourful than Infinity Ward's work, with zip-wires, loot drops, taunt animations and collectible relics (which unlock new clothes and emblems) to upset the familiarity of the competition. The success of the beta has proven this aspect of the game (which, avatars and controls aside, can at times feel like a separate game altogether) and it's here that, as so often is the case with contemporary blockbusters, the longevity is to be found. A short and sweet co-op adventure adds further interest, with perks and treasure drops to introduce a competitive element to the otherwise co-operative play arc.

Back in the main campaign and, as a slice of one-view entertainment, Uncharted 3 is peerless. The execution exhibits a kind of workmanship and polish way beyond the ambition of most other developers, let alone their abilities or budgets. As an expression of all that a video game could be, however, Uncharted 3 is narrow, focused and ultimately shallow. It is a majestic tribute to cinema, a movie game in the literal sense, and your enjoyment will be in precise step with your appreciation of that objective - and whether or not you believe it to be Drake's great deception, or Drake's great delight.

8 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Simon.

About Simon Parkin

Simon Parkin is an author and journalist on video games. A regular contributor to Eurogamer since 2005, his work has also appeared in Edge, The Telegraph, Gamasutra and Boing Boing.

Read more articles from Simon by visiting the Simon Parkin archive page.

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Comments (555) Latest comment 2 months ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Widge #1 4 months ago

    Every article on the iphone app gives me a resounding 404 :(

  • waggy79 #2 4 months ago

    Same here. Forums seem ok though.

  • weebl #3 4 months ago

    404/10

    More than I was expecting but I'll take it!

  • mossychops001 #4 4 months ago

    EG:8/10 for a PS3 game, wow it must be fucking brilliant!

  • Snake_2011 #5 4 months ago

    bit tight if you ask me 10/10 on a lot of other big sites.
    Edited by 2 at 24/10/11 @ 17:14

  • zm26 #6 4 months ago

    Not as high as some were expecting I imagine.

  • DonnieDarko333 #7 4 months ago

    Not long to go! This is released next wednesday then, instead of the usual friday?

  • sfp_noodle #8 4 months ago

    As good as Gears of War 3, Red Dead Redemption and Metal Gear Solid 4? This game must be absolutely amazing! November 2nd can't come quick enough.

    Edit:- Just to add, if EG are knocking 2 whole points off this for being too familiar, I fully expect the next COD game to get a 4/10 with the following quote:-

    "Polished, addictive and fun. But we've said the same thing 4 years in a row now, so we're giving it a score it fully deserves for not changing one single bit."

    Won't happen though. I've no complaints about the final score, 8/10 is excellent, but EG don't apply the same logic present in this review to other, more popular games.

    Edit 2:- Has anyone else noticed how the site has transformed into "Battlefieldgamer" since the re-launch? Here's what I've noticed so far. There's a countdown to launch trailer at the very top of the screen for Battlefield 3. Right underneath it there's a massive banner telling you to pre-order the game from Play.com.


    Look to the right of the screen and you'll see a link to the BF3 "microsite" along with a bunch of EG videos of the games. Underneath those videoes there is yet another option to pre-order the game. Scroll down a little further and there are a bunch of BF3 articles and yet another fucking banner to pre-order the game. Now look to the left of the screen. Yup, 2 points, it's another ad for BF3. Finally scroll down towards the bottom of the page and one final banner will be advertising Battlefuckingfield 3.


    So EG, are you seriously telling me you haven't sold out and BF3 gaining at least a 9/10 or higher from you has absolutely nothing to do with the absolute eye raping advertising EA paid you to do? Your site has lost all credibility in my eyes and the only reason I'm still reading it is the witty banter from the forum members. You're a shadow of the site I used to frequent over 6 years ago.


    I'm a third year journalism student and I've read a lot on how companies pay off certain publications for favourable coverage. So you're not kidding me with your crap anymore. Anybody else that still expects EG to deliver news completely unbiassed should think again. They're just another sell out.
    Edited by 2 at 25/10/11 @ 01:12

  • MrMarbles #9 4 months ago

    I feel like I'm in the calm before the storm...

    I'm picturing that scene in Jurassic Park with the ripples in the glass of water.

  • Ironic_War_Criminal #10 4 months ago

    As good as Halo then?

  • man.the.king #11 4 months ago

    Simon Parkin complaining at Uncharted not being Fallout?

    Sigh.

  • menschenfracht #12 4 months ago

    I personally have never enjoyed Drake's adventures much (gameplay is bigger than cinematics in my book), whereas Crash was literally tons of fun packed in 10 tiny poligons.
    But alas, Uncharted is 10/10 for those who bought their PS3 for bluray movies. So we'll definitely see more of Drake and less of anything that plays like Crash.

    I'll wait for the inevitable Kart racer though
    [img]

  • Juminha #13 4 months ago

    No 10? Pre order canceled!

  • Erinan #14 4 months ago

    So basically more of the same? I wish BF3 and Skyrim were not coming out this month, I loved Uncharted 2 but that's starting to be a lot of money to fork out this year, so I'll wait *weeps*

  • Steizgr8 #15 4 months ago

    IGN gave it 10. Quite a difference in scores. I personally can't wait for it.

  • graz68 #16 4 months ago

    The reviewer is critising the game for everything that Uncharted 2 did before it. A game EG gave a 10.

  • Kill_Crazy #17 4 months ago

    Reviewer seems a bit down on it from the start. Loved the first two so hopefully like this one too. 8/10 still good though :)

  • neems #18 4 months ago

    I liked the review though. It quite clearly states that the game is very exciting and extremely polished, but perhaps a little lacking in terms of player freedom / interactivity. It certainly sounds like an Uncharted game.

    That said, I loved Uncharted 2, which had exactly the same problem, so I will adjust the score accordingly.

  • graz68 #19 4 months ago

    The review is complaining about all the same things Uncharted 2 did before it. A game EG handed a 10 to.

  • martmart #20 4 months ago

    Was it just me or did the review sound more like a 6 or 7 out of 10? I read lots of complaints about lots of things like the collectables, trigger sequences etc. All the biggest games uses trigger sequences so not sure why the complaint here.

  • Ged42 #21 4 months ago

    To rent or buy on the cheap in a month or so?

  • Lunastra78 #22 4 months ago

    Sounds like a perfect Uncharted game reviewed by someone who doesn't really like Uncharted.

  • varsas #23 4 months ago

    A good score and it seems reasonable given that it's more of the same; the fact that it's still engaging enough to receive an 8 is excellent.

  • Goodfella #24 4 months ago

    Parkin is a bit of a tit to be honest.

    5/5 from Giant Bomb.

    http://www.giantbomb.com/uncharted-3-drak es-deception/61-32982/reviews/

  • Whitster #25 4 months ago

    Well on iPad I can't read the last three paragraphs or the score as the box with links to other Uncharted articles cuts a good inch into them.

    In addition to that I notice that this is yet another big 3D release being reviewed without so much as a mention to it, I know eurogamer can't control what set up their staff and freelancers have at home, but it would be nice if they at least tried it to give us some impression considering how much 3D can vary in games due to implementation. Given that Naughty Dog and Sony love to big up the tech as well, it seems even more of a glaring omission if only to rub it in if it's dissapointing.

  • stevethemeat #26 4 months ago

    Freedom of control has always been limited on the Uncharted series, if you liked the first 2 then this will be a game for you.

  • lcmnick #27 4 months ago

    Boooooo

    this man

  • Kill_Crazy #28 4 months ago

    @Widge
    Mobile website plasters pictures over the text too!

  • Toplinkar #29 4 months ago

    Sounds great! A day one purchase for me! Too bad the day one in my country is 11/11/11.

  • Rens11 #30 4 months ago

    Can't see the complaints being justified as 2 was the same and both its single n multiplayer was top! Uncharted 3 will be my game of the year so its a 10 for me!

  • DiamondIce #31 4 months ago

    That review link was undersold on the front page. I almost missed it.

    Edit: It has updated now - just making sure I don't look incapable of seeing things.

    8/10 won't stop me buying UC3. Apart from the fact my PS3 won't run dual layer blu-rays which I guess this game will be.

    I am looking forward to this more than any other game this year. Stick your multiplayer gaming. Even though the multiplayer in UC2 was quite good.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 17:33

  • Markitron #32 4 months ago

    Player Freedom for me is just a genre choice. Uncharted wouldnt be the polished game it is if it let you upgrade guns and do side quests, thats not why I play this series and I resent it being criticised for these reasons. Fallout has FPS gunplay but it feels terrible to play because its not its genre...............

  • Lexmeister #33 4 months ago

    Simon,

    You state that you ultimately find Uncharted 3 (forgive me for paraphrasing) shallow due to it's narrow nature.

    As a frame of reference, would you consider it noticeably more or less shallow than Uncharted 2?

    The reason I ask is that Uncharted 2 had a level of "shallowness" that I am absolutely fine with.

    Thanks,

    Lex

  • captain-G #34 4 months ago

    First they go and redesign the site to make it look like a big cluster**** of garbage, then they go and give Uncharted 3, the best game of 2011, 8/10

    Keep digging that grave Eurogamer, you have officially lost the plot
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 17:25

  • Raz76 #35 4 months ago

    I have not played this game but I still have an unwavering opinion on how good it is.

  • Fox89 #36 4 months ago

    A fair review. I know people will moan that it didn't score a 9 or a 10, but the reasons behind it are because "It's just a summer blockbuster". And that's reasonable. After all, how many film critics would rate Indiana Jones as highly as the Godfather? It's the same thing here.

    I personally love Uncharted for what it is, and nothing I've read here suggests I'll be disappointed when I pick it up day one.

  • MrE26 #37 4 months ago

    More of the same then? I'll take that!

  • uk-kob #38 4 months ago

    in the review, it says there's no replay value for the campaign, yet i played through uc and uc2 3 times each and loved every second of it! im sure ill be happy to do the same with this, edge gave it a 9 that's more like it.
    this guy gave brink an 8 as well hmm.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 19:33

  • Markitron #39 4 months ago

    I would also like to echo what has been said about the lack of 3D in the review, Iv heard many ppl on other sites state how good it looks yet not even a condescending "if your rich enough" comment. Shambles

  • DavidBoring #40 4 months ago

    i really don't know if it is fair to criticize a game (or movie, novel, etc) for something it does not try to be, when it excels in the things it tries to be

  • makeamazing #41 4 months ago

    I think saying that its just a summer blockbuster so it shouldn't be rated so highly, but when the same complaints could be labled at MW/COD/Fable/Forza... you do kind of think they get people who don't like the PS3 or the games to review them :D

  • TheEarlOfZinger #42 4 months ago

    Pretty sure you'll love this if you enjoyed the first two.

    And that's all that matters imo.

  • stevethemeat #43 4 months ago

    Lets be honest, people knew exactly what to expect, more of the same but with better visuals and set pieces.

    I will probably pick it up for or just after christmas, Arkham City will keep me occupied for a while on the one player side of things, while theres plenty to choose from for multiplayer thrills.

    Looks like a great game, looking forward to playing it.

  • asphaltcowboy #44 4 months ago

    8/10 is a good score. Still, from all the trailers and gameplay videos... it does look very scripted and a little shallow. Absolutely spectacular, no doubt, but a bit shallow...

  • Trendyninja #45 4 months ago

    I can't quite believe you're using the collectibles in the game as a negative to undoubtedly determine the overall score of the game. Yes I can appreciate collectibles are a pain in the arse...so do what I do and don't bother collecting them. Then you will have a seamless experience for Uncharted 3.

    In fact the more I think about it the more I think that was really quite a pathetic and immature comment to put in the review...seriously how long have you been a gamer? Is that synopsis really true about you?
    Edited by 4 at 25/10/11 @ 09:17

  • waggy79 #46 4 months ago

    Not suprised by the 8. You cant recycle the same thing each year and expect to get the same score. I'll be buying it but im under no illusions as to what im getting.

  • Vortextk #47 4 months ago

    @lcmnick Are you saying booo, or boo-urns?

    And since eurogamer's new site and reply prompt just ate the rest of my reply, screw it.

  • Mughes #48 4 months ago

    @Fox89

    Did you really call Indiana Jones "just a summer blockbuster"? Well done, you've added a new dimension to the word 'blasphemy.'

  • King_Edward #49 4 months ago

    You've accidentally re-reviewed Uncharted 2.

  • varsas #50 4 months ago

    graz68
    12min ago
    The reviewer is critising the game for everything that Uncharted 2 did before it. A game EG gave a 10.
    UC2 was the first game to be of such high quality hence the 10. I am a fan of the series and pre-ordered it but I don't think releasing a sequel that is mostly the same and doesn't really innovate doesn't deserve to be rated as highly.

  • kinky_mong #51 4 months ago

    Glad some reviews are getting over the hyperbole of the Uncharted series and finally judging them as "good but not great" adventure games.

  • Rich72 #52 4 months ago

    perfectly good review. exactly how I feel about the series. played the first one, played some of the second and won't play this at all. looking at the videos though, it is one beautiful looking game. I just don't have the spare cash anymore to invest in a single player only (i hated the multi player) game with little to no replay value.

  • Tiberius_Gracchus #53 4 months ago

    I hope it isn't a case of familiarity breeding contempt for me either. I played both previous Uncharted's through 3 times to get the plat! I didn't really mind that it was quite linear, it is an uncharted game after all.
    Is the reviewer suggesting they make a more open world game next?

  • Redflooch #54 4 months ago

    I actually got bored about a 3rd of the way through this review because I thought I was meant to be reading a review about a game which is called Uncharted 3. Totally abysmal review, truly awful.

  • Goodfella #55 4 months ago

    Why do EG have to go unecessarily against the grain, and criticise a brilliant linear game, for being linear, the whole point of the series? Not all games can be Skyrim Or Arkham City, ffs.

    http://www.metacritic.co m/game/playstation-3/uncharted-3-drakes-deception/critic-rev iews

  • americorloliveira #56 4 months ago

    Even Edge gave it a 9, this site is a joke is the lowest review so far

  • [maven] #57 4 months ago

    I am not good at physics, but this quote from the review
    every ohm of PlayStation processing power
    does make no sense.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 17:40

  • Fox89 #58 4 months ago

    @Mughes Good point, well made. I take it back ;)

  • kangarootoo #59 4 months ago

    Sorry EG and readers, another bit of new website grumping to vent.

    So the review was in the right column, but then because it was popular for moved to the left? Really?

    Does this happen automatically, meaning your editor no longer has direct control over what are your headline stories? Really?

    Jesus wept. I just want a place where I can read articles, in order of publication, and not have them disappear and reappear somewhere else I may not be looking. And if the editor wants to make a headline story stay put, because journalistic ability tells him/her it is the story of the moment and people want to read it, then they can.

    The problem with promoting stories based on popularity, is that popular stories are much more visible, and therefore get read by more people, and therefore get more popular.... etc.


    Sorry everyone. Will read the review now and maybe have something to say on topic.

  • Powerstreak #60 4 months ago

    If you're going to bitch when a game doesn't get the score you've already decided it should have, why bother reading reviews at all?

  • siro #61 4 months ago

    I'm so wet for this title. Uncharted 2 is genuinely the most entertaining title I played this generation and technically the best as well.

    Also: will all reviews now be one page? That's great!

  • carlosdfn #62 4 months ago

    There goes all the respect I had for this site. I've seen 22 scores and this is the only one lower than 9. I'm going to trust all the other reviews when they say it's better than UC2, that being the case how you can you possibly justify this score? This site gave brink an 8 for fuck's sake!
    I'm actually sad because this used to be my favorite mainstream site but there is no excuse for this, this game isn't an 8, it just isn't.

  • Widge #63 4 months ago

    Anyone taking into consideration that Parkin thought UC2 was an 8 as well.

    EG aren't a hive mind.

  • thenastypasty #64 4 months ago

    I agree with asphalt, the game looks stunning but very linear and shallow. I'll still be picking it up at somepoint but it can wait until it's a bit cheaper.

  • Artemus #65 4 months ago

    Hmm, I wonder if MW3 will be judged by these incredibly high standards.

  • onyxbox #66 4 months ago

    Sounds like the wrong person reviewed this. He sounds like the guy that was sent to watch and review an Indiana Jones film and then complained it wasn't Shakespeare.

    :/

  • ThaneKrios #67 4 months ago

  • VandelayIndustries #68 4 months ago

    The question is, will anyone from Naughty Dog throw their toys out of the pram over this review? ;)

  • ThinkingGamR #69 4 months ago

    Don't you find it ironic that you criticize the game for being too "focused" and "shallow" but your review focuses almost exclusively on the single player component of the game? It looks like there's only 2 paragraphs there out of 22 where you discuss multiplayer components, and you don't incorporate them into your thesis at all. Don't you think the manpower and attention Naughty Dog put into Uncharted 3's multiplayer warrants consideration in your opinion and final score of the game?

  • The-Jack-Burton #70 4 months ago

    A very workman like review. Somewhat passionless, and lacking in substance, but it conveys a point clearly and precisely, culminating in a boring, yet fitting, score.

    Uncharted 3, it's really good, if you're into that sort of thing, but whatever.

  • cardboardMonster #71 4 months ago

    I think Uncharted is always going to be one of those Marmite series. One man's "linear" is another's "brilliantly paced". It depends on what you're after. That said, you don't play FIFA looking for an open-world game, and neither should you with this.

  • makeamazing #72 4 months ago

    @Artemus Thats kind of my problem, COD for years has been getting great scores for an extremely scripted and very shallow game... from my point of view, UC didn't really need to reinvent the wheel, why should they we love the game. All we want is new environments (check) new moves (check) new stories (check) and new characters (check)... this stupid idea that games need to reinvent themselves (when so many don't because they are successful and thats what people want).. is stupid.

  • ThaneKrios #73 4 months ago

  • Goodfella #74 4 months ago

    @ThaneKrios

    Yeah we saw your post the first time, no need to spam what was already a shit post.

  • FuzzyDuck #75 4 months ago

    That was a chore to read, sloppy journalism EG.

    Linearity and a bit of nudging along in the right direction in an Uncharted title, well i never.

  • UncleLou #76 4 months ago

    Good, precise review, and perfectly understandable score if you don't like the extreme linearity/cinematic feel all that much. Uncharted does play itself a little. And that's exactly what I want from an Uncharted game, and seeing how UC1 and 2 were both 10/10 games for me, I don't expect to feel any different about this.

  • suckmypolygons.tk #77 4 months ago

    FFS Trust the pretentious cunts at eurogamer to give this game an 8/10 to try and stand out from the crowd like they have higher standards. Fucking jokers.

  • richardiox #78 4 months ago

    @makeamazing - UC3 got a great review score here too, 8/10 is a good review.

  • anthonypappa #79 4 months ago

    took me multiple attempts, refreshes and 'aw snap' errror pages to post this... what was i going to say again?

    EG has been full of fail over the last 24 hours.

  • suckmypolygons.tk #80 4 months ago

    seriously. Good reviewers like Suckmypolygons. tk don't review like c*nts for the sake of it.

  • ThaneKrios #81 4 months ago

  • Hindle #82 4 months ago

    I can relate to the review, ND seem to think they are making films these days. Thats all they have gone about for the last few month is the story.

  • redcrayon #83 4 months ago

    Looks like EG are in trouble for using the full range of review scores again. It looks like it dropped points not for being linear, but for killing, ignoring or forcing you along if you tried to deviate. Bit of a difference.

    Still, it sounds like a grand game, 8 is a great score. There is a slight disconnect in a game called 'Uncharted' killing you if you go off-road, though! :D

  • king26 #84 4 months ago

    If 'too familiar' is the only real complaint (it's only the third game) then it'll probably be a 10 for me.

  • carlosdfn #85 4 months ago

    It's hilarious, everything he complains about is also in UC2 and yet this site gave it a 10. I know it's different reviewers but most people don't care about that, they see the same site giving the game a lower score and assume it's inferior to its prequel, a site needs to have consistency in the reviews.
    Besides, all these complaints are pointless, this is what uncharted is and always has been and that specific formula has been polished to perfection with this game. What's the point of comparing it with something it isn't? These aren't flaws, these are design choices that have always been part of the franchise. It's like complaining that fallout 3 doesn't have much of a narrative, that's not the point, that's not what the game is trying to achieve.

  • zztopp #86 4 months ago

    8/10 is good enough, I was expecting a 9 at most. I enjoyed Uncharted 2 and 3 is more of the same - polished and fun it might be, but the gameplay mechanics haven't changed since Uncharted 1 and it might be time for Naughty Dog to take a long break and think hard how they can revolutionized the gameplay (sort of like going from Mario 64 to Mario Galaxy)

  • God_Octo #87 4 months ago

    That was possibly the most negative 80% review I think I've ever read. Every paragraph started off with a nice point, and then shat on it.

    Still, from the nice things he did say, the game sounds just as amazing as Uncharted 2, especially this bit:

    'Few risks have been taken with that ride, however, save perhaps for a couple of sections where drug-tipped darts cause havoc with the ensemble cast's minds, and some wonderful moments when the scriptwriters dip back into Drake and Sully's origin story.'

    I want this game now- I can feel that its gonna be my GOTY!

  • redcrayon #88 4 months ago

    So do we not like reviews that deviate from the average by a whole point now? Seriously, if it got a 5 when every other site gave it full marks I could understand the rage, but a single point? Really?

  • HolyJebus #89 4 months ago

    Just so I'm clear, we love this game for sticking to what is does well, warts and all, dismissing the reviewers opinion. And we hate Modern Warfare for the same reason. I just want to be clear.

  • redcrayon #90 4 months ago

    @HolyJebus

    Not only that, we love it despite not having played it yet. Clearly the games hack who played it for a dozen hours doesn't understand it as well as we do.

  • Subquest #91 4 months ago

    Remember people, the opinions of any review site might not reflect your own. Volleys of abuse do nothing but highlight you as somebody who's opinion is invalidated by their personality. Also interesting is lots of opinions of a game that's not out yet. Release date is 1st Nov right?

    Not all games can be Skyrim Or Arkham City, ffs.

    But those games offer SO much more, so surely that's fair enough? Having played the second outing I thought it was a fun game, but not something to write into folklore. An 8, if you will. If the 3rd game is more of the same, than for me that's right.

  • frankfurter209 #92 4 months ago

    Quit complaining you fucking fanboys, you didn't see the score you wanted for the game, that doesn't make it a bad review. You want your pandering throwaway 10/10, full of hyperbole and overstatement? Go to IGN they've got you covered.

  • redeyesurprise #93 4 months ago

    I can understand not wanting to go with a biased opinion, but could you guys have at least got someone who actually likes the franchise to handle the review??

    Barely informative, and a drag to read... Wow. I have no words right now.

  • Phoenisis #94 4 months ago

    A reviewer that doesn't automatically give a game 10/10 for having a big budget and trying to be a bad action movie? I'm stunned!

    Nice one, Mr. Parkin.

  • vizzini #95 4 months ago

    Subquest: “Remember people, the opinions of any review site might not reflect your own. Volleys of abuse do nothing but highlight you as somebody who's opinion is invalidated by their personality. Also interesting is lots of opinions of a game that's not out yet. Release date is 1st Nov right?”

    I would find your point valid if the difference between 8/10 and 10/10 by EG didn't stop UC3 being the highest rated metacritic game ever on any platform; and if the review had been held back until release date. But it wasn't, intentionally to provoke a reaction from people who can only go by the 10/10 multiplayer beta to judge, and recent games like Rage(I own) & Brink that got 8/10 on EG, that certainly aren't in UC's league even if it ends up worse than UC or UC2.

    If I though for one second this was anything other than platform bias metacritic shenanigans then I wouldn't have even commented and happily expected an 8/10 experience 2nd of November.

    Imo it was metacritic shenanigans with the Ico HD collection review(which I own), and again looks the same for this.

    I wonder if officially complaining to metacritic post release can get this EG score removed.

  • roz123 #96 4 months ago

    I thought it was a well written review that praises the games obvious good points but is not afraid to point out its limitations.

  • evnewell #97 4 months ago

    "mainstream Boy's Own romp whose primary interest is in creating unrivalled thrills through daring spectacle rather than daring design."

    I've been hating on the Uncharted series for a while. I find them fun, and superbly developed, but they play it so safe and so linear. I can't help but be a little disappointed that Naughty dog has taken a much simpler approach to game design than it did with Jak 2 and 3.

    Batman, is blowing my mind. Nathan drake never gets upgraded, there's only ever one way to progress, one path to follow - no choice. I can't love a game that puts all of it's ambition into graphical presentation... especially when we have Rage to show us how to do it properly.

    Why do I need uncharted when I have Batman and Rage?

    I don't.

  • osamanobama #98 4 months ago

    Just curious why would they let a troll review Uncharted 3. You should find some that is neutral to review it. This is laughable, I can't believe this will count against its metacritic score.

  • darkmorgado #99 4 months ago

    @Steizgr8

    Well yes, but it's IGN. They're about as reputable as a man in a back alley offering to sell you a payday loan.

  • Cjail #100 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • faster1974 #101 4 months ago

    I have no problems with an 8 from Eurogamer - they've given the same mark to some of my favourite games- but this is from the same reviewer that gave an 8 to Brink. I'm at a loss to explain how those two games could be perceived as being at the same level.

  • Subquest #102 4 months ago

    @vizzini ...intentionally to provoke a reaction from people

    Yeah, and I would find your opinion valid if you hadn't gone down the whole conspiracy route... :rolleyes: This is one reviewers opinion, which offers a balance which I, for one, appreciate. Would you prefer that people who disagree with you just disappear altogether? Wouldn't that be nice!
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 18:55

  • Smoped #103 4 months ago

    They're not knocking 2 points off because it's too familiar, they're knocking 2 points off because it works better as a movie than as a game, or at least that's how I took it. Then again, that was what I was afraid of all along.

  • roz123 #104 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • P1GEONPOO #105 4 months ago

    Want to know what would really make this new site great?
    Some Battlefield 3 articles.

  • Sonic_D #106 4 months ago

    This review has more or captured what thought of Uncharted 2, totally agree if as I suspect the same has been achieved again. 8/10 is fair, 10/10 it never was. It's all about the spectacle (and what a spectacle it was!), but gameplay took a back seat for me.

    Oh and sorry to be an electrical pedant but "every ohm of PlayStation processing power" is just plain wrong. Ohm is a unit of resistance, a load that will consume power not provide it.

  • HokutoNoKen #107 4 months ago

    EDGE review: http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/uncharted-3-d rakes-deception-review ( 9 / 10 )

    IGN review: http:/ /ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1210241p1.html ( 10 / 10 )

    CVG review: http://www.compute randvideogames.com/323193/reviewsuncharted-3-drakes-deceptio n-review/?page=1 ( 9.5 / 10 )

    Gametrailers review: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-unchar ted-3/722908 ( 9.5 / 10 )

    Gamereactor review: (10 / 10, second opinion 10 / 10)

    / Ken
    Edited by 4 at 24/10/11 @ 19:12

  • Cjail #108 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • makeamazing #109 4 months ago

    @evnewell No offence dude, but you couldn't have picked three totally different games to compare..

    Rage is No Batman, and Batman is no Uncharted, they all do things differently, and are in effect different types of games.

  • welshben23 #110 4 months ago

    I haven't played the game yet of course, but this review is the biggest pile of bulls**t I've read on this site since the Mafia 2 review. Criticising the game for everything that Uncharted 2 did well and also criticising the things that Batman: AC also makes you do/doesn't let you do but that gets a glowing review, by a different reviewer I know. This site needs a lot more consistency. Eurogamer going against the grain yet again just to be different, you guys are turning into Edge.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 19:15

  • stevetrax #111 4 months ago

    U3 shallow and linear? Next they will say skyrim will be too open ended and non scripted and give that an 8 too

  • hiscore #112 4 months ago

    Needed people's attention to visit the new site..? You got it! ;-)

  • stegabba #113 4 months ago

    this is at minimum a 9, more of the same 4 years in a row? cods been doing the same exact same thing except uncharted is a much much much more polished game. 1st day buy

  • LeChuckie #114 4 months ago

    Quite a depressing review actually :(

  • RedSparrows #115 4 months ago

    waaa bias waaa metacritic waaa something or other.

    I hate you all.

  • Huxley82 #116 4 months ago

    @sfp_noodle Its not a cumulative calculation.

  • Ihya #117 4 months ago

    I equate reviewers to sports referees and economists; they make a living our of getting it right only some of the time. Once you bear that in mind you don't get annoyed by this review.

  • GrandpaUlrira #118 4 months ago

    I can't even read the end of the review because of the interview popup. Awesome site design!

  • Phoenisis #119 4 months ago

    @HokutoNoKen

    You're completely right, review grades for games are, indeed, massively inflated, especially for big-name titles from big-name (read: big-money) publishers.

    Wait, that wasn't the point you were trying to make? Oh...

  • Utilero #120 4 months ago

    Calm down people. It is a good score. Fortunately for Uncharted 3 many of the other reviewers have washed it with praise and good scores. Unfortunately for Parkin, he will always be remembered as the guy who gave an 8 to Brink... I am sure he lost quite some credibility for that.

  • CrispyXUK64 #121 4 months ago

    Good review, this is almost exactly how I see Uncharted 2, er, too.

  • Machiavellian #122 4 months ago

    For some, I am sure U3 will be a 10/10 game but I am thinking people like myself who enjoyed U2 but did feel like it was a very good game not great see 8/10 as stating exactly what we thought about the 2nd game. Very good game but only achieve greatness as long as you stick to the formula.

  • DifferentClass #123 4 months ago

    Wow. Here's me thinking on a scale of 1 - 10 an 8 was pretty damn good. What an embarrassing faux pas.

    I suggest if you want a review that validates everything you think then write your own and read it back to yourself. however, if you want a second opinion read other reviews but don't get all butt hurt if it doesn't mirror your own thoughts.

    Peace out.:cool:

  • FenderMaster #124 4 months ago

    Uncharted games are always amazing the first play through, but yeah, it's true that repeat playthroughs aren't quite as impressive. I still can't believe that Dark Souls, with its atrocious framerate, awful pacing and checkpointing, failure to explain fundamental gameplay concepts like levelling stats and weapon upgrading, no warning one hit kills (curse), and it's singular focus on combat to the exclusion of everything else gets a 9/10, and this gets an 8. This review was spot on about everything, but seemed to dwell on the things that make repeat playthroughs sink rather than what makes the first time playthrough so incredible!

  • syra #125 4 months ago

    8/10 is damming indeed

  • RedSparrows #126 4 months ago

    I can't believe that people still can't get over the fact that some people have differing opinions to themselves, that there are different reviewers on this site, and that we accept this score bollocks as gospel anyway.

  • captain-G #127 4 months ago

    So is it 8/10 like you say, or is it 10/10 like Eurogamer Italy gave it today. I don't want to hear that's it's your opinion man, opinions mean shit, is the game 10/10 or 8/10

    Are you trollin or is Eurogamer Italy talking shit, because you can't both be right, after looking at a long list of reviews I'm beginnign to think this place is trolling, just like it was in the Gears of war 3 review, even Cliff B thinks you're a bunch of haters. Maybe he's right

  • Diomedes #128 4 months ago

    Woah, pathethic review.....this is the kind of game that puts apart the men from the MS-fanboys. And as always, you did fall in the last group EG.

  • jefranklin18 #129 4 months ago

    I have no problems with the review, as such. All that I ask is that the MW3 review criticises the linearity and the fact it is a rinse and repeat franchise and has been for the last several iterations.

    What price consistency?

  • peterfll #130 4 months ago

    Unfortunately this review doesn't tell me anything I need to know about the game. Critising it for simply "being" the game its attempting to be isn't valid. It's a bit like saying there's too much spell casting in World of Warcraft.

    What I need to know from an Uncharted 3 review is, how does it stack up against the first two? Not going back to square one and criticising the game for a mechanic that was established two games ago.

    This would have been better reviewed by someone like Johnny Minkley. If Johnny called out a few issues with the game in comparison to the first two, I would have had more faith in what was said and the final score. As such I don't, and I don't feel informed by this review. And that EG, is what you're supposed to do.

  • Raiten #131 4 months ago

    I propably will never understand, how something highly scripted having a rope around your neck draging you trough the game, where momentary exploration is punished by infinitely respawning foes aka CoD, allways has praises for these things. But bring on another game with scripted gameplay and punishment for trying to leap out of boundaries, gets basicly trashed for it.

    I fully expect MW3 review to score 9 or 10 with praises for the same things UC3 gets slated for, i'm more than used to reviewers doing the same thing all the time.
    Not like i've any problems with UC3 score, just this double standardish stuff in for example EG reviews has never made any sense, hence why i can hardly trust reviews.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 09:33

  • MattEdWithCheese #132 4 months ago

    well, it seems that all of the problems I had with the other two are still present, mainly the corridor-like linearity so I will give this a miss...

  • Bonders99 #133 4 months ago

    For what it's worth the other Eurogamer sites that have posted the reviews, the scores are as follows:

    Holland - 9/10
    Italy - 10/10
    UK - 8/10
    Belgium - 10/10
    France - 9/10
    Portugal- 9/10

    Average - 9.2 / 10 or 92% for the purveyors of scores of old.

    Make of it what you will fellas.

  • TwitchyMcTwitch #134 4 months ago

    8/10 so it's a 9/10 then?

  • coolbritannia #135 4 months ago

    Welcome to the same argument Gears fans had with EG a month ago.

  • apoc_reg #136 4 months ago

    New site is slow and has lots of wasted space. Not loving it......

  • AnsemsApprentice #137 4 months ago

    How dare you be honest in your review, Eurogamer! (Yes I'm talkin' to the actual website, not the person who reviewed it). All the other sites are saying it's amazing -- that means you have to as well. You're not allowed to say what you think, you're meant to say what fans of the series want to hear. If you don't, you're either a negative twat; in Microsoft's pocket; or you're plain wrong. That's right, wrong. Opinions can be wrong.

    Even though I haven't played the game yet, I think you're way off and am deeply offended. How dare you put a smaller number at the end of the article than other's have.

    Shame on you.

  • ChesterPTR #138 4 months ago

    "...narrow, focused and ultimately shallow"
    You do not use those word with U3, you just do not.
    Too bad review is focused mostly on what goes wrong with the game instead of highlighting wonderful stuff.

    To me this review lacks personal approach that other portals seemed to grasp perfectly.

  • penhalion #139 4 months ago

    You crumple and die if you deviate from a set path....

    Did differnt people make this installment? Or have naughty dog just gotten arrogant based on past successes?

    I think eurogamers score here is on the money if not a little too high. The visuals may be great and spectacular but, if I'm reduced to being drakes butler for most of the game then 10/10 this game ain't!

  • miiiguel #140 4 months ago

    This would probably be good with Kinect since it's on-rails.

  • RawNinjaKid #141 4 months ago

    To be honest, I do find the Uncharted series too straight, scripted and limited at times. But NOT to the extent of "That is not your predestined path: Game Over." (!!) That's like saying that you can't avoid death (by falling) in this game without using some sound logic or the game's broken.

    I also don't agree with the reviewer on finding Treasures. I find them fun, looking for them in the hidden nooks in environments you think are closed off to you.

    The series has got some of the best detailed graphics and great immersive story and characters, this generation. Together with tight controls and gameplay, I think 9/10 would have been fine.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 20:21

  • Beano #142 4 months ago

    Only 8 like Gears 3?

    Getting a bit nervous now, hopefully just Simon who had a bad day since it's getting rave reviews elsewhere.

  • misterdoctor #143 4 months ago

    Jesus Christ this review made me feel like I was thirty five and stuck in a cubicle at a dead end job.

  • Scimarad #144 4 months ago

    An 8/10 from grumpy is very high praise, I think :)

  • djronz. #145 4 months ago

    The review does sound a little "off" but its hard to make an opinion seeing as most of us have nt played it yet! However, it does seem that most of the negatives are pointed at things that have previously made the uncharted series such a hit.

    This is just one mans opinion though, and hes hardly slated it! I personally loved uncharted more than uncharted2, eg gave them 9 and 10 respectively, and im sure i'll love this one too.

    When i read the term "open world" it means "being able to aimlessly wander though eventually having to do what the game wants anyway". Most of these open worl games leave me bored to tears, uncharted and its like are just my thing however and judging from scores elsewhere its a lot of other peoples thing too!

  • Rajin #146 4 months ago

    As a PS3 owner i loved the first 2 games, but at the end of 2 i wasn't craving for another Uncharted. I guess the reviewer has the same problem and reviewed the game with that sentiment. Giving a 10 to uncharted 2 however, and a 8 for this is just strange.

    Just knock one off from 2 and add it to 3:p. 2 for all it's merits wasn't a masterpiece imo.

    Here's me hoping they'll make a new franchise, or else that uncharted kart game might become reality.....
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 20:35

  • Ryze #147 4 months ago

    AdvertGamer.net!

    It's all very pretty and slick, but I may have to install Adblock for the first time in a few years!

    :D

  • makeamazing #148 4 months ago

    What surprises me is when readers only use one source on how good a game is... this isn't the only games site, go look elsewhere and come up with a collective view.

    If i had listened to EG i would have never played Dead Island or Mafia 2 (the review for that was shocking to be honest)... and i should have purchased Brink... which was really quite bad, and how it got an 8 is even more shocking... its these strange variations that make you realise that you have to rely on your own opinions.

    For UC3.. its more of the same... if you never liked UC you probably won't like this one, if you loved it, then you will probably love this one... its pretty easy really. Relying on one guys opinion on a game and then not buying or buying because of that one opinion is stupid.

    For example, this reviewer doesn't think that the game makes collecting treasures a big deal, but for some gamers just collecting them/finding them is the big deal. Not everyone is the same, and to rely on a persons opinion 100% is going to make sure you miss out on some cracking games.

  • HeNiCiDe1988 #149 4 months ago

    well it has gotten pretty damn high considering how linear it is, like 10/10 and 9 or higher. But cant wait for this game

  • tinyspark #150 4 months ago

    4/10 for the new site design EG, in mobile mode part of the review is obscured by other features and the comments box ops off the right hand side of the screen.

  • kirinnokoshin #151 4 months ago

    Bloody hell this bitching really is relentless. Do some people think the game 'gets worse' once one review site puts out a score lower than some others? If I owned a PS3 and hadn't played UC games I would buy this one based on the review. If I was a fan of the games I wouldn't give a shit that EG only gave it an 8 and get it anyway. Edge have given Super Mario 3D Land an 8, do you people honestly think that will stop fans of Mario games buying it!

    Toughen up please.

    And by the way:

    "I still can't believe that Dark Souls, with its atrocious framerate, awful pacing and checkpointing, failure to explain fundamental gameplay ............ = 9/10"

    I can, because I'm actually playing it, unlike some who allow themselves to be bamboozled by....... a single moderately critical review!

  • Fab4 #152 4 months ago

    I can't see the score because the site is fucked.

  • miiiguel #153 4 months ago

    It's an 8. But ppl are saying it should be a 10 or something. That's about it.

  • djronz. #154 4 months ago

    @miiiguel

    wel yeah, but people are critical because the review penalises the game for being linear. You dont get on a rollercoaster then moan its too linear.

  • DBLue #155 4 months ago

    Since I played the second Uncharted I've wondered where all the praise came from.

    It wasn't a bad game at all, but - just like this reviewer seemed to do - I was unable to ignore the feeling I was being taken along through the game's scripted sequences without a single bit of leeway on the gameplay. I won't say the game should be open world or some other nonsense, but some more elaborate platforming and puzzles that don't spit the solution on my face wouldn't obliterate the pacing as some think it would.

    You know a game that plays quite like Uncharted? Enslaved. Linear platforming, repetitive combat, nice story, great mocap and animation. Now tell me how many people bashed it while ignoring the same issues in Uncharted, if only because the former lacks the polish and visual splendor of the latter.

  • Graftonator #156 4 months ago

    Uncharted 3 is peerless? But then, 8/10? Erm, pick one? Surely it is either without peers, or an 8/10 game? Reminds me of Alan Hansen talking about Theo Walcotts crossing in an episode(? is that the right word?!) of match of the day last year. "Perfect. 7/10." WTF?!

    I haven't read the rest of the review as I don't want plot spoilers, figured I'd be safe with the score and final paragraph but I hate the use of superlatives followed by a lower score.

    Why on earth they get people who don't like a game to review it I don't know. I wouldn't trust my mums opinion of the latest sci-fi movie (It doesn't make any sense she'd probably say!) but if she said the latest pixar film was good fun, I'd take her word for it. Probably get a lot of visitors/hits from Metacritic visitors with an 8 though...

    and I assume more money from advertisers.

  • IMD1_Pk #157 4 months ago

    Lol since when do people take IGN reviews seriously

  • lavalant #158 4 months ago

    Pretty good review, I'd say Uncharted 2 was an 8/10 also, behind all the outstanding production values was a very good but not great game.

  • Snake_2011 #159 4 months ago

    http://www.thesixtha xis.com/2011/10/24/uncharted-3-review-ps3/comment-page-3/#co mment-384721 great review imo meaning the link not this turd on EG.

  • funkateer #160 4 months ago

    I think the review is actually quite honest in tone, but for me personally this will probably a 9/10 at least, purely for the super high quality roller-coaster ride this will undoubtedly provide.
    Turn up the volume, dim the lights, leave your brain at the door and experience THE truly great cinematic gaming thrill ride of the year!

    So the main complaint of the reviewer is that it's becoming a bit familiar now, but the peerless entertainment value and polish still warrants this the great score of 8/10 (and really, it is still a great score!).

    And EG is actually quite consistent with Gears of War 3's score (also an 8).
    Not that review scores should be consistent; reviewers are quite human after all.

  • OmniSlash #161 4 months ago

    IGN - 10/10
    GameInformer - 9.5/10
    GameTrailers - 9.5/10
    Eurogamer - 8/10

    What have you been smoking while playing UC3 EG?

  • nevarran #162 4 months ago

    A modern day shit-bomb: give a PS3 exclusive game some low score and wait for the smell...
    It's just that guy's opinion, what are you bitching about... If you want to see 10/10 go read IGN.

  • ronuds #163 4 months ago

    There are a number of 8s out there now, so I don't see how EG's 8 is so outlandish.

    Even still, 8 is an excellent score. If you've been coming to EG for a while, you should know what to expect from them.

  • LR100 #164 4 months ago

    @roz123 They are only limitations if you're expecting a different sort of game. This is the 3rd Uncharted game, we all know what sort of game to expect.

  • kceenav #165 4 months ago

    @Fox89
    If a summer blockbuster were brilliantly executed, perhaps far more so than any other has been to date, it certainly could(!) justifiably be rated "highest".
    To compare such a film to one of another genre may produce insightful thoughts, but doesn't really give an absolute point of reference...

    I think what we see here is someone not inclined to like a linear, "blockbuster" action-adventure comparing it to supposedly "deeper" types of games. The result is an interesting read but the rating isn't relevant for most who care for the Uncharted-series.

    Would have better suited to a non-mainstream gaming-site.

  • Pehmu #166 4 months ago

    Fanboys vs. Simon Parkin

    So far Parkin is the only one of us who has actually played and finished the game. Clearly the fanboys can do even better than that since they already know - without even touching the game - that Parkin is simply wrong.

    And they are too simple to understand Parking actually liked the game. I guess they skipped the text part. Again.

  • AOFanboi #167 4 months ago

    @menschenfracht : "Unkarted", coming to a PS3 near you 2014 :)

  • IronGiant #168 4 months ago

    You give Uncharted2 a 10/10 which has the same 'limitations' in gameplay.. odd. Couldn't care less i still can't wait. Edge gave the game 9/10, now it's EG trying to be controversial :)

  • HarryPalmer #169 4 months ago

    I don't normally take issue with reviews before I've actually played the game, BUT, it does sound a little like its being criticised for all the things that kinda help make it great. You cant have a cinematic action game without it being tightly scripted - see Half Life 2, Call of Duty, Gears of War etc. Anyway, 8 is still a great score, and if its more of the same I'll be very happy indeed.

  • redcrayon #170 4 months ago

    @IronGiant

    Not really sure how scoring something one point lower is controversial.

  • IronGiant #171 4 months ago

    34 reviews so far on Metacritic, average score of 94. Apart from EG the only other journalistic luminaries who scored it 8/10 are Gamereactor Denmark and Gamekult. Make your own mind up, i'll come back to this thread once i've played the game for myself.

    Though it must be as good as Halo and that was a 10/10 game for me :)

  • -cerberus- #172 4 months ago

    Looks great but much like the two previous games, it's a used purchase for me.

  • NeverEatYellowSnow #173 4 months ago

    To be honest I couldn't give a shit about any review EG posts.
    The only reason I use this app is you get more knowledge/information from 99% of the comments/forum section of the site.

    Looking forward to the game!

  • Smoped #174 4 months ago

    You know, hype is a funny thing. When GTA4 came out pretty much everybody, including Eurogamer IIRC, gave it a 10/10, but with the benefit of hindsight most people now agree that the game was far from perfect. Only time will tell whether it's the same with Uncharted 3.
    I see no point in trying to "prove" that a review is "wrong".

  • bladdard #175 4 months ago

    Did the idiot who reviewed this know that the uncharted series are cinematic action games and not RPG's. What did he think he was reviewing Skyrim?

    EDIT: Changed dickhead to idiot, dickhead is probably a bit strong TBH.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 21:51

  • Dr_Salvador84 #176 4 months ago

    Better than Brink Simon?

  • drumbaby #177 4 months ago

    EG's reviews have been decidedly odd of late. All sounding down, but with surprisingly big scores. This has a similar thing going on, but with the addition of the reviewer simultaneously acknowledging what makes the series great, while also penalising it for those very same things.

    Like I said, decidedly odd. But now becoming worryingly familiar.

  • carlosdfn #178 4 months ago

    Hey look at me, I have really high standards. You want a 9 from me game developers? Try harder!

  • nicfaz #179 4 months ago

    Disappointed this is so much like Uncharted 2 but relieved that other people share my dislike of being an actor rather than a gamer. An actor with a ****ing fussy director too. Couldn't stand Uncharted 2 and traded it immediately, after buying it because I believed the hype around it. Won't be making the same purchasing mistake here. If I want a movie experience I'll go to a movie or buy a blu-ray.

  • vizzini #180 4 months ago

    Redcrayon: “Not really sure how scoring something one point lower is controversial.”

    One review by itself isn't, but look at the Ico HD collection metacritic scores, EG have all their region sites like Italy also on the shenanigans which means it drops from a high 90, down to 91 because of the scoring normalization on metacritic; even though both original games on metacritic are high nineties.

    And people pointing to Enslaved as a point of review reference should consider whether the subject matter was of the same interest in Enslaved, or if the plot was telegraphed or hidden from the beginning, then revealed slowly for story telling surprise.

    Even the amount of physics simulation in UC games (water, wind, inertia) as gameplay mechanics (isn't in Enslaved), and already shown at E3 to have been upped againing from UC2. Combined with a large 2player (now 3player) online story co op stages (beyond the single player), and then the multiplayer, with full match replay recording and editing and upload to youtube features(as the beta offered), you really have to wonder if the single player in 2D or 3D is completely shite according to Parkin for EG to only warrant a 8/10.

  • one-liner #181 4 months ago

    Uncharted is one of the few game series my Lady can sit and watch me play without saying: "why are all the women's boobs massive and why do their hips dislocate when they walk?". (I'm looking at you Arkham City...grumble)

    If its good enough for Harrison ford and his ear-ring, then it's good enough for me!

  • Astro-Creature #182 4 months ago

    You can tell when a game will score over 8 on EG. The site is usually covered in banners of the game.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 22:14

  • spekkeh #183 4 months ago

    So many fanboy tears. If this was an actual movie it would get fives and sixes across the board and you know it. When games veer closer to that other medium, at one point pretty graphics don't cut it anymore and it will be rated as either a movie (and not have a really poignant plot), or as a game (and lacking in interactivity).

    Then not even withstanding that it's great not every reviewer agrees on everything. Otherwise what's the point of even writing a review (don't answer this, I know yall only reading reviews to abate your cognitive dissonance).

  • LLT_taz #184 4 months ago

    As some have wrote Uncharted is a Genre choice... this reviewer is notable not a cinematic man. I have Halo, COD and any FPS as its the Genre which i dislike. MW and halo reach are both 10/10 games. i dislike fable and zelda but again both do well on their systems...

    I love cinematic, well written story telling games. i play uncharted to find out what will happen between Drake n Helena. where does chloe come in.. the cheeky jack the lad comments. and how they use old stories and turn them into myths.

    So please do a review on what Uncharted is!!! a great cinematic story driven game...
    as i would give batman AC that review as i dislike what it is...

  • Bigmac1910 #185 4 months ago

    Even Edge gave it a 9, you have to give credit when credit is due. You just don't seem to like the series period. Very biased and very poor show.

  • spekkeh #186 4 months ago

    @OmniSlash since when is 8/10 something else than a recommendation. If it was a 3/10, then you could speak of a dissenting opinion (and even that just boils down to a difference in taste)

  • spekkeh #187 4 months ago

    @kceenav How many critics gave Transformers a 10, even though it was pretty perfect as far as kids oriented popcorn summer blockbusters go?
    None, cause it's still a crass summer blockbuster.

  • myms1ps3 #188 4 months ago

    Well saw that coming a mile away.
    The second game was short and shallow,so it looks like ND is sticking to this generation's winning formula.
    Certainly won't justify the price-tag, just like it's predecessor.
    Probably worth picking up on the cheap.
    There's no denying it looks spectacular-shame there's no scope(by the sounds of it).
    Would have been nice to solve the puzzles this time round myself but as EG says, Uncharted is a rollercoaster-we're just along for the ride.

    So that's 3 triple-A titles in Uncharted3, Batman and Dark Souls from this period so far-and only Dark Souls at least achieved expectations while
    Batman relys heavily on challenges following a convoluted, short campaign.

    They don't make 'em like they used to!

    Roll on Skyrim

  • UkHardcore23 #189 4 months ago

    Good to see it get a very high score, roll on next Tuesday.

  • Dave52 #190 4 months ago

    The same score that you gave to Brink - thanks Simon.

  • captainCandy #191 4 months ago

    Gonna skip this tunnel run as well.

  • Billy_Sastard #192 4 months ago

    fnar

  • redcrayon #193 4 months ago

    @vizzini

    Yeah, but metacritic is only useful if everyone uses the same scale. It's no secret that Eurogamer tends to score a bit lower than other mags on average, so why the particular uproar over one measly point here?

    It's one review, I just don't get how people manage to get so angry because one guy's opinion differs from the average by 14%. He played it and found some things that he thought could have been better. Just adjust by a point or so if you liked the first two and go about your day.

    The worst thing that could happen to games journalism is that it becomes a homogenous mass, with any opinion that doesn't line up with metacritic stamped out. Critics are paid to have an informed opinion, not to jump into line with each other.

    If it was wildly out of sync with the others, then fair enough. but if one person says 'great' and another says 'amazing', it's hardly unbelievable, is it.

  • Killerbee #194 4 months ago

    Although an 8 is a good score and I know I'll be buying this whatever, there are a couple of lines in there that stand out as being particularly unfair:

    There is no reason to play the game twice beyond finding these (collectibles).


    and:

    Back in the main campaign and, as a slice of one-view entertainment, Uncharted 3 is peerless

    What happened to replaying a game just because it was a bloody brilliant experience that you enjoyed? You know, like you might enjoy a great movie or book or album a second or third time (or more)?

    The fact is, there's lots of reasons to play games more than once besides achievement hunting or collectible gathering. How about commenting in the review on whether the AI on harder difficulties changes the way the shooting sections play?

    I can buy the fact that Uncharted 3 is a scripted, linear and heavily directed game - the first two were the same, after all - but it seems harsh to criticise it for doing exactly what it (surely) set out to do. If I want to play massive and open-ended, I'll play Skyrim in another couple of weeks, but sometimes it's possible to really enjoy a good adventure story, set pieces and scripting.

    Please, Eurogamer, a review like this, which reads like the reviewer wishes he'd been given a sprawling RPG to review instead, is no help as a buying guide or, for that matter, particularly enjoyable to read. We know that different people have different taste in genres - you wouldn't expect someone who hates football to be given FIFA to review, so why do Uncharted 3 the same disservice?
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 22:40

  • j-bo #195 4 months ago

    The review felt a bit annoying because it didn't really tell me anything about the third instalment - it was more like a rambling article on ludology and gameplay v cinematics - blah etc. Interesting, but this could have been an article on the uncharted style of games, of which there are many. I don't really have any sense on how this builds or improves on the previous 2 games at all.

  • Walkerj #196 4 months ago

    You can't downrate a game because it is linear. That's completely ignorant. You rate a game based on how well it does what it is trying to do. That's like rating a game lower because it doesn't have multiplayer. It's not a 10/10 because they developers didn't make an open world game? That's silly.

  • jablonski #197 4 months ago

    Guess Naughty Do weren't willing to pay for a fancy EG microsite

  • varsas #198 4 months ago

    @Walkerj perhaps but one does downgrade a game for retreading old ground too closely. Compare uc1 to uc2 or batman aa to ac.

  • cloudskipa #199 4 months ago

    LOL Uncharted always was a bit overrated as a series IMO (don't hate), nice to see Eurogamer see sense and not get caught up in all the crazy hype. If this had of picked up GoTY over Dark Souls, Forza 4 or Skyward Sword I'd of been pissed.

  • Deftoneish #200 4 months ago

    How can this get 8/10 when Uncharted 2 got 10/10?!

  • CypherQ #201 4 months ago

    Hmmm reading this on iPad. Or trying to. :( hoped the site re-design may have taken into account the increasing popularity of tablet devices for viewing web content....

  • _LarZen_ #202 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • UncleLou #203 4 months ago

    You know a game that plays quite like Uncharted? Enslaved. Linear platforming, repetitive combat, nice story, great mocap and animation. Now tell me how many people bashed it while ignoring the same issues in Uncharted, if only because the former lacks the polish and visual splendor of the latter.

    Enslaved exaggerated it, robbing you entirely of the illusion you're actually mattering. And polish and visual splendor might not matter as much in a different genre, but in an entirely cinematic game that completely lives from splendor and perfection rather than deep mechanics, a lack of those is a major failure.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 22:57

  • jaec #204 4 months ago

    I have to say that I loved the Uncharted games (though I did very much dislike the first game on my first go, that's a whole other story) and I was buying this one regardless of the review score. That said, it seems a fair opinion; the game hasn't made the huge leap on from its prequel that Uncharted 2 did, save the rather cool fire effects and ladder physics (see cargo plane). I wish that the helping hand on jumping was gone, but as Simon said in the review, it's probably to keep the flow of the game going.

    All I can say is roll on next week!

  • _LarZen_ #205 4 months ago

    It's a mather of taste...this is one of the lower scores I have personaly read. Good to see that many give it better scores around.

    So far 11 sites have given it max points...

    http://www.metacritic.co m/game/playstation-3/uncharted-3-drakes-deception/critic-rev iews

  • jonlaptop3030 #206 4 months ago

    That is a bullshit review Eurogamer. Wrong reviewer choice.If you're not careful you'll lose your edge, just like edge magazine did many moons ago.

  • varsas #207 4 months ago

    @cloudskipa Forza 4, GOTY? LOL imho :)

  • Cobalt_Jackal #208 4 months ago

    EG are you gonna take points off of Skyrim for being an open-world sandbox game?.

  • vizzini #209 4 months ago

    @redcrayon

    I could agree with you if metacritic didn't exist, but the metacritic scores are now being coerced positively and negatively for market purposes with marketing dollars, and 8/10 on all EG sites for a game that I have little doubt is better than 8/10 is a black mark on the games record forever, and damaging to the creative process of all game development imo.

    If lesser developers then question if ND's development and production methods aren't superior to their own, because it didn't get tops scores(9 or 10) across the board from influential sites.

    For Parkin&EG to retain credibility, they have to be consistent with EG's reviews for UC & UC2, and in line with the games efforts within its genre, and that is where the review text and score looks decidedly dodgy to me and many other commentators in this thread.

    Metacritic is the problem; as it can be just as unreliable(imo) as mags or sites that do paid adverts since the dawn of the games industry.

  • cloudskipa #210 4 months ago

    @carlosdfn But games have to evolve over time, even if that 10/10 for U2 does stand up in Mr Parkins head. If a sequel barely improves upon the core features of it's predecessor then it should get a fair review score to reflect that. 8/10 is a very good score indicating it's a very good game, fail to see why so many people are upset. Gears 3 got a score that also reflect this same thinking even though that game also had many refinements and improved graphics.

    But ultimately with both games we are on the third installments here guys, if there's not big improvements made then it shouldn't really score a 10 tbh (both linear action games with good/superb multiplayer) and certainly not after some of the ground breaking games we have already seen this year (like Dark Souls and Forza 4).

  • Wildsleven #211 4 months ago

    i expected a 9 at least but different reviewer.. different score :)

    but if u love uncharted then theres no question about buying this game, i really couldnt care less about reviews as we all know this game will be great none the less :D

  • myms1ps3 #212 4 months ago

    It's nice to see a reviewer courageous enough to be unintimidated by the unjustifiably inflated reputation of an average series.
    Let the other morons(IGN and the rest) suck up to Naughty Dog, just keep pumping out honest reviews contrary to the hype-machine.

  • Darren #213 4 months ago

    Seriously, do review scores on sites like EG really matter if you loved Uncharted 2 to bits like I and many others did? It doesn't matter whether EG gave the third game a 7 or a 10; Uncharted 3 is more of the same highly polished and addictive blend of platforming and shooting. I'm 100% confident that I'll love it.

  • redcrayon #214 4 months ago

    Fair enough Vizzini. I take your point on consistency over time, but do you not think that expectations change over time, too- if Oblivion were released today, it would get much harsher reviews as it just wouldn't seem as amazing anymore.

    They are just reviews, written to entertain and inform by a critic, and the problem is with games companies taking metacritic too seriously and using averages of subjective criticism to base people's bonuses on. It's just crazy.

    Also, I'm sure that most people, looking at the list of reviewers that Metacritic uses, rate some a good deal higher than others. Which is another reason that I don't like metacritic- it's drawing an average from people rating things on completely different scales, and often for different audiences.
    Edited by 1 at 24/10/11 @ 23:39

  • xilverninja #215 4 months ago

    @sfp_noodle Nice one, you have a point there I think!

  • Negotiator1 #216 4 months ago

    They peaked with Uncharted 2, more of the same ain't gonna cut it, not after Arkham City has raised the bar for what a sequel can do.

  • carlosdfn #217 4 months ago

    @cloudskipa

    The examples you use for groundbreaking games are actually quite ironic.

    Forza 4 is just another racing game but does exactly what UC3 does within it's own genre, it pushes the formula as far as it can go on current hardware.

    As for Dark Souls, it isn't groundbreaking, Demon's Souls was groundbreaking, Dark Souls just tries to take it a step further, that's what sequels do, you know, like UC3.

    Damn, I've never written so many comments on a review, I'm giving this article way more importance than it deserves.

  • Flynn #218 4 months ago

    Surprised by the score, was expecting at least a 9/10. However I'd already decided to rent because of a short single player, better multiplayer elsewhere, online pass = no cheap preowned purchase calculation I made.

  • andy06 #219 4 months ago

    Probably right.

    I've always thought the Uncharted series largely summed up the modern blockbuster game: corridor shooter clones a la GoW/Resistance/Killzone, usually with 2-3 sequels, a sprinkling of story, two dimensional characters, fantastic visuals and attracting an array of 10/10s. Then you play the thing and get bored halfway through.

    The first Uncharted was an absolute chore to play through, the second improved massively on that but it was still an 8 at best. This sounds like more of the same. I think I'll pass this time.

  • Laythe_AD #220 4 months ago

    A not unreasonable review, honest and fair in its criticisms and praises, that clearly explains its logic. A review that repeatedly uses words such as peerless in places, is not negative. On the other hand, as one comment suggested, the logic could be a bit more consistantly applied to the likes of COD. I suspect the reason it does not, is because of how much more focussed upon its multiplayer COD has become. The single player of that game is no longer the main dish. The expectation of Uncharted on the other hand is just that, and pointing out that it is rather a one play-through title is a fair comment.

  • LR100 #221 4 months ago

    No one can really call this review "fair" until we all get to play it. What if it turns out all the criticisms in this review are unfair? That's the trouble when discussing opinions.

  • dstarr78 #222 4 months ago

    Ooh the review all on one page. I like this :)

  • FuzzyDuck #223 4 months ago

    Wait, wait, why are people going on about Arkham City like it has reinvented the wheel? It is absolutely fantastic, yes (i played it today for far too long, such is its quality), but it's still a fairly linear game, albeit one with a massive hub-world.

  • mukki #224 4 months ago

    good review thanks

  • Syrette #225 4 months ago

    Some astonishingly stupid and embarrassing comments here.

    Particularly anything along the lines of:

    "But EG gave Uncharted 2 10/10"

    "But EG gave Rage and Brink 8/10"

    "I can't believe they only gave it 8/10 even though I've never played it, they must be trolling with that low score"

    "EG gave it 8/10 so they could stand out on the title's Metacritic page"

    "The reviewer clearly doesn't like the franchise so why did he review it?"     I'm pretty sure he likes Uncharted if he's giving it a high score like 8/10
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/11 @ 00:35

  • frazzl #226 4 months ago

    It's not the linearity that's the issue here, it's how the game limits players, sacrificing gameplay freedom for cinematic flair. In a game about being an explorer, not being able to explore really is a significant negative. I enjoyed the first Uncharted quite a bit, but the 2nd one wore thin for me towards the end and unfortunately this one sounds to be the same. I always thought the new Crystal Dynamics Lara Croft titles captured the Indiana Jones feel a lot more capably than Uncharted, which is a shame given that Drake is a pretty good facsimile of Indy. I'll eventually get this, definitely, but with the wealth of better titles like Arkham City (a linear game too!) available, it won't be right away.

  • survivalism #227 4 months ago

    @Whitster thats up too digital foundry m8 ;P

  • mitchjay1992 #228 4 months ago

    8/10 is a great score but the review is, to be frank, terrible.

    Why hate on something this year that's similar to the previous years when you loved them? You can't fix what isn't broken and other reviewers seem to know this.

    You can give whatever score you want but at least provide valid points for the score and not just complain about silly things that the fans of the series don't actually want.

  • Razz #229 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • cloudskipa #230 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3 Yeah. I see many people getting excited and quoting IGN review scores around the net but I'm always very suspicious of these big gaming sites, especially when it's been known before in the past they accept money for advertising from game publishers and kind of have a forced hand in some respects, I wouldn't even be surprised at review scores being "bought off" so to speak, it's a big business with lots of money involved.

    From my personal experience with Uncharted 1 and 2 and from what I've seen of U3 and there's no way such a linear action game in this day and age (no mater how polished and nice the gfx are) deserves a 10/10 or 100% scores. I'm sure it's a very good game though, but it's far too simplistic and one-tracked to be within reach of the best games EVER made (only fanboys or casuals with little gaming knowledge would think so surely?) nor is it even GotY material.

    If it wasn't an exclusive it wouldn't see half as much fuss, let's be honest here.

  • captain-hurrdurr #231 4 months ago

    So when MW3 comes out and you give it a 10/10 it is supposed to be the best thing ever created. I think not.

    The Uncharted series is one of the best made and for IGN to give this one a 10/10 then maybe now EG are thinking that they gave the game to the wrong person because he clearly hates PS3 and Uncharted.

  • Dr_Salvador84 #232 4 months ago

    BRINK

  • Flyers021 #233 4 months ago

    Are you kidding me? An 8????? This review reeks of BIAS. Ok... so the reviewer gave Child of Eden a 9, but gave this an 8...can someone make sense of this other than he is an Xbox idiot? So...according to this guy, you need to buy Child of Eden over Uncharted 3. B I A S. Why does every other review give no less than a 9. Eurogamer gave Uncharted 2 a '10', so what accounts for the drop in two points between the two games? Any logical explanations would suffice. I don't normally comment on reviews, but when I see IGN give a 10 and this idiot website give it an 8, it smells like something is fkn wrong. I tried to watch the video review and could not stomach the constant sarcasm of EVERYTHING. Try it and see. Thankyou for covering the multiplayer aspects on the written review. I don't know if it was covered in the video review as the two idiots would not shut up. Watch it and see what I mean. Lost all respect for this website...does it have an editor which monitors the reviews? Pathetic

  • Badassbab #234 4 months ago

    An 8 from EG for a high profile game means 9 or 10 for me. Im glad U3 is still a cinematic experience. I have enough sandbox games thank you.

  • cloudskipa #235 4 months ago

    @carlosdfn But the thing is Forza 4 IS a groundbreaking game as is Dark Souls.

    Granted Forza 4 on the outisde may not look like it, but the more you play the more you realise what a HUGE improvement it is to the last installment, so many new modes added (Rivals, Autovista, Kinect, brand new physics, twice as much car detail etc) to a point where the series is really finding it's feet now and feels completely different to the game before it.

    Demon's Souls was ground Breaking in it's own way for sure, but Dark Souls takes everything that was good about it and improves upon just about every aspect. Dark Souls is quite a radical departure from Demon's Souls as it's a fully open World game now with Metroid inspired level design thrown in, that's quite a large difference to Demon's Souls. It also has different gameplay mechanics such as the Humanity feature.

    Arkham City is also a good example as mentioned in a post just after mine on how to make a sequel.

    Now compare what I've just said to Uncharted 3, what does it have that's so new? A refined and improved melee system yes, new weapons, new storyline but the core game and it's design (single & multi) is fundamentally the same and it's still only an 8 hour campaign. There's just nothing about it that really sets itself apart from Uncharted 2 expect a new storyline and better graphics and the odd refinements here and there.

    Now that is all good if you are a fan but don't moan when a gaming site like Eurogamer has the good sense to call out these deficiencies and score it appropriately.

  • Machiavellian #236 4 months ago

    After reading the comments in this thread, I feel Mr. parkin is more right on his score than previous. The things people loved about Uncharted 2 will be the same thing that people will love Uncharted 3 for and it's clearly defined within the text of the article. The problem is that for people who do not like having their hands held and led from one set piece to another, such gameplay is not going to please.

    It's easy to read the text of the article and make that very assumption and know this is what you want and I believe Mr Parkin has did a good job and stating those facts. For fans of the series, you know what you are getting without Mr. Parkin giving you any spoilers. For people who felt that U2 was a good game but not great, the text pretty much tell you the story you are looking for. 8/10 says buy me but it also says, there are a few who may not think this rollercoster ride isn't the best experience they have every had.

  • cloudskipa #237 4 months ago

    This Modern Warfare 3 argument...LOL

    Who really thinks it's going to get a 10/10 from Eurogamer? haha

  • Xardan #238 4 months ago

    Seems fair, Gears of War 3 was given an 8/10 too for doing nothing new. Cant accuse EG of any bias.

  • oi #239 4 months ago

    So it is as I feared. The writing was on the wall in the vastly overrated Uncharted 2 and it seems Naughty Dog really think making a pretty semi-interactive experience is the best way forward for gaming. An example should have been made here and I'm disappointed to see this getting a 8/10. I want more from my games than to take part in a glorified Dragon's Lair.

    /sigh

  • cloudskipa #240 4 months ago

    @Flyers021

    This review isn't full of bias, come off it now. You ask for reasons why it's "only" an 8/10 but it's right there in black and white, read what he has written, the games faults (and positives) are explained quite clearly; too scripted, little replay value, automated exploration/platform sections, extremely linear and far too much hand-holding. This accumulates into a safe sequel with little real advancement over Uncharted 2. These are legitimate objective reasons as to why he arrived at this score.

    You also cannot be serious comparing Child of Eden to Uncharted? Simon Parkin has reviewed over 150 games here on Eurogamer so going by that logic you could say Guardian Heroes on XBLA is better too? In fact looking through his review history I'd say he's one of the most professional and expressive reviewers here. Just because the score in't what YOU want to be you wheel out the old "he's a fanboy" argument. If he had of said something like the gunplay and cover mechanics still aren't up to Gears of War 3 standards then you may of have a point, but he didn't.

    Anyway, if you think this review is bad then PLEASE check out the IGN video review instead, there you will hear what you want to hear but it's a truly abysmal review, full of over the top, gushing praise that you really cannot take serious for a moment, not if you are serious about videogames yourself anyway.

  • jasonbean7 #241 4 months ago

    Wow, a good yet sobering review of this game. Very refreshing. Good job, man!
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/11 @ 04:10

  • DBLue #242 4 months ago

    I've noticed posts which are negged as little as two or three times are getting automatically (?) hidden. Isn't that a little harsh EG? Comments are supposed to present different opinions, not only the ones most people agree with.

  • eshy76 #243 4 months ago

    The thing that annoyed me most about this review was its lack of courage. It read pretty scathingly to me, so if the writer really believed what he wrote, it should have got a 6 or something. Why the 8?

    I found it a strange read. I (like many others I guess) approached this with UC2 easily being my favourite game this gen, and I couldn't relate to the reviewer at all. It was as if he had never played Uncharted before, complaining about the linear structure and hints ( can you turn those off?) which we had all gotten over in UC1.

    I wanted to read about whether the gameplay had improved in any way, whether the story was better than in UC2, whether the experience was as emotional as number 2 (remember Temzin's village and the ending). Mr Parkin wrote about number 3 as if it were any other game series, as if the sublime number 2 did not happen. I did not want to be told that liking a linear action game is wrong.

    This is a shame as the EG review for UC2 was my favourite review ever, written from the heart by someone who understood Uncharted and the people who enjoyed playing it. But despite the condescension of this review, I am definitely still getting this after getting the information I require about the game relative to UC2 in other reviews (alas for my favourite site EG).

  • Biker_Bob_1971 #244 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 16:59:10 06-02-2012

  • djronz. #245 4 months ago

    People should probably play the game before claiming Eg's review is wrong. It does have rather a negative slant though, claiming its "peerless" in its genre then slating it for being in that genre is strange, i guess the reviewer would prefer open world sandbox rpg uncharted? Not me, id rather just jump on and ride the rollercoaster, you can keep all your leveling up and aimless wandering around crap thank you.
    Personally, out of all the exclusives on consoles this gen, im glad ps3 has uncharted over anything else.

    Seems most reviews disagree with egs,but hey thats opinions for you.
    Out of 40 reviews on metacritic only 3 get 8, all the others are higher and averages at 94%. High praise indeed.

    I will most likely get this for xmas, still got ico and resistance 3 to get through.

    Oh, once again eg yo fail to even mention the 3d aspect of a game, bout time you invested in a 3dtv is nt it?
    Edited by 2 at 25/10/11 @ 06:19

  • Dewin #246 4 months ago

    This is quite obviously a reviewer that wants to be seen as 'hard'. It is a shout for attention. 'look at me, i can critisize a tripple A game. I must be amazing!' . This review is about him, and not the game. Or.... Eurogamer is playing the Metacritic game. If even Edge gave this game a 9, a magazine notorious for bashing sony, this review from Eurogamer was made for 'other' purposes. You are officially a troll Eurogamer.

  • TravisTouchdown #247 4 months ago

    @Fox89

    Thing is, we're talking about games - there is no 'Godfather' equivalent. The best summer blockbuster is the best that 'we' do.

    Not that it matters. As someone said earlier, Parkin's a bit of a tit - he once told a game dev conference audience not to expect good reviews unless the reviewers were 'involved' in the story of the game's development. I presume he's not been on the blower to Naughty Dog every day for the last couple of years, and feels like he needs to teach them a lesson, that's all.

  • Max.Power #248 4 months ago

    Ooops, Eurogamer did it again! Managed to be in those 3 out of 40 critics on Metacritic to score this game inder the 9/10. Just like it did with RDR))))
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/11 @ 07:53

  • MeBrains #249 4 months ago

    well it does sound like the reviewer got bored with the game. which is a tad strange. If professional journalists are not able to identify quality and gameplay experience for what it is, it is time for them to take a step back.

    much like I did over 10y ago. I got so fed up playing all these mediocre games, I was not able to enjoy the best examples anymore either. I quit the job then and there...

    based on what uncharted was and reading that this is the better installment - if nothing entirely new, U3 deserved a higher score, i.e. "Best in class".

    Fans too were actually not asking for anything new...

  • Ricky_Ragu #250 4 months ago

    A review of any game should be solely supported by the fact if the game does provide any sense of fun and joy. If you can have a good time and immerse with a game, that is all that matters. I don't care about the "samey" feeling Uncharted3 might have. The previous Uncharted games were great mainly because they were fun games with an immersive gameplay and a plot that grips you from the beginning. The rest is just nonsense to me. I have fun with Uncharted and that's all that matters. A review is just a personal perspective of one single person. And besides, there's always Greg Miller's review on IGN to gorge regarding Uncharted fans...

  • jarek98 #251 4 months ago

    8/10 is quite fair, but lowering Uncharted score for "beeing too cinematic" is not. The cinematic experience defines this game, without it it would not be Uncharted. With this logic I expect you will criticize Skyrim for having its world too open ;-)...

  • JadedSoul #252 4 months ago

    If this is the criteria that EG uses now then anything less than a 5/10 for the next Call Of Duty will be hypocrisy of the highest order.

  • morriss #253 4 months ago

    "Your freedom of choice risks ruining the shot. Indeed, throughout the game, if you jump into an area you are not supposed to visit, Drake will crumple on the floor dead, Naughty Dog switching role from movie director to vindictive god. That is not your predestined path: Game Over.

    "

    That's awful. Really, really bad. It's 2011, ffs.

  • morriss #254 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • Osahi #255 4 months ago

    Very odd the reviewer focusses on one element of the game (the cinematic set pieces) to prove his point, but has to silence the other, better part of the game (the shooting and climbing stuff) to do so. He gives the impression U3 is a totally other game it is.

    If you read this you get the feeling U3 is a covered up QTE-game with some shooting attached (which isn't all that important, it's like but HALF the game).

    and trust me, the shooting is FAN-TAS-TIC with awesome, clever AI that flanks and surrounds you, but can be 'tricked' when you manage to get to other cover unnoticed (they'll keep attacking the point they've last seen you). The environments are more open and Naughty Dog ads some extra flavour by changing the settings in a way it changes the gameplay.

    Also, the set pieces deliver. True, you can't deviate from the developpers intentions and it's sometimes more of a series of obstacles you have to overcome in time, it still feels like a game you PLAY, in stead of a game you look at. The chase that is described here really pulls you in because you often have to look for the target or have to scan the environment to find the right way (it's not all 'jump over that car on that moment' like the reviewer suggests)

    The only thing that bothered me a bit when I played the game to review it for a Belgian medium was that the story just followed the template from U2, and that it fails to suprise (most of the time, they're are some twist you don't see coming) on that part.

  • morriss #256 4 months ago

    "as soon as an AI soldier spots you so too does every enemy in the area, who instantly line up their sights on your position (even if you retreat to cover) with irritating telepathic prescience.
    "

    Also fucking awful.

  • morriss #257 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • morriss #258 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • morriss #259 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • morriss #260 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • SturgeonMaster #261 4 months ago

    Uncharted 2 was my game of the year. I have deliberately avoided all media for Uncharted 3. I haven't even read the above review. I want no spoilers at all. The review score doesn't matter, Uncharted 3 will probably be my game of this year. Although Batman:AC and Portal2 are also right up there too.

  • Arwin #262 4 months ago

    So, it's a 10/10 if you like this sort of thing, but an 8/10 if you need a game to be well-directed, good story, best-in class graphics and sound, something you can play with your wife next to you not getting bored, great multiplayer AND open world at the same time, or what? ;)

    This review has hints of wanting to be the odd-one out, or feeling the pressure of having to review too many great games at the end of the year, but hey. ;) I only skimmed through the review for all comments that did not spoil, as I've worked hard to know little about the game.

    Look forward to hearing some more about the 3D from Digital Foundry then, as no word of it here.

  • Geordiemp #263 4 months ago

    OH UC3 is scripted action set pieces.

    EUROGAMNER YOU ARE CRAP !!!!!!

    TELL ME WHICH ACTION SINGLE PLAYER GAME IS NOT SCRIPTED WITH TRIGGER POINTS.

    UC3 = YES.
    BATMAN AA = YES.
    COD = YES.
    BFBC = YES.

    SHALL I GO ON. LETS GIVE IT AN 8 AND GET SOME HITS.

    YOUR NEW LAYOUT IS POOR AS WELL. HAD ENOUGH.

    GOOD BYE BATTLEGAMER AS THE GUY ABOVE PUT IT.

  • Retro_ #264 4 months ago

    New site layout... nice low score for UC3 so it appears at the bottom of the Metacritic score sheet = Lots of new traffic.

    Just a theory.

  • Bigmac1910 #265 4 months ago

    Hmm, can't go to next page in the comments on iPad? Anyone else have this issue? Oh yeah, the last 3 paragraphs are still not readable on the iPad.

    Edit: Figured it out, when you press the order button to the newest, the next page choice disappears, and it stays that way even if you press the older button again. Must be a bug, please look into it.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 09:49

  • joelstinton #266 4 months ago

    Problem is, there are so many games that are so well made now. Most development studios know how to put together a worthy playable title. Should it not be that reviews now need to be more critical? Other wise every game will be reviewed 8/9 out of ten. Then its up to the reader to read the review rather than scroll to the score and go .. 8 out ten what a shit score (when it isn't)

    The review was actually well written, and read more of a 9 then its actual score. And for me, i know i will love this game. and thats all that matters.

    But hopefully with a new web layout comes a new scoring policy where its policy of 5 being a average game ,but perfectly playable, is a 5 and not a 7.

    There are few games that are worthy of a ten, that do change the way games are made, and are head and shoulders of above what has been made to that date, and even beyond (ICO, SOTC, FF7 OoT MGS1)

  • Geordiemp #267 4 months ago

    OH IVE JOINED GAMESTRAILERS DOWNLOAD REVIEWS IN HD. WELCOME TO 2011 EG.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 09:47

  • J_C_X #268 4 months ago

    I've said this before and I'll say it again, Uncharted 2 benefited from a weak winter for video games as there was hardly any triple A titles to go up against. If you look at the game of the year 2009 awards, Arkham Asylum and Demon Souls sweeped the board, why? Because in retrospect, Uncharted 2 (a decent game) wasn't as good or revolutionary as those afore mentioned titles.

  • spekkeh #269 4 months ago

    @ulov3 You work in the editing biz in North Korea? You won't let one of your top columnists ventilate his very well argued opinion? Oh who am I kidding, you're probably an intern desk cleaner at an editorial office.

  • Beano #270 4 months ago

    @cloudskipa Change your animated EG avatar - it's giving me seizures :p

  • Widge #271 4 months ago

    Uncharted 2 was better than Arkham Asylum. Both were excellent.

    Hard to grade Demons Souls against it though. DS was awesome if unpolished.

  • des #272 4 months ago

    Well,well...the emperor is naked

    It looks like this review will go into review hall of fame--well written and with spot on criticism,bringing down the hype machine.Fanboys are not pleased obviously but who cares.

    Review is not complaining against linearity,UC is a linear highly scripted game not GTA.Complaints are targeted against strict execution.

    btw,new website sucks
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/11 @ 10:54

  • AJGB #273 4 months ago

    Why these games have been lauded, ever, is beyond me. They're just movies. There is no interaction. There is no gameplay. They are pretty much everything that is wrong with modern videogames.

    And people are complaining that it should've gotten a 10.

    Should get a fucking 1.

  • darm #274 4 months ago

    "every ohm of PlayStation processing power"? That would have worked in Resistance review, but not here

  • djronz. #275 4 months ago

    @AJGB

    Appart from the fact you dont seem to have played an uncharted (no interaction) and ignoring the obvious troll aspect of your post, i actually think that whats wrong modern gaming is copy cat fps's with focus on multiplayer. Give me a game like uncharted with its old school arcade sensibilities dressed up in an epic adventure anyday.

  • kirankara #276 4 months ago

    fantastic game then by all accounts. we have same scenario as with Gears 3, where we have a more refined version of what is already a great game, and getting a lower score on EG. I can happily accept that, knowing that it's more of the same, but this criticism has to now be aimed at every sequel that occurs, including Arkham City, MW3, BF3( im guessing this wont happen) etc etc, as thats basically what theyve said. You do more of same, and even if you improve on prequel, its still more of same.

    This criticism is obviously very flawed and backs you into a corner, where you cant give sequels higher scores unless massively different and improved, which really never happens. So plenty more 8's for EG then lol

  • djronz. #277 4 months ago

    @kirankara

    its a flawed way of looking at things, its only more of the same if you ve played the previous games but the review does state that its peerless, so i guess that means its better than all of its type, even with an eight. Read the review and decide, to much is put on the number at the end, im mean you could put a row of tens at the end of a skyrim review but i would never buy it, i simply dont like that type of game.

  • djronz. #278 4 months ago

    Oh, new website would get knowhere near an 8, more like a 3 or 4.

  • kirankara #279 4 months ago

    @djronz

    I totally agree. i wouldnt buy skyrim, demon souls etc fort all money in world, same way I absolutely detested other games that have received high scores.

    Im just pointing out the flaw of this criticising sequels on basis that theyve not reinvented wheel, so to speak

  • Max.Power #280 4 months ago

    This review is an example of rule: no matter how good is the game, there`s always one how don`t get it.

  • kirankara #281 4 months ago

    ps, i really dont like the new format EG, its a total hazard on my galaxy s2, whereas old site was great to use. (using full site hd setting), and I really dont like the ultra basic mobile version

  • Pacmaninov #282 4 months ago

    The improvement between uncharted 1 and 2 was massive - would you have prefered unchartered 2 to have been pared back more to allow for a better sequel? It seems unfair to judge a game, not in its own right, but based on factors other than the code on that that particular disc.

    Your critisisms seem fair, but contrary to that of a fan of the uncharted series. Should A football fan review all fifa games, or a racing fan review formula 1 2011? I imagine if I reviewed football manager 2011 I would give it a solid 1 out of 10.

  • AJGB #283 4 months ago

    @djronz.

    There is no interaction. Pressing prompts to trigger cutscenes is not interaction. Having no impact on the ludonarrative is not interaction. Being dragged along a Cinematic Emotional Immersive railroad is not interaction. Interaction is actually having some effect on the outcome of an encounter and the game as a whole. These things are movies.

    Do you remember Dragon's Lair? Same thing, but with better graphics.

  • seanyboycorben #284 4 months ago

    Pretty shonky review - 8/10 is totally against the grain of everyone else.

    Plus the site redesign is terrible. I've been coming here for 5 years and one of my favourite things about the site was you weren't like an IGN with confusing menus and crap all over the place. I think I'm going to have to look elsewhere for my game content. Ciao.

  • vizzini #285 4 months ago

    Xardan: “Seems fair, Gears of War 3 was given an 8/10 too for doing nothing new. Cant accuse EG of any bias”

    The two game's reviews are mutually exclusive on merit, other than they are both games in the same genre, so any forced correlation of scores (not review text) actually shows an intended bias from the outset.

    But from the E3 footage of UC3 we already know that ND have added new gameplay mechanics such as swimming and, underwater swimming with unscripted time dependent real-time physics such as waves and ship deck inertia, which do change the playability from its predecessors.

    The unsung aspect of UC2 was the 2player co-op online story stages; which offered x3 the single player campaign playtime and great fun. These have now been increased to 3player co-op and the uploading of online match replays to Youtube (that you can edit timeline, camera, light, etc) is a major feature that is new to the genre as a whole.

    Saying the game does nothing new suggests you haven't followed the game's development or played the beta, and Parkin doesn't suggest the story is poorly conceived, so commentators here are entitled to wonder how this isn't all they wanted from the next uncharted, like every other major review has said it is.

  • layleeloo #286 4 months ago

    hahahahahaha. My mate contacted me last night saying he'd seen a review for this at 10/10. I said "thats unusual for a sequel which like GoW, CoD will be doing nothing new - EG will no doubt give it 8". These kind of sequels normally get 8's for lack of innovation. I LOVE the first two uncharted games so will be buying this asap, but sometimes EG - you are likably predictable and now I look like Mystic meg to my friends - thanks :-)

  • kangarootoo #287 4 months ago

    Surprised at the length of the review. Once all the "I don't like scripted stuff" venting was out of the way I was expecting some in depth critique of mechanics, story, multiplayer, reward system and so on.

    Instead I scrolled down to see a short paragraph on some of these areas, nothing on others, and an 8/10 stamped where I expected to see a NEXT PAGE link (perhaps with 1 of 3 sat next to it).

  • kangarootoo #288 4 months ago

    The ALL COMMENTS page doesn't seem to display all comments. I can see the first page (OLDEST) or the last page (NEWEST) but nothing in between (perhaps I can see Best and Worst, but I'll be the judge of that thankyou very much).

    So far EG, the biggest change I've seen in your new websaite is that it is harder to do simple things.

  • TopKatt #289 4 months ago

    Why can I only see the first page of comments???

  • GrandpaUlrira #290 4 months ago

    Fair play, they've fixed the bug where I couldn't read the bottom of the review. Now I can't see the last page of comments except by sorting by newest, and I can't see the middle pages at all.

  • camo_kill #291 4 months ago

    I knew this would happen.

    I suppose there's only so much 'newness' you can add to a game that is basically; go here, shoot that, solve that and find this. I wasn't expecting anything new other than story and setting and that's what any Uncharted fan wants.

    People bang on (pun intended) about game cliches and sequels not progressing but I like my sequels to retain some of the magic of the previous iteration.

    Some shit will always work.

  • Olemak #292 4 months ago

    Sounds like Eurogamer is setting CoD up for slaughter. Uncharted scores an 8 for being uninventive and corridor-based, but with fantastic production values. I expect a 6 for CoD, with it's nonsensical plot (the last one had a completely random story and zero noteworthy characters except good old captain Pierce), stale engine showing it's age and total reliance on scripted events.

  • TonyHarrison #293 4 months ago

    I can somewhat understand these criticisms, Uncharted is an incredibly linear game after all, however it's down to the individual how badly that effects the experience, and it doesn't really bother me at all.

  • bigtechno #294 4 months ago

    So the 1st game is still the best?

  • LR100 #295 4 months ago

    I like how none of my comments are showing up and the site is so broken that now I can't even see the buttons to go to the next page of comments!

  • PoorMaryBellows #296 4 months ago

    @sfp_noodle A third year journalism student? Wow, so that really must make you an authority on the subject.

    For what it's worth, I've been a working journalist for 17 years, writing reviews of home entertainment software and hardware for many of the leading titles online and in print, and NEVER ONCE have I had any pressure put on me to change a review or be favourable to a product because some advertising depends on it. Seriously, not even once, in the course of writing literally hundreds and hundreds of reviews and features.

    From the moment the Internet began to take over from print publishing I've been hearing these pathetic arguments suggesting that editorial can't be trusted because there's an advert for a product that gets a good review on the same page as the review, or elsewhere on the site. But having worked both as a freelancer and at deputy editor level on a staff roster, I can reveal that shock/horror, these arguments are totally bogus.

    Sure, sometimes a manufacturer or game publisher will decide to place an ad if they find out they've got a good review, but that happens only after the review has been completed and I've never been asked to change a mark based on a promise of advertising.

    The most ridiculous thing about the sort of 'conspiracy theory' nonsense concerning advertising is that it falls into the classic trap of failing to appreciate or even care about the fact that good quality websites need revenue to survive. While it might be lovely if all websites just took hundreds of hours to write reviews for free, with nobody making a penny, the reality is that sites such as Eurogamer simply would not exist in any halfway decent form if they didn't earn money.

    With that in mind, is it any surprise whatsoever that BF3 advertising is all over one of the biggest gaming sites, when it's one of the biggest games of the year from one of the biggest publishers who also just happens to be going toe-to-toe with their biggest rival in the next couple of weeks?

    So far as I can tell, your argument appears to be suggesting that Eurogamer should not review BF3, or else should give it a shit review regardless of whether it's good or not, just because EA has paid for loads of advertising?

    in other words, you are basically saying that editorial integrity simply can't exist if there's advertising from anyone. And if you really have been studying journalism for three years, I can't believe you honestly still believe that argument holds any water whatsoever.

    Anyway, good luck with your career writing for all those high quality not-for-profit review sites out there. I genuinely hope it goes well for you.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 13:02

  • blarty #297 4 months ago

    To be honest, I'd really like to know, under what criteria, Eurogamer would mark a game as 10/10. And no saying 10/10 is perfection, isn't enough of a criteria list.

    8/10 is fair when comparable to other 8/10 games, but there seems to be too little critique, too little true constructive criticism; on an 8/10 score, for the reviewer there is clearly 20% of the game that the reviewer doesn't like or believes can be improved upon, yet you don't seem to give appropriate recommendations for that remaining 20%.- If, for instance, Uncharted 3 decided to have a more open world feel to it in certain sections, no doubt you'd mark it down for that as well.

  • blarty #298 4 months ago

    I'd love to see the score for Skyrim, which will essentially be the more of the same from Oblivion, I wonder whether that will get an 8/10 as well....

  • blarty #299 4 months ago

    In the hopes that EG has consistent journalists working for them across all departments, I think I'll go looking, in the BF3 review, for a similar line to '...the assured multiplayer campaign, an entity so divorced from the single-player story that it's been available in its entirely as a download.....', with great aplomb... although I have a feeling, I'll return without having found it....

  • kirankara #300 4 months ago

    "There is no interaction. Pressing prompts to trigger cutscenes is not interaction. Having no impact on the ludonarrative is not interaction. Being dragged along a Cinematic Emotional Immersive railroad is not interaction. Interaction is actually having some effect on the outcome of an encounter and the game as a whole. These things are movies.

    Do you remember Dragon's Lair? Same thing, but with better graphics."

    behave, you making yourself look ridiculously stupid here. The games designed to lead you along a path, as are most games tbh. only few have a more open ended story, and most of those are of no interest to me at all. RPG's are only games to really be open ended in terms of narrative, and even then, only within a small number of them. In sandbox games, the environments are more open, but the plot is pre-destined. I have no interest in RPG's and far prefer a game that has some cut scenes breaking up gameplay, as it tells a story, rather than a giant cut scene, where you affect the narrative, but this is only interspersed with brief gameplay elements, and stat upgrading.

    Uc3 is linear, and shallow, but this is no different to majority of games out there, but what it gives in terms of gameplay, is very tight and extremely well honed, and better than every other game of its nature.

  • muttler #301 4 months ago

    Simon Parkin, fuck off you absolute twat. This review comes off as so negative. Fine, if that's the way you feel about the game then can you compare and contrast any of the so called narrow predefined gameplay style of UC3 with UC2? Which I think we all know was an absolutely sublime 10/10 game.

    I think Lexmeister's post above absolutely sums up how I feel about your so called review.

    The paragraph of this review that begins "It's a people-pleaser." sums up this review and is something I find particularly fucking ridiculous and offensive. Followed up by "...sugar-rush gaming that sends your mind into repeated spasm but does little to reward beyond the immediate high." I don't even know where to begin with this statement. Completely wrong on every level regarding the Uncharted series. There is so much replayabilty for the FUCKING FANTASTIC STORY CAMPAIGN of each of these games, not to mention the multiplayer which you barely mention and compare to CALL OF FUCKING DUTY just because it has points and perks that every multiplayer game has borrowed nowadays YOU FUCKING RETARD.

    Uncharted 1 and 2 are as far away from being flash in the pan sugar rush gaming as it's possible to get. They are fantastically made and well told story driven games, which manage to be almost endlessly replayable which for a story driven game is an amazing acheivement. It is almost as far away from Call of Duty as it's possible to get, without being fucking Mario. Sony have invested alot this gen in games that are NOT regular people pleasers, the variety of the exclusives show this. Microsoft have got the fps and racing genres pretty much dominated, but if there's one thing you can hand to Sony it's the more financially risky games that they're willing to throw money at.

    Parkin, your status as purveyor of the most retarded bullshit games journalism is confirmed and I shall completely ignore all your reviews in the future.

  • Limp_interesting #302 4 months ago

    Just compare the number of comments underneath this review with other articles on the frontpage.
    Then consider the huge space advertising space.
    Afterwards, think about the amount of clicks made on this review.

    Thats your 8/10.

    Thx for your support!

    Sincerely

    Your EG-Team
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/11 @ 13:44

  • CHAZBIGPOTATO #303 4 months ago

    Citizen sfp-noodle http://www.abovetopse cret.com/;)

  • Schmoke-n-a-pancake #304 4 months ago

    @PoorMaryBellows

    I've been a journalist for 15 years and I think you're either a liar or have never worked for any notable publication if you've never encountered any conflict of interest with advertising/clients.

  • curryking3 #305 4 months ago

    "...but as soon as an AI soldier spots you so too does every enemy in the area, who instantly line up their sights on your position (even if you retreat to cover) with irritating telepathic prescience."

    That's the same as EVERY action-adventure game I can think of this side of Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid. I agree that it is a problem, but where is the complaining about every other shooter reviewed on this site which does the exact same thing?

  • kirankara #306 4 months ago

    "That's the same as EVERY action-adventure game I can think of this side of Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid. I agree that it is a problem, but where is the complaining about every other shooter reviewed on this site which does the exact same thing?"

    far, far worse in Crysis 2, and dont remember them complaining about the ai in that game. You could be two stories up off ground, ina doorway of a building 15 ft away from the edge of building and as soon as you uncloaked, they start shooting at you from 100 ft away.

    drove me mental, as the game was supposedly about being able to play as you wished , and according to the situation at hand, but in reality, you had to keep walking back into shadows to recloak all the time , or go all guns blazing and then run like hell.

  • frazzl #307 4 months ago

    @kirankara Sure plenty of games are linear, but I take umbrage at the suggestion that plenty of games are shallow, because quite simply that's rubbish. Just because you think Uncharted 3 is the best 3rd person shooter ever (despite not having played through the game yet!), does not make it so. Your opinion is simply that, your opinion. Parkin is entitled to his, as I am to mine. Grow the fuck up buddy.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 14:47

  • spekkeh #308 4 months ago

    @blarty To be honest, I'd really like to know, under what criteria, Eurogamer would mark a game as 10/10. And no saying 10/10 is perfection, isn't enough of a criteria list.

    Pretty certain Zelda will be the only 10/10 in the near future. And that will indicate that game and level design will become more important than production values in the future of EG.

    (edit: quote function doesn't work)
    Edited by 2 at 25/10/11 @ 15:00

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #309 4 months ago

    The review reads like it's written by someone who would rather be spending their time playing RPGs.

    The disparity in review scores on EG is laughable, and really hurts the site's credibility, imho. I love Ellie Gibson's writing, but would I ask her to review Modern Warfare 3? And would I take her opinion as an informed one from someone familiar with the genre? No. Because I know her area of knowledge and enjoyment is not the military shooter.

    And this is where EG is guilty - for whatever reasons...

    Maybe it's time to introduce a bit of quality control in the reviews and maybe review by committee, or at least have a second opinion piece from someone who has respect for the genre and doesn't see linear games as some vapid distraction from 'real' games :D.

    There is a lot riding on reviews for developers and overly harsh reviews can hurt sales. I'm not saying this is the case with Uncharted 3, but it still illustrates the high regard in which gamers hold reviews. Exercising a bit of conformity across game ratings wouldn't hurt.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 15:05

  • underdog15 #310 4 months ago

    I'm confused... it sounds like this game is being criticized for not being sandbox enough... or not RPG-upgrade-ish enough... or... something... Is this game being reviewed for what the reviewer wants it to be, or for what it strives to be? I'm afraid this review doesn't help me with any decision making, as it doesn't tell me anything except that the reviewer likes different types of games.

    Shouldn't reviewers review games based on what it is supposed to be (as opposed to what they think it should be), then make recommendations to people based on their preferred play-styles? Based on other reviews, it accomplishes what it sets out to do and improves on past titles remarkably. This stand alone review doesn't tell me what I want to know, while the sites that do make recommendations around me (the gamer) seem to be scoring it higher.

    8's a good score, but I'd be shocked if it isn't as good or better than Deus Ex (which this site gave a 10/10 to...). This is the second review in a month from you guys that either makes no sense, or doesn't seem to be written in a way that helps me make an informed decision.

    No offense to you guys, as I'm sure many appreciate what you do. But I'm pretty close to taking this site off my regularly-visited list. We just don't seem to be gelling, you and I. I think we should see different people.

  • myms1ps3 #311 4 months ago

    Metal Gear had substance between the story in the range of gameplay - Uncharted doesn't.
    Although Uncharted is a decent story teller, it's basically a few buttons more than one big QTE.
    A couple of weapons, shoot, run, jump, climb, drop. That's Uncharted.

    Granted, Uncharted 2 is a geat looking game and you can't deny it's story telling abilities but IN MY OPINION it never warrented 10/10 nor this one a 10/10 if it's more of the same.

    As for Dark Souls, it isn't ground-breaking, but it builds on a game that did.
    And it does it unbelievably well.
    Dark Soul's scope and shear dept in range make it 10 times the successor to Demon's Souls that U3 could ever be to U2 and more importantly, it respects the player.

    But then Uncharted is obviously aimed at casual gamers.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/11 @ 15:26

  • kirankara #312 4 months ago

    @frazzl

    @frazzl

    Did I.even comment on uc3 ??? No , what I said was uncharted, games are linear and shallow and have extremely well refined gameplay , and as the reviewer feels that its an improvement on its predecessor , which got a stellar review, its clearly true again.
    I couldn't care less what reviewer scored game at, as I can form my own opinion, my point is that , this game its no less shallow than a number of games out there, which escape criticism . I enjoyed gears 3, but hardly can.be accused of being complex, can it ?

    I'm only interested in the review score as it leaves score system.subject to questioning in future if all games that aren't non linear and not very complex in nature are not subjected to same thing. Gears 3 was praised for story telling and its pacing of game, moving from one event to another, and also tbf bore criticism for not doing much current different to predecessor, but wasnt criticised for linearity, or lack of depth. Criticism has to be across the board, is all I'm arguing about.

    To break down playing uncharted in way some posters have, is like saying playing gears is just walking along, pressing few buttons to hide and shoot things, and watching some poorly written cut scenes. That doesn't do either justice. If people don't like it, fair enough, but when you break down most games, they are pretty simplistic in nature.

  • stryker1121 #313 4 months ago

    @carlosdfn -So says you."It just isn't?" That's just a goofy response right there. I can't believe people get so pissy and protective over game reviews and "it just isn't" is the best they can come up with. Not to mention the personal attacks on the reviewer. Basically, you're saying "I don't agree with you WHICH MEANS YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!" Not much room for discourse there.

  • whatfruit #314 4 months ago

    If you did not agree with Eurogamer's review of Uncharted 3 and wish to tell them you can at

    www.eurogamer.net/boohoohooimaprissyfanboybitch.html< /a>

  • kirankara #315 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3

    so anything without rpg elements is casual now? Theyre clearly very different games, and demon souls to me is just plain dull ( played it at access), so if enjoying uncharted makes me casual, so be it. Now I'm.off to.finish rage,.start arkham city, pre order bf3 & uc3. Damn being a casual gamer is fun.

  • Osahi #316 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3 clearly never played an uncharted games? Naming the wonderous shooting sequenses one big QTE with a couple of weapons is just balls

  • myms1ps3 #317 4 months ago

    @kirankara

    Nope of course not.
    Did i not just referenence metal gear as a non-rpg game that does what uncharted does but with substance in between??

    And i wasn't comparing DS to Uncharted literally, i was comparing their quality as successors and how they improved the games they build on as well as how well the done it.

    I never said enjoining it makes you a casual gamer. I enjoyed U2 too but there was little or no replayability,was severley short and shallow and obviously AIMED AT the casual gamer and certainly not ground-breaking like it's made out to be.

    And as for Batman AC, it's VERY good but not as great as everyone make's out either. More victims of hype.

    The review should be protected because it does judge U3 on it's merits and it turns out it's deptless and linear and just a good story teller like it's predecessor.

  • myms1ps3 #318 4 months ago

    Played/completed both actually, I just not worshipping an average game.

    And don't be so deluded to think it's anything more than jump, climb shoot, run, computer solves puzzle. Rinse. Repeat.

    It is what it is.

  • cloudskipa #319 4 months ago

    Eurogamer PLEASE sort out the comments section, you cannot navigate beyond anything other than the newest or oldest posts.

    Also I just wanted to add that I also think it's a bit over the top to automatically hide comments that receive negative ratings, no need for that kind of censorship and it will only serve to alienate the community.

  • USAUSA #320 4 months ago

    Crappy ass site can't even hold text written in comments pre-post.
    If there are any real gamers here (doubt it) go to IGN.COM (I know i know, but the review is well written for Uncharted 3, and they have a video review as well)
    Ok Simone. What a quack you are. How many times are we going to see poor-ass sites delivering an "upset" or shall I say a "disrespect" in a desperate attempt to bring hits.
    *Sigh*
    I know you're fuming over the fact you guys have to wait for BF3 while we take to the skies in our jets and crash into people, but do you really have to take it out on Naughty Dog? I know your European blood makes you hate anything Sony(Japanese)-
    Are there even any developers or publishers in Europe? I didn't even realize you guys were privy to ps3s. Is this your outcry to prove you're a Microsoft loyal, so the Americans can take you in?
    It's really sad to see anybody hate on the future of gaming (although in truth, he could PUBLICLY hate, and SECRETLY admire).
    The only reasons I could possibly fathom are because these idiots are void of a ps3 in their household, still sour over mass effect coming to ps3, M.E.2 being far superior on ps3, and the fact they have to CLING onto Batman as any type of GOTY material. They're so deprived it leads to backlashes like this I guess.

    Well simoney - You might have lowered the avg score for U3 on gamerankings.com.
    But your banter is too blatant, and this game is too good for you to fool anyone.
    GG clown

  • underdog15 #321 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3
    I find it amusing that you would draw such conclusions of Dark Souls to Demon Souls with UC3 to UC2, when quite obviously, UC3 has not even been released. When I consider what I have read from other reviews, it sounds like, not only is the graphical and audio presentation vastly improved, but the hand-to-hand melee combat is more fluid, hit detection is better, and stealth attacks and stealth methods are much less clunky.

    You must admit, that the core gameplay of Dark Souls is remarkably similar to Demon Souls. Improved, yes, but very similar. For that reason, it seems unfair, to me, that you would criticize UC3 for doing the same thing, but with a subjective thought like "Not improved at the same level". (Especially since UC3 has not been released) Based on other readings, UC3 is, at it's core, similar. But it should be. The fact that it, reportedly, takes improvements to another level, is, really, all you should expect from a sequel.

    I understand the point you are attempting to make, but I don't feel it's application is done well, on your part.

    @whatfruit
    Why are people that disagree with a review all of a sudden fanboys? Did you ever consider the possibility, that perhaps alternative points of view may have relevant points worth, at the very least, considering? There's a difference between saying, "This review is &*^*ing awful" and a well thought out response to the review.

    I, for one, didn't like the review, but I don't think I was unfair to the author or the community in my response, nor do I feel it was fanboyish. I truly do not agree with the notion that just because I disagree with a review, or with you, I am somehow a fanboy. Could I not make the same argument about you being a fanboy of this site or author? Of course that wouldn't be fair. But based on your own reasoning for what constitutes fanboyism... yes... I could accurately label you the same way.

    But lets be realistic. Me calling you that, and you calling others that, are both incredibly juvenile. I would much more appreciate an actual rebuttal to some people's points, as opposed to lashing back with a childish label.

  • frazzl #322 4 months ago

    @kirankara Depends on what you view as simplistic. Sure if you abstract away all detail every game is simplistic, but as you said, there's not much justice in that.

    Now I don't think Parkin was docking marks from UC3 because it was linear. He was not happy about how Naughty Dog have continued to place precedence of cinematics over any sort of gameplay complexity.

    For example, the platforming in Uncharted 1 and 2 are far more "simplistic" than other games where platforming plays a major role (e.g. the most recent Tomb Raider and Mirror's Edge), with puzzle solving involving little more than repeated references to Drake's notebook (and once again I refer you to the most recent Tomb Raider and the puzzles it had on offer).

    As to the gunplay, well what exactly does Uncharted offer over similar cover-based shooters, especially Gears of War, which when it comes to cover based shooting is, in my opinion,far superior? How exactly has UC3 improved in this department over its predecessors?

    More importantly to me, based on this review, is that my biggest problem with the Uncharted series has not been addressed; the lack of any real exploration. Drake is an explorer is he not? Funneling you down a narrow path may be fine in a COD title, but in this context it is not. Imagine if an Indiana Jones film had Indiana Jones focusing on shooting and fisticuffs over exploration! Wouldn't be too exciting would it? Wait you don't have to imagine it; just watch The Crystal Skull :p.

    So it seems to me that Uncharted 3 is more of the same, much like Gears of War 3 was more of the same. Since both got similar marks, I guess Eurogamer are being pretty consistent.

  • absurdkevin #323 4 months ago

    @uk-kob Brink isnt terrible, it got an 8 because of uniqueness

  • Tusken77 #324 4 months ago

    Just listened to the podcast. When discussing this review the guys sounded almost apologetic in their tone. Such a wonderful game certainly didnt deserve such a poor review. Shame.

    All possible scores so far have been compiled on the NeoGAF thread and Uncharted 3 currently stands at 96.

  • The-Bodybuilder #325 4 months ago

    "Boy's Own romp"

    Anyone read that as "boyzone romp"? Just me and my homoerotic tendancies, I guess.

    The issue with Uncharted 3 is that since the first one, virtually everz single player game these days have gone for the bombastic smoke and mirrors campaign, which has left me bored. Not only that, they are short and leave little reason to reply.

    So sadly, much like Gears 3, i will skip this. Just cant stand smoke n mirror campaigns anymore (blame call modern warfare).

  • USAUSA #326 4 months ago

    If you want a REAL REVIEW of this game, go to either Destructiod or IGN, regardless on your personal feelings towards these sites, they both offer extremely well written reviews, that offer info and insight.
    To the point of people defending this 8 (you idiots), yea everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the author never says "I DISLIKED THIS GAME, BUT YOU PROBABLY WILL ENJOY IT" OR "I'm SLIGHTLY BIASED" OR "External factors have pushed me towards this outrageous score" = IF they make a serious attempt to point out positives, even if they're own personal experience wasn't mind blowing - then kudos and props.
    This review doesn't give any kind of insight, or info, its like game informers 7 for resistance 3. Mystery will always follow these scores.

  • USAUSA #327 4 months ago

    http://www.destructoid.com/review-un charted-3-drake-s-deception-214385.phtml

    http:/ /ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1210241p1.html

    http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/61 5426-uncharted-3-drakes-deception/index.html

  • USAUSA #328 4 months ago

    Body-Builder - sad is you being swayed by this little prick.
    Skipping gears of war 3, is extremely dumb - but forgivable
    Skipping Uncharted 3 (or 2) is missing out on not only some of the best PlayStation 3 games, but some of the finest moments in gaming period.
    Uncharted 2 and at a slower pace Mass Effect 2 are the only games that have rivaled MGS4 for the EXPERIENCE the game delivers, transcending from just "video-game"

  • cloudskipa #329 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3 I agree, I also look at Uncharted as being a game for casual gamers, though the multiplayer does have a bit more depth to be fair.

  • myms1ps3 #330 4 months ago

    @underdog15

    QUITE OBVIOUSLY im using this review when asserting any argument, similar to how everyone else is using it too, inc. YOU.

    The point im trying to make is quite simple; U2 was over-rated, U3 is over-hyped, well done to EG for having the balls to acknowledge U3 for what it is, and marking according.

    It's not rocket science.

  • myms1ps3 #331 4 months ago

    @CLOUDSKIPA

    Couldn't get into the multiplayer to be honest having played it.

    Too busy with COD at the time!!

  • UncleLou #332 4 months ago

    The point im trying to make is quite simple; U2 was over-rated, U3 is over-hyped, well done to EG for having the balls to acknowledge U3 for what it is, and marking according.

    It's not rocket science.

    Exactly, it's not rocket science. Always finding it a bit strange when people weaken their own argument by implying some sort of objectiveness with terms like "overrated", "overhyped" and "acknowledge for what it is". Sounds completely different if you just say why you think the games aren't so great. Big difference. Apart from the fact that you haven't played it and therefore have absolutely no idea "what it is". It's exactly the same as those crying for a higher score.

    Like you said, not rocket science.

  • myms1ps3 #333 4 months ago

    I changed my mind.

    Uncharted 2 is an abolute masterpiece. ALL HAIL NAUGHTY DOG!!

    It's not a casual game so it must be hardcore.

    The campaign wasn't short as it took me WEEKS to complete.
    I'm currently on my 20th playthrough so that takes care of replayability and lasting appeal.

    Marvelling at the landscape right now. Phenominal.

    Who needs more than two guns going head-to-head against a private army and their sociopathic, power-hungry laeder.

    Didn't have to solve that puzzle because i can't - apparently im not smart enough. Thank christ/allah/buddah/tom cruise for my trusty handbook.

    Those last second escapes have me on the edge of my seat AGAIN.

    Oh Metal gear, dark souls, batman, deus ex, oblivion, assassins creed, gears, dark siders, castlevania, dead space, grand theft auto, mass effect, WHY COULDN'T YOU ALL BE LIKE UNCHARTED!!!

  • myms1ps3 #334 4 months ago

    @UncleLou

    I had to dumb it down for the likes of you.

  • UncleLou #335 4 months ago

    Hehe, oh dear.

  • myms1ps3 #336 4 months ago

    ;)

  • berryl227 #337 4 months ago

    I don't doubt the reviewer didn't get this game and of course he is entitled to his opinion. But I've just read ign's review and the difference really is chalk and cheese. This doesn't seem isolated metecritic has it at 94% currently. So I think the conclusion is if you liked 2 you will love 3!

    I personally adored UC2 and and this seems more of the same and to be fair that's enough of a sell for me. To many games this have sacrificed single player for multiplayer, leaving a sp experience which is a chore to play. This doesn't seem like one of those games can not wait to play!

    Congrats naughty dog hope it sells a truck load

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #338 4 months ago

    Sweet baby Jesus, this thread has reminded me how much I hate the term casual gamers.

    Hilarious that people are throwing it around like some passive insult. So what does that make you guys? Serious face gamers? Hardcore gamers? Pathetic imaginary elitism is what it is.

    If you love games, you love all games - not every game has to have pages of stats and upgrade trees. A real gamer can appreciate a game for what it is and how successful it is in its execution. And above all else - is it fun?

  • myms1ps3 #339 4 months ago

    @RESIDENT_nEVILe

    I used it.
    And it wasn't meant as an insult

  • USAUSA #340 4 months ago

    It's really sad to see anybody hate on the future of gaming (although in truth, he could PUBLICLY hate, and SECRETLY admire).
    The only reasons I could possibly fathom are because these idiots are void of a ps3 in their household, still sour over mass effect coming to ps3, M.E.2 being far superior on ps3, and the fact they have to CLING onto Batman as any type of GOTY material. They're so deprived it leads to backlashes like this I guess.

    Well simoney - You might have lowered the avg score for U3 on gamerankings.com.
    But your banter is too blatant, and this game is too good for you to fool anyone.
    GG clown

    You people are dumb

    http://www.destructoid.com/review-un charted-3-drake-s-deception-214385.phtml

    http:/ /ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1210241p1.html

    http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/61 5426-uncharted-3-drakes-deception/index.html

    Especially those who think IGN is paid off, LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO QQ MOAR.

    BTW nothing about any of the Uncharted games is ordinary, routine or average.
    If you dislike a game, or not very fond of the impressions the game has left you, so be it. But MAJORITY of gamers and critics alike have fallen in love with this series. So maybe you should dial back your thoughts and criticisms and realize just because YOU don't love the game, doesn't mean the game isn't phenomenal.

    Why can't you be happy gaming technologies are being pushed forward, and they keep showing us the power of the ps3??

    I can understand 360 fan boys QQing but if you own a ps3... and you don't respect the uncharted series ... either your on heavy drugs, your trying to rile up e-peens, or your speaking blasphemy for shits and giggles.

    I think the best games hand down for playstation 3 are Mgs4, Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 2. God of war 3 would fall on the next list, showing off the ps3's visuals while delivering epic gaming. Batman too

    Batman is going to have a hard time earning GOTY over Uncharted 3 and Skyrim.
    May the best game win

  • RedPanda #341 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 14:31:59 28-01-2012

  • AOFanboi #342 4 months ago

    @IronGiant, UC2 was long ago, more of the same is not worth too much. And "controversial"? When did 8/10 become a low score? You do know there are seven other numbers that are lower than that 8?

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #343 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3

    I know. But if you look at the context in which you (and others) use it, my point stands.

    Maybe a 'negative' term would describe it better :)
    Edited by 4 at 26/10/11 @ 03:48

  • Hungry_Horace #344 4 months ago

    Controversial, but that's EG for you, and not by accident.

    I'll judge this game for myself after I've played it. . . then I'll judge Parkin.

  • a8869297 #345 4 months ago

    What a load of shit. 8/10? Like almost every other game EG reviews now? I'm done with you guys.

  • wingZero21 #346 4 months ago

    8/10.... Eurogamer done fucked up again homies..

    Dont know why I even bother to read the reviews here any more its fucking pointless....

    wingZero
    Edited by 2 at 25/10/11 @ 21:33

  • yukushi #347 4 months ago

    Simon Parkin you are an idiot, you have no idea what uncharted is about or what the game is trying to bring to gamers, instead you made up your own personal concept of what unchareted should be and brought them to the table and mark down the game because of this. Please stop reviewing games and go review yourself.

  • IvorB #348 4 months ago

    I'm as big an Uncharted fanboy as anyone but these comments in the review seem fair enough. I played this at the Access event here in London and I found the inability to draw my gun at some points extremely unsettling and frustrating. Perhaps Naughty Dog have gone too far and crossed the lline here. Still amped for this though. Happy to play by their rules and enjoy the thrill ride. I know it will be one hell of a ride.

  • WJF #349 4 months ago

    *Walks into thread*

    Hey guys, apparently it's half term this wee-

    *sees comments*

    Ah, guess you already know

  • its-Jimfear #350 4 months ago

    wow... he really give a 8/10 to a game like this? The sad thing is that he will probably give a 10/10 at a shitty overrated game like Mw3 with a 10years old outdated engine. Thats sad... really sad. We can now remember this day as the day eurogame lost all his credibility

  • AJGB #351 4 months ago

    @kirankara
    Believe it or not, there was once a time when RPGs weren't "a giant cutscene". Sadly, that time appears to have passed.

    But that's irrelevant, anyway. The whole point of a game is to facilitate play within a pre-defined gamespace and using a consistently applied ruleset. Uncharted isn't like that - it's just a movie interspersed with (barely interactive) shooty and runny bits. And you're right that most games are like that - the entire FPS genre appears to have gone in this direction, too, ending up with games like Modern Warfare.

    And that's terrible. As I said, it's Dragon's Lair all over again. B-level designer narrative being put on a pedestal above gameplay.

    I actually don't understand how people can play these games - which is to say, I'm not trolling. What is there? You don't actually do anything. The game doesn't actually work against you in any meaningful way. You're just dragged from cutscene to cutscene, and success is determined by whether you're able to press the right button prompt at the right time.

    I'm not even talking about "narrative" here - I think games that aspire to tell a "narrative" are fundamentally missing the point of the interactive medium. I don't care what some failed screenwriter at Naughty Dog thinks is an excellent script for a movie - I'd rather tell my own story within the constraints of a ruleset inside a simulation. And there are plenty of third-person action games that facilitate that to a meaningful degree - Hitman, for instance.

    But this? What is it? I read a quote somewhere about how "the sand whipping through Drake's hair" makes the game about "so much more than just pressing X," as if the fact that the game has realistically-modelled sand particles somehow makes up for the fact that, yes, you do, in fact, spend most of the game just pressing X.

    What's the point? Why not watch a movie?

    Entirely, utterly serious, here.

  • cloudskipa #352 4 months ago

    I think the funniest bit about a lot of these comments here (aside from the "waaaaaaaaaah I'm leaving EG and never coming back!" remarks) is the extreme level of denial by some people, so much so that they honestly believe this review is a conspiracy and EG intentionally marked it 8/10 to draw more hits for their new look site. Now that is very funny XD

    Just accept it, 8/10 is a good score, Gears 3 got the same mark for similar reasons. If anything it's all the 10/10 and "OMG F'AWESOME 100%" "best game evar!" type of reviews I wouldn't trust, 9/10 maybe but you are deluding yourself if you think this game really deserves a 10/10 when it suffers from the points raised in this review.

    Also another point I see being brought up here often is that this game should of been reviewed by an Uncharted fan. Well isn't it obvious that there's little point in that? If all games were reviewed by subsequent fans of a game series then they would all get 10/10's. Reviews are here to offer an unbiased and professional critique for potential buyers, not to solely serve fans of a game and offer an Uncharted "love-in" at every given opportunity. Like I say, stick with IGN if you want those kind of reviews.

  • DilutedDante #353 4 months ago

    @ThinkingGamR I couldn't care less what the multiplayer is like, I want to know about the campaign - you know the reason I'm buying the game.

  • kirankara #354 4 months ago

    @frazzl

    Think thats part of the reason people are upset about the review, as it criticises Uncharted , for basically being Uncharted. To criticise it for not being a deeper experience, doesnt seem just, as it's never been about rpg-esque elements or other such features, it's always been about the "ride", so to speak.

    I always felt that Drake being an explorer was more of a tool to allow the story to develop, and take character to different places, rather than that being central to the actual gameplay, whereas Tomb raider, is more about the exploration.

    Sure the platforming and puzzling arent particularly testing, but the experience is fun (i didnt include shooting here, as I think this aspect of game is quite good and can get difficult in parts, something reviews have spoken of is the difficulty spike being quite high btw )

    From some of reviews I've read, theyve spoken about the combat system being improved, the puzzles being bit more complex, story being improved, etc etc, so to say it hasnt developed seems harsh. Sure, it's never going to be a game where there's tones of decisions to make, huge open worlds to explore etc etc, but I cant think of a game, that absorbs you into feeling like you are actually part of the adventure in same way. it's never going to be everyone's cup of tea, but what game is?

    I personally find the Gears control system quite clunky, and prefer the fee of uncharted and it's shooting system (always found hand grenades bit iffy, but that just might be me being retarded).

  • frazzl #355 4 months ago

    @kirankara Gears of War 3 is a definite improvement over Gears of War 2, but the two titles are still similar, as I am sure Uncharted 3 is similar to Uncharted 2. So if Eurogamer see it fit to not give a score higher than 8 if there has not been a significant improvement, well that's really their prerogative. And let's not forget that 8/10 is hardly a bad score either.

    I just find it annoying that the SDF (not saying you are one) are whinging just because their "great hope" did not receive the adulation they feel it deserves. Surely they've heard of the saying "different strokes for different folks" :).

  • LastNac #356 4 months ago

    When games were meant for the pure "fun" sense one received while "playing" it, Eurogamer's review would have been rational. The truth is though, we are over the days where the interactive medium provides a type of stimulus. "Games" stopped being "games" when developers stopped creating products and instead began to craft experiences with true emotion. Games are meant to be played, yes, but Uncharted really isn't a "game." If I want stupid, mindless fun, I would play Angry Birds. The truth is, I don't. I want narrative and character development, and I want to experience it with the most intimate medium. How can we expect this interactive medium to mature when the way we perceive it doesn't?

  • soviet_ #357 4 months ago

    I can't believe this game didn't get a 10/10, not even a 9, I can't have a measly 8/10 game befoul my glorious PS3.

    Eurogamer do you not you are meant to confirm my bias?! CONFIRM I SAID!

  • JayScott #358 4 months ago

    @PoorMaryBellows

    Well said. Brilliantly said. So sick of the bullshit conspiracy theories. I worked in print journalism in a similar capacity, as well as doubling as the ad sales rep, and never EVER once was I or the company asked to massage the text or score of a review. We occasionally offered to arrange layout in a favourable way so that an ad might appear next to the review, especially if it was a positive review, but never was advertising revenue dependant on predetermined review scores or comments. The theories are infantile, boring and completely baseless.

  • AJGB #359 4 months ago

    @LastNac

    Err, wouldn't you rather have "narrative" and "character development" that you can actually control? Like, as in, interact with? Isn't that the whole point of making a game rather than a movie? To be able to interact with it?

    Uncharted isn't really a "game" - you're right. It's a mediocre film.

    The "interactive medium" is not going to "mature" by imitating films. The whole strength of videogames is that they facilitate player agency and ludonarrative.

  • a8869297 #360 4 months ago

    @redcrayon yeah but EG gives every damn title an 8. What's their criteria for a 9 or a 10?

  • djronz. #361 4 months ago

    @AJGB

    Oh please! I'll grant there are some small QTE's in previous uncharteds (cant vouch for this one as ive not played it) and some fairly lengthy cut scenes to drive the narrative but comparing this to a dragons lair type game is utter nonsense! And you know it.

    I'll grant eg this - at least they have applied similar logic to the battlefied 3 review.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 05:52

  • AJGB #362 4 months ago

    @djronz.

    No, it's true. You, as a player, are not required to do anything from a gameplay perspective. You're carried along on a strictly linear Cinematic Emotional journey and are even bolstered, as mentioned in the review, at certain points, should you fail, just in case the "narrative" is interrupted. The player has absolutely no agency in this game at all; they're not really the primary participant. They just get to press buttons now and then.

    Indie designer Keith Burgun came up with a great term for games like Uncharted and Call of Duty (yes, I consider them products of the same school of thought): asset tours. It's perfect. Because that's what they are. The developers create a bunch of beautiful assets and then the "game" itself is just about dragging you along to look at them.

    The narrative itself may well be compelling from a "storytelling" perspective, but the narrative the player tells through his or her actions is nonexistent. That's not what a game should be.

    It honestly amazes me that we've had like 40 years of videogames, and still nothing comes close to the ludonarrative power of something like chess.

    Oh, well. Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets.

  • USAUSA #363 4 months ago

    AGJB ... your english doesn't qualify you as the video game expert. As mentioned before, just because uncharted doesn't tickle your fancy - doesn't mean the game isn't phenomenal. Same for MGS4, same for Mass Effect 2. If you hate the direction in which games (in general) are going, then do something more then to QQ and troll.
    You can literally break down and nitpick any game if you wanted to be a dumbass, as every genre recycles.
    Have you ever played an uncharted game??? They offer some of the best PLATFORMING in the business. Along with state of the art motion cap, and top notch acting.
    If you dislike the game, so be it - but respect the series ffs.
    The team at naughty dog is extremely talented, and the fact that they make these GOTY material games in just 2 years is mind-blowing.
    There has been another leap from 2 to 3 just as there was from 1 to 2
    and you didn't read that in a quote, you saw the IGN video review you clown.
    GG
    Again the only explanation I can still come up with for this blatant hatred, is that these are 360 fan boys.
    Batman makes you do a whole lot of things that you can perceive as "gimmicky" but if you allow the game to, actually makes the whole more immerse.
    If your not into the characters, or the cutscenes then uncharted 3 won't change your mind. But don't be a folly poppycock and speak blasphemy.

    http://www.destructoid.com/review-un charted-3-drake-s-deception-214385.phtml

    http:/ /ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1210241p1.html

    http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/61 5426-uncharted-3-drakes-deception/index.html

    Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the heartbreaking scores are the ones that cannot be justified by any stretch of the imagination. In this case you also have to add banter, and no real insight or info.

    BTW BATTLEFIELD 3 SUCKS LMAOOO, this engine is crap on consoles. Crysis 2 looks soooooooooooooooo much better. The campaign is absolute garbage, where cover is really aesthetic props for your teammates to lean up on -both of which can be shot through apparently. People die without getting shot, and different guns make the same un-impressive effects on the walls.There are glitches everywhere, its hard to see, the list goes on and on. I know singleplayer has never been their forte - but for all the hype, I can't see anyone not being disappointed. Onto multiplayer - running with your knife doesn't make you run faster, landing on enemies with aircraft does not kill them, you can't jump to prone, the flashlights attachments will BLIND YOU-
    and talk about cheap spawns =X
    UNCHARTED 3 WILL BEAT BATMAN AND SKYRIM FOR GOTY !!!!

  • Cirdain #364 4 months ago

    Last I checked 8/10 was Great-Fantastic, and last I read the review he likes the game. So guys, be cool.

  • spekkeh #365 4 months ago

    @USAUSA that nick and those troll posts, I give it an 8/10. Still negging you though as I think it lacks a bit of interactivity with the grander narrative of the other posters and you generally seem to be trolling on autopilot.

  • AJGB #366 4 months ago

    @USAUSA
    I'd respond, but I suspect you are insane.

  • Evolution #367 4 months ago

    Wow, people are really going ballistic about an 8 here... 8/10 is a really good score, and at the end of the day this is one review on one site. All of the insults and conspiracy nonsense is just absurd.

  • Hungry_Horace #368 4 months ago

    There are no comments on this article. Why not post one?

    Er, actually, there are 383 at the last count, but I can't frickin see them. Anybody else got this problem?

  • jmfcao #369 4 months ago

    Most people who are upset about the score are probably gonna buy it anyway, so whats the problem? They were hardly gonna give a sequel thats done nothing really new a perfect score now?

  • jetsetwillie #370 4 months ago

    This is officially the most embarrassing thread on the internet.

    even sites like Giantbomb have run a story on it

    http://www.giantbomb.com/ news/when-a-mostly-positive-review-becomes-controversial/376 4/

  • ThinkingGamR #371 4 months ago

    I wish Uncharted 3 was as nonlinear as the on-rails shooter Child of Eden, which Parkin gave a 9/10

  • Rarefaction #372 4 months ago

    Ha Ha for more laughs check out their review of Metal gear 4. They gave that an 8 too. These guys obviously haven't actually played played these games and are reviewing the box art

  • rauper Verified Managing Director, Eurogamer Network #373 4 months ago

    @Hungry_Horace No - what browser are you using?

  • optimusprym8 #374 4 months ago

    Uncharted games are the current-gen equivalent of Dragon's Lair and Space Ace game, surprised it got 8/10 to be honest

  • Valis #375 4 months ago

    I find it amazing that in the comments people say that they only come to Eurogamer for the community and they now hate the journalism of the writers. Comments threads like this don't represent the kind of community anyone should be proud of. Simon's review was fair, well argued and above all else, an honest opinion. That's the kind of thing that would make me want to come to a review site, even if I disagreed with the reviewers opinion.

    This comment thread meanwhile is an embarrassment. Obviously its not all bad and many good points are made, but at the same time there are so many thoroughly ignorant comments made that show a complete lack of understanding of how the games industry, journalism and the world works.

    Next time you are about to write something about a game score, just stop yourself. Chances are you are about to say something profoundly stupid.

  • 00.00.01 #376 4 months ago

    It's now been 2 days since this article was published and there's still no update about the 3D aspects of this title. C'mon, you wouldn't 'forget' a feature like that? It's like not mentioning the sound effects... Oops...yeah, go and check the article, the words "3D" and "sound" are not mentioned.at.all!
    Some review...
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 11:16

  • Valis #377 4 months ago

    There's a whole article on this comment thread here:

    Eurogamer gives Uncharted 3 an Eight, Comments go full retard

  • sugarbaron #378 4 months ago

    Wish they'd stop wasting time and money including pointless multiplayer modes in a story driven single player game; can't help but feel the main game has lost out because of it.

  • ThinkingGamR #379 4 months ago

    @DilutedDante But according to this reviewer the reason you're buying a game should not be a linear campaign. So why would you predicate your opinion on one part of the game that goes against your taste?

  • jonbwfc #380 4 months ago

    @Valis There have been numerous articles posted on that theme now (Simon must have a lot of friends in the industry) and you know what strikes me? All the articles betray a large degree of contempt on behalf of the games journalism industry for the people who come to their web sites for news, reviews and analysis.

    This isn't a new phenomenon of course (ref: this site and the Sunday article debacle) but I've rarely seen it so uniform. Obviously, Simon has a right to his opinion on Uncharted 3, but the review is (IMO) lacking in certain aspects. I will restrict my criticism to say that it seems more interested in being 'good writing' than being a 'good review' and leave it at that. But the press's reaction that criticising a review (in the comments thread the site provides for exactly that purpose no less) is 'the act of a retard' reflects very badly on the tha ttitude of those who are, at the the end of the day, actually no better in the main that the people they lambast.

    I have become increasingly disillusioned over time with the standard of journalism available on the web. Not in the objective quality of the writing, but in the way has come to believe it is an end in itself, rather than service to the customer. I think the reliance on 'click related revenue' may have something to do with it but I'm not sure. However the industry reaction has merely cemented my idea that a lot of the press seem to now see the reader as an inconvenient requirement rather than the core of the business.

  • Foolishbean69 #381 4 months ago

    I see what you're trying to do kid, but it's no good. You'll never be Jim Sterling.

    lol.


    8/10 is pretty good, but the actual text of your review would paint the game as pretty shite. - Gotta love those 7-10 review score systems. - That kinda dischord between your words and the score destroy your credibility.

    So if UC3 is poor because it's too similar to UC2, then I can't wait to see your review of Modern Borefare 3000, that's going to be funny.

  • Hungry_Horace #382 4 months ago

    @rauper I'm using IE (at work). I'm now at home using Firefox and can see all the comments. So is it some setting on IE?

  • Calvatron #383 4 months ago

    Pretty poor review. It's not the fact that it got 8/10. It's the reasons given for it. It's going to be a fun journey. Just like the others were. Epic.

  • GingerNathan #384 4 months ago

    Wow @ this comments section, those of you taking offence at this review (of a game you are going to buy anyway!!) really need to be taken out of the gene pool. Utter scum and an embarrassment to the people that raised you!

  • Devox #385 4 months ago

    Heres how it works, Uncharted 2 gets 10/10 as when its released its the pinnacle of the genre. Uncharted 3 does not get that luxury. It has its predessesor to be compared to, hence the lower score. ZZap gave Paradroid 97% so using the fanboy logic its better that 99.99% of all games released since. Thats how it works people, its called progress.

  • WolfFan1337 #386 4 months ago

    whaaaat 8/10 lol never

    this mediocre game is more like 4/10!

  • Ironic_War_Criminal #387 4 months ago

    I have become increasingly disillusioned over time with the standard of journalism available on the web. Not in the objective quality of the writing, but in the way has come to believe it is an end in itself, rather than service to the customer. I think the reliance on 'click related revenue' may have something to do with it but I'm not sure. However the industry reaction has merely cemented my idea that a lot of the press seem to now see the reader as an inconvenient requirement rather than the core of the business.
    No you haven't. You are just appalled that the game you invested your time and emotion into didn't score as much as you hoped and are lashing out at those who criticize it because you have emotionally invested in it's success.

    If anything, the reaction to this reminds me of critics rightfully shitting from a great height on the first Twilight film. It was dull and badly acted (Which is unsurprising because even the actors don't like it). Yet the "Twihards" built their own defense mechanism around themselves because they invested themselves so emotionally in the films success. Everyone who didn't like it were "Haters" and they were going to rally against the "haters" because in their eyes its good. Ditto happens when a band's new album gets panned in the press. The hardcore fans are obviously going to defend it like crazy because they are emotionally invested.

    It's kinda pathetic really that people are emotionally invested in the score at the end of a review. But then it's the general immaturity of gamers themselves which causes this. Especially when a well written and well considered review is claimed to be a "Troll" to get website hits. It's still saying its a good, game, it's not like a big poisonous snake is going to jump out of the box in your face if you buy it and it get's less than 10/10.

    If you want the kind of fawning "Everything is amazing" journalism. Go to IGN and stay there. Let sites like EG and Giant Bomb do honest reviews and challenging articles that provoke discussion.

  • ChuckNorris #388 4 months ago

    @peterfll

    I've read about ten reviews so far, all bar this one claim that the comparison favours UC3 in all aspects. The storytelling is far more nuanced (no evil warlord) giving more emotion and credibility to the cast's characters, the gameplay mechanics have improved slightly, the MP is much more comprehensive (with split screen co-op and some of the most ingenious mp-maps created, and a story driven co-op mode that's much more worked on than in UC2), technically it surpasses the second (which is mind boggling, but i'll await DF analysis for a definitive answer). And a presentation that puts 7/10 Hollywood blockbusters to shame.

    But most importantly imo is that the wow factor of those adrenaline rush sequences of the second game (which UC3 surpasses as well, in intensity, scale and sheer awe inspiring jaw dropping force), the puzzles, platforming, stealth and shooting sections come together in a much more fluid way. Giving a less chopped up experience. That seems to be the consensus imo.

    How EG could award this effort 2 points less than on the previous game is suprising to say the least. I never complain about review scores, but what I despise is the hypocrisy and foremost the inconsistency of the two reviews. If UC2 was 10/10, then there is no justification for giving this game 8/10 when it exceeds its predecessor in every conceivable way. It's a fucking trilogy, it's not supposed to fuck with the program. The fans of the game aren't looking for GTA or Oblivion, they want to know if it's worse, the same or better than the last one.

    The duration between every one of my visits to EG is increasing exponentially. I am yet to experience this game my self. But this review seems to be equal amounts flamebaiting, poor editorial judgement (selected reviewer) and cynicism. Every fucking editorial piece on how games are moving toward mainstream acceptance, both as an art form, and as pure entertainment calls for the standards that naughty dog is bringing to the table. They are the spielberg of games, the impact of this isn't insignificant. My mom and dad, in their fifties, who despise games sat through every minute of UC2 because of this that christmas because they enjoyed watching me play. This hasn't happened ever, not even close.

    To say more of the same, meh, is truly bollocks.

  • GingerNathan #389 4 months ago

    "The duration between every one of my visits to EG is increasing exponentially."
    Shame you can't piss off entirely!

    "How EG could award this effort 2 points less than on the previous game is suprising (sic) to say the least.(sic) I never complain about review scores,"
    Although saying that, you're welcome to stay if you contribute any more gems like that, hilarious!

  • Gecks #390 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris i remember there being a ridiculous situation where mario bros 3 had scored 100% in a nintendo mag, and then super mario world came out, so they had to award that 103%.

    this really isn't how things work. a game is rated on how it sits with that reviewer at that time. a different reviewer at a later date is free to award it whatever score they like, because expectations change, and returns diminish.

    eg, i think ico is a 10/10 game. do i want to play a sequel that is objectively better than that? yes, but i doubt it'll ever have that '10/10' feel for me, as i've played ico.. i can't get that 'not played ico' mindset back.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 14:27

  • ChuckNorris #391 4 months ago

    @Ironic_War_Criminal Personally I agree with many of your points, but imo it is not the score that is the main issue. It's the inconsistency in judging. I wouldn't have had any problem with an 8 if the last one got an eight. But if other major gaming publications are to be believed then there is no merit for dropping the score by two points. It sends the message that the game is 20% worse than the last one, which in this case the other publications claim the opposite.

    And frankly, if you think that EG is the epitome of gaming press you can be accused of the same behaviour that you seem so against in your post. Namely, defending something that you are a fan of, when there are clear reasons behind much of the critique against it. As a looooong time fan of EG, I reserve the right to piss and moan when it is warranted. And lately, the quality of EG seems to be dropping every month. If anything, constructive (albeit aggressive) criticism from long time readers should be welcomed, not treated like a threat.

    Edit: When saying that the quality of EG is diminishing, this review is not a reason for it. I actually find it quite well written and average when compared to most EG-reviews. It's the massive flamebate, click horny, distorted headline mentality as of late that gives me that impression.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 16:14

  • jonbwfc #392 4 months ago

    'You are just appalled that the game you invested your time and emotion into didn't score as much as you hoped and are lashing out at those who criticize it because you have emotionally invested in it's success.'

    I have no time whatsoever invested in Uncharted 3 (as many posters have pointed out, it's not out yet) and I have little or no emotional attachment to it either. I bought the previous two and played them but I buy and eat sandwiches most days for lunch without managing to get emotionally invested in them. It's just a product to be consumed. This is part of what I'm talking about - the apparent inability to accept that criticism, however mild, might be valid. Obviously, anybody who criticises any review has to be a fan boy of some sort don't they? I mean, there couldn't be any other reason, could there?

    In fact, in terms of the issues I have with the article, which game it is for doesn't matter. It's just as review of 'a game' which I think has some issues and to which the reaction, which is excessive, has apparently produced an equally febrile counteraction by the industry itself. If calling someone you disagree with 'a retard' is the action of a fanboy, does that mean the industry itself is full of fan boys? And in that case, aren't they just as bad as each other?

    'If anything, the reaction to this reminds me of critics rightfully shitting from a great height on the first Twilight film.'

    Strangely, the reaction of the press to this comment thread rather reminds of the way some film critics sneer at people who go to watch summer blockbusters rather than arthouse films. I have met film critics (I was vaguely in the film trade for a while) who consider people who watch 'popcorn movies' to almost literally be a lower form of life. The press reaction to this thread suggests a similar attitude is starting to take root in our industry, which is not something I would like to see.

    'If you want the kind of fawning "Everything is amazing" journalism. Go to IGN and stay there.'
    That's a pretty specious argument, because I didn't ever say I did. I do however want reviews to be as useful and informative as possible to as many people as possible. In my opinion, Simon's piece, while being a fine piece of writing, isn't very successful in that regard. Apparently that makes me a retard, according to certain members of the video games press establishment. Well, thanks for that.


    'Let sites like EG and Giant Bomb do honest reviews and challenging articles that provoke discussion.'
    Discussion that involves entirely agreeing with the reviewer, apparently. You can have challenging articles, as long as you don't challenge the people who write them...
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 14:37

  • ChuckNorris #393 4 months ago

    @GingerNathan

    My complaint was not strictly about the score, as anybody with a brain can realise, you quoted me out of context. (Also, English is my third language so maybe I'm not expressing my self clearly enough)

    As for pissing off completely, don't worry, I surely will soon enough. In part because of the reasons I mentioned earlier, and in part because the comment section has invaded by belligerent twats like you.

  • Pehmu #394 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris U3 didn't get the same score because:
    1. Both games had different reviewers, and we all have subjective opinions.
    2. First impressions wear off. Even if U3 is in fact slightly better than U2, you have to understand it might not be as impressive as U2 was a few years ago. It's still amazing and objectively looking a better game than the second one, but not revolutionary enough to get 10/10.

    ---

    Parkin's review was excellent. Not even the hardcore Uncharted fanboys (I'm one of them) can't deny Uncharted games are linear. Linearity is not a problem to everyone (like myself), but understand that some gamers don't like it. Parkin was simply pointing out the fact that U3 is, in fact, quite linear and scripted. Well-deserved and truthful criticism the fanboys couldn't handle or just purposely misunderstood it so that they could defend their favourite game by whining the reviewer just wants to hate Uncharted because it's popular.

    Linearity and scripting clearly is not a problem to the fans - which is fine - but at least some of them could admit these things are present in the game all the time and others might find them annoying.

  • DangleberryPie #395 4 months ago

    I'm not usually pushed to buy ps3 games with my 360 being my staple platform but i have to say i'm looking forward to this game. The first ps3 game i'll have bought since Killzone 3.

    This article seems to be getting a lot of flack for an honest opinion, which is wrong. I'd rather see more of this type of review than people handing out 10/10 scores left right and centre.

    Personally i don't think there is such a thing as a 10/10 score, there will always be issues with every single game released and its better to have a system and industry that's willing to work towards a flawed perfection. than an industry that thrives on flawed reviews and opinion.

  • LastNac #396 4 months ago

    @AJGB Your one of those ""rather watch a movie types, right?" God forbid something rise above its station...

  • ChuckNorris #397 4 months ago

    @Pehmu

    I agree with all your points, I should have mentioned that I was not looking for a 10. When MGS4 scored an 8 I completely agreed. Not because there are people out there that hate cut-scenes, but because the game was worse than MGS3.

    Yes, UC games are extremely linear, and many people will have problems with that. But many people feel exactly the same about open world games as well. In fact, whatever type of game you are trying to make, a lot of people will find it unenjoyable simply because it does not suit them. But that is not how a game should be judged, in a review those points should be thoroughly described so that the reader can tell if this is an experience that suits them, but the game should be judged on how well it achieves that which it aspires to achieve. According to other credible gaming publications this particular game does so almost without fault. I know that this does not equal a 10. Actually I really don't care about the number. But they should definitely have chosen the path of consistency, so that people don't get the idea that the game is worse. Something Naughty Dog is guilty of doing in the past, but probably not in this instance.

  • Syrette #398 4 months ago

    Anyone who feels the need to complain about the score in relation to scores given to other titles in the franchise, or other titles altogether needs to sit down and think about what they're coming out with.

    There is not one scale that an EG reviewing hive mind critiques all games from. Someone giving Daytona 9/10 does not mean that EG as a publication deem Uncharted 3 to be inferior to Daytona. They're completely separate reviews. No editorial in the world would give a higher or lower score (than they think it truly deserves) to a product simply because one of their staff gave another game a particular score.

  • Syrette #399 4 months ago

    Oh and stop looking for reasons why someone dared to give your favoruite game (that you've not played) a perfectly adequate score.

    There is no conspiracy, you just look pathetic.


    There are plenty of positive comments in the review. Amongst a few neutral/negative comments, Simon pointed out how the title is so scripted, and cut-scene-trigger heavy. Which he's perfecctly entitled to do. He even goes on to say that this has its benefits in that it means Naughty Dog can make the visuals look even better.

  • Axelhander #400 4 months ago

    Simon Parkin, my name is Carlos Alexandre. I'm a Canadian gamer, aspiring screenwriter, obsessor of game mechanics, and self-described handsome fat man. I found this review because Giant Bomb did a piece about both your review and the response to it. Giant Bomb's piece: http://www.giantbomb.com/ news/when-a-mostly-positive-review-becomes-controversial/376 4/

    It's always good to see someone willing assess something apart from popular sentiment and defend their position well, which you've done, hands down, beyond a shadow of a doubt. While I'm not into the Uncharted games, I pride myself on not being a "fanboy" and listening to any valid criticism of anything I love. Had you written about the very real flaws in Final Fantasy 6, for example, I'd not only agree with you, I'd have some of my own you may have missed.

    Keep doing what you're doing, and don't let unreasonable and biased rebuttals shake you. Listen to the thoughtful ones, discard the rest.

    As for everyone posting said unreasonable and biased rebuttals, I've one word: disgusting. Actually let's make that six and in the form of a rhetorical question: what the hell is wrong with you? I'm willing to bet money most of you aren't on Naughty Dog's payroll. They neither need you to defend the game, nor does the game itself need defending.

    You can enjoy something that's objectively flawed: hell, one of my favorite games is The Granstream Saga, a game if I had to write a professional review for would very likely get half as much, if even, as Parkin gave Uncharted 3. You *can*, in fact, disconnect "preference" and "merit," and assess the latter without damaging the former.

    The worst offender has to be "sfp_noodle" who caps his non-evidence-based conspiracy theory with the claim he's a *journalism student.* A journalism student! And a third year one at that! JOURNALISM. A field all about reporting facts, finding reliable sources and evidence. Is he perhaps looking to score a gig with Fox News? Or the Canadian equivalent, The Sun? If so, discarding everything journalism is founded on would be wise. Otherwise, I wonder what school has failed this student.

    A thoughtful review of a game you love brought up real flaws and gave it less than a perfect score. The CORRECT rebuttal is either an *evidence-based* counter, an acknowledgement of Parkin's points (with or without your assertion you'd buy the game anyway), or even a thank you. The incorrect response is to act like a child, which sadly encompasses most of the commenters here.

    For shame.

    And thank you again, Simon Parkin.

  • GingerNathan #401 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris
    I didn't quote you out of context, in your post you complained about the score and in the very next sentence you stated that you don't complain about scores, you're a raving idiotic Sony and/or Uncharted fanboy!

    Personally I love the Uncharted series, I can't wait for the release of number 3, and at the same time I thought this was a well written review which I enjoyed reading. Even if I did have criticisms regarding the review I certainly wouldn't behave like some of the people that have participated in this comments section, it's disgusting.

  • Syrette #402 4 months ago

    Somehow, that aforementioned post authored by sfp_noodle is the top voted comment in the entire thread.

    I'm a journalism grad (if he's going to play that card) and I'd love to know why standards have clearly changed in the few years since I left university.

    He should understand how marketing works. I find it puzzling that he complains about the amount of Battlefield 3 ads and tries to make it out that EG have clearly sold out to EA with the 9/10 score that title received. Clearly EG aren't in the business of selling out to companies when Uncharted 3 which is also heavily advertised on this site gets a score worthy of such scorn.

    A journalism student of all people should know that a fair few people work at any given publication/site, each with their own opinions and perspectives. A journalism student should know not to compare things like reviews scores in such a way. It does not make sense in almost any context. There is no special logic to it. And why would he know more about journalistic 'logic' than respected journos who have written about games for many years now?

    A lack of true evolution is only one of his criticisms, and it doesn't mean he enjoyed the title any less.

    Most salient point is that he - to be fair - agrees that 8/10 is a good score. Really all there is to it.
    Edited by 7 at 26/10/11 @ 16:36

  • Scowl #403 4 months ago

    I thought it was a fair, if critical review. Reviewers, in my opinion should be quite critical; $60 US (or however much games cost in your countries) is a lot of money to invest, much more so than movies and the like. I have pre-ordered this game and I wonder how many of the negative comments towards this review are from people who have also pre-ordered it.

    When I read a review of a game I have pre-ordered I don't look for instant validation or expect a 9 or 10/10 every time. I pre-order quite a bit and while I am an experienced gamer and by now pretty much know what I will personally like before the games come out there have been times when I have burned myself. These times are rare and my PS3 collection contains a great collection of games suited towards my personal tastes (heavy on third person action games and sandbox games as well as sports sims) but I do make mistakes (WWE All-Stars is practically unplayable due to constant "caching the hard drive" every time I put it in not to mention the load times, hopefully WWE 12 will not do the same).

    Too much importance is placed on the actual number. I don't expect every site to give the same scores to each game, if they did there would be no reason for metacritic to exist and I would only need to read one website. In other words it would be boring.

  • PerfectUgly #404 4 months ago

    Excellent review. Well-considered, well-written, and articulate.

    I'm still buying the game, but this is precisely what a review should do: challenge us in our preconceived notions. This article is a fantastic example of dissecting, seeing the components for what they are, and writing about them.

    This article is precisely why I read Eurogamer reviews first.

    Bravo.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 16:45

  • shomosan84 #405 4 months ago

    Well I'm glad we've got at least one unbiased reviewer left in this world, kudos for speaking your minds and not giving in to the pressure and giving this 3 hour long game a 10/10 when it doesn't deserve one. Thank you!

  • ChuckNorris #406 4 months ago

    @GingerNathan Feel free to browse my post history, and you'll find that I'm not a fanboy of anything other than gaming its self. I meant to say that I usually never complain about scores, and for that slight miss I apologise. Your quotation was out of context because the point I was trying to make was not that the game deserves a different score. Only that the scores (which I am against on principle) give an impression that the third installment of this game has become worse. Which I argued was a mistake.

    The rest of my complaint was in regard to the constant wish of the gaming community to be taken seriously and that in this regard UC achieves something that is unprecedented. This I admit was off point, and as such should have been more clearly punctuated.

    As for my inappropriate language directed at you, I apologise, it was immature. I guess you pissed me off. Have a nice day.

  • underdog15 #407 4 months ago

    @shomosan84

    3 hour game?

    Come on... at least try to be accurate...

  • underdog15 #408 4 months ago

    @myms1ps3

    I guess I was being far too hopeful in thinking you might consider the entirety of my points and generate a thoughtful response besides romping around the world screaming that you are a hardcore gamer...

    I always viewed casual gaming as like... facebook games. How about addressing my further points concerning the inconsistencies in Simon's reviews? Is a game that is too immursive somehow not a "real game"? What constitutes a "real game"? That discussion is best left to editorials. A review is not the place to try to define what gaming is or should be.

  • Abdu@EG #409 4 months ago

    EG reviewers are arrogant, Assassin's Creed fanboys.

    They gave MGS4, U3, Gears of War 3 a 8. LOL, but these are the best and your reviews can suck my cat's balls.

  • Pehmu #410 4 months ago

    ChuckNorris:
    "In fact, whatever type of game you are trying to make, a lot of people will find it unenjoyable simply because it does not suit them. But that is not how a game should be judged, in a review those points should be thoroughly described so that the reader can tell if this is an experience that suits them, but the game should be judged on how well it achieves that which it aspires to achieve."

    I think Parkin made it clear that U3 is very much like U2. Of course he's allowed criticize the game if it sometimes feels a bit too much like Naughty Dog was trying to take the control away from player to show cool, cinematic stuff.
    Maybe U3 is more linear and scripted than U2. Or maybe it isn't. I don't know. However, U3 and U2 seem so alike that everything Parkin said in the review pretty much applies to U2 as well.

    Uncharted fans know what kind of game U3 is. They know they'll like it no matter what critics say. Deep down they know Uncharted has always been linear and more or less scripted. The problem seems to be critics aren't suppose to say it out loud. Parkin said it and added that U3 is still an amazing, fun and entertaining game.
    Edited by 2 at 26/10/11 @ 18:34

  • ChuckNorris #411 4 months ago

    @Pehmu True.

  • DrugMan #412 4 months ago

    this is a quote from another forum
    I wouldn't mind the reviewer pointing out uncharted 3 cons. Every game has them.

    I do however mind when the reviewer completely ignores what the game is set out to do, complains about various stuff that were never intended to be done and finally gives a score the same score to something like dynasty warriors gundam 3.

    This particularly annoys me since the reviewer already showed dislike for the franchise back in 09. He's biased. As biased as a teacher who doesn't like a student and has to review his work.

    Imagine this. You set out to do a project. You explain the teacher what's the project all about. You ask if it's ok to do that. He says yes. You then do the thing you set out to do and by the time he has to review it, he points out things that you never intended nor planned to do as negatives.

    It's all roses and rainbows when people defend him for expressing his opinion and criticizing the game. However those people don't know the full story behind it.

    I'm not saying the game doesn't deserve that score. Maybe it does. I haven't played it yet to know how good it is.

    What I'm saying is that his criticism is based on something ND never intended to do. They didn't intend to do an open world game. They didn't intend for you to stray off the road and explore somewhere else. They intended for you to follow a path and have a memorable experience full of cinematic flair. The reviewer ignores this.
    He ignores the MP. He writes a paragraph about it and is done with it.

    If you can't see this, then my friend, you're an idiot.

    I wouldn't point out that a con in a game like guitar hero is that I can't get in a car and shoot people. It's stupid of me to do so.
    i have to say i agree with this, not once in the review did the reviewer mentioned a flaw of the game that wasn't supposed to happen, but because it didn't do things it was never meant to do.

  • P1GEONPOO #413 4 months ago

    EG where did you find all these new readers?
    428 comments? That would be 9 pages worth on the old EG.
    There's something fishy going on here.

  • USAUSA #414 4 months ago

    Lawl he gave crysis 2 an 8
    kek
    Simon and fellow commentators, if you want 100% game-play and adventure, play Dark souls, you will not be interrupted by any story, hardly any cut-scenes, and definitely no invisible harnesses tugging you around. Your free to do as you please, and in a harsh manner. The game does not hold your hand(actually forces your hand away), does not give you any direction, and says calmly yet with a sly voice - GO! If you can appreciate this game, then you can see why a total opposite ride would be compelling. Story, Characters WE LOVE, unexpected twists, and even if the whole game is "ON-RAILS" - so long as the PLATFORMING (where the games roots started) visuals, the story, the mo-cap, the beginning, the ending, and the experience deliver then it is a job well done. (An 8 littered with negative jabs, sarcastic banter, and an overlying tone describing how the game is not immerse, the story presentation is unimpressive, and the set pieces aren't some of gaming's finest moments doesn't fit the bill)
    You want to talk about limited freedom??? - PLAY BATTLEFIELD 3 CAMPAIGN.
    You will edit your article so fast - you will actually sacrifice a small mammal in ND's name as an apology.
    Worst part is, there is no physics-defying-boost to aid you when you don't do the "correct" sequence. You die.
    Sneak up to this guy and try and knife him. you die. until you realize you have to SPRINT and knife him.
    You must do EXACTLY (literally) what the developer wants you to do, and if you mess up or deviate slightly, you die and suffer 2 loading screens.
    If uncharted 3 manages loading times anywhere as well as uncharted 2, this is a fucking breath of fresh air, scratch that, this is GODLY PLACENTA, THIS IS FREE SUSHI. (these are great things right?)
    Lets not forget that yes cinematic storytelling does take away control from the player. But this is NOT always a bad thing - if the game exudes the level of design, polish, and cinematic flare needed to pull it off.

    http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/61 5426-uncharted-3-drakes-deception/index.html
    Sitting at 94.39 out of 23 reviews ATM

    Uncharted 2 is somewhere in the 96-97% with around 80 reviews (you can easily find it by clicking ALL TIME BEST)

    The 2 best reviews I have read so far on this game, as both a fan, and a critic waiting to hear fellow judgement.



    http://www.destructoid.com/review-un charted-3-drake-s-deception-214385.phtml



    http:/ /ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1210241p1.html


    On a side note, to those yapping about "why would they make an uncharted fan review this game" - um.... maybe because we are all fans ?
    Whether you want the game to plummet or to soar, uncharted 3 is in your brain.
    Even the trolls who made it over here are interested.
    We are all fans, we want to hear "CONSTRUCTIVE" criticism and view points, just as much as we want to hear what they did RIGHT <---(Critical for a real review)
    It's funny how the cavalry can applaud Simon for his BRAVERY, to step up against the triple A tyrants and tell the truth! Risking his job, his life, and sticking it to the man! Eurogamers are HONEST AND UNBIASED!
    What a crock of shit.
    You people obviously haven't read any other reviews on this game - because since this is the lowest score, it must be the real score.
    Please, this is one of the few, if not the ONLY review that does not mention the set pieces. Not 1, not 2, not any - not the fact that they may or may not blow your mind. At one point he says it's easy to succumb to the ride, and that's about it. While we shouldn't penalize him for not sounding like the majority of other critics who were BLOWN AWAY by these - the fact that he does not respect them enough to bring them up within his negative banter to even mention how you may or may not enjoy them depending on how you feel with this on rails experience. How maybe 1 set piece left him a lasting impression. Nothing
    Then we add 2 tiny paragraphs to sum up the multiplayer, that ironically does not mention the new buddy system, the addition of split-screen, OR THE RARITY of a game to allow you to sign in with 2 UNIQUE PSN accounts on one tv for separate leveling.
    You can EASILY see why all this backlash is warranted.

    Then lastly this =

    "The series' single collectible currency of random relics that are left lying around the environments remains. However, there's very little sense of achievement or elation when you discover one, those feelings instead overwhelmed by a greater sense of irritation at the trinkets that you have no doubt missed. There is no reason to play the game twice beyond finding these."

    Funny because these treasures are the segments in which YOU ARE SUPPOSED to deviate from the normal. These, like trophies are a joy to get, and are mentioned as a particularly high-point in most reviews. How brash to even say, YOU WILL NOT ENJOY PICKING UP THESE TREASURES, OR LOOKING FOR THEM. (WHICH BTW THE OBJECTS ARE NOW FULLY RENDERED, INSTEAD OF SHINY DOTS)

    GG clowns.

    Forget this guys posse or the trolls -
    If you own a ps3, and are on the fence about buying this game - PLEASE do more research over this game then just this biased crap.
    Take it ez guys.
    Edited by 3 at 26/10/11 @ 19:23

  • peterfll #415 4 months ago

    There seems to be a very polarised view forming on this whole debate. You're either seen to be leaping to the defence of free journalism, and how this review is a champion on the notion of not being brown-beaten into lavishing praise on highly hyped and over marketed product.

    Or you're a fanboy of some description, who cannot bear to see their favourite game franchise score anything less than top top scores.

    I'd like to hope I'm neither.

    My issue with this review is not the mark at the end of it. Indeed an 8/10 is still a great mark. But the words don't fit the score... in fact if you dont like your games being scripted, if you curse for not being given total freedom to explore the environment, then I'm surprised you could even sit through an Uncharted game, let alone give it 8/10.

    The critisms cited in the review are the least relevant aspect of this series, especially by the time you get to number 3 sequel. You're critiquing a game for being, for doing, exactly what it sets out to do.

    I would have preferred to read this as an article on the series, it would fit that context perfectly. As a review it doesn't work for me. And that's disappointing for me, because I still want to value the reviews on EG. I'm now a little suspect, and find it to be a curios and strange editorial choice....

  • Syrette #416 4 months ago

    @USAUSA

    Are you seriously accusing someone else of being biased? Seriously? Do you read your posts?


    @DrugMan

    Review features two lengthy paragraphs concerning MP for what is primarily a SP title.

    No need for your hyperbole either, at no point is he asking for an open world game. He's merely pointing out how scripted it all is. He found it to take too much control away from him, which is a valid comment. He also gives reasons as to why he appreciates why it is the way it is.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 19:21

  • ronuds #417 4 months ago

    Wow - this has certainly turned into quite a thing!

    I think a lot of people are missing the point of the criticisms aimed at the game, though - which I feel can be illustrated with a couple key sentences in the review.

    "the game commits the cardinal sin of insinuating you have full control of your character, but in fact tugging you towards trigger points"

    And

    "Likewise, mistimed leaps are given a gentle physics-defying boost to reduce the staccato rhythm of having to restart a section."

    And

    "beneath the spectacle there's a nagging feeling that your presence in the scene is an irritation rather than a preference."

    What this sounds like to me is not a complaint about linearity, but the fact that the game is playing itself. Obviously games like COD are also linear and tug you along a pre-destined path, but I don't remember COD pointing my bullets in the right direction if I were to fire in the wrong place.

    This seems to amount to a "game" that isn't so much of a game as it is a giant, interactive cutscene, which refuses to allow you to fail because it may disrupt the flow.

    I dunno... that's my take on it anyway. Make of that what you will, but imo there's a difference between "linear" and a game that doesn't allow you to make a mistake, therefore removing the challenge.

  • Totza #418 4 months ago

    This site is awful, its like you choose to score games low for the controversy.. its sad

  • DrugMan #419 4 months ago

    @Syrette like i said it was a quote from some dude in a forum and it's pretty much spot on, and nowhere does uncharted go from it aims or it plays for itsef, that is a pretty dumb thing to say it's have you seen the gameplay videos out there? does it seriously look like the game is playing by itself? the game blends very well scripted events to gameplay which i believe there is no other game that does it best, that's like saying in deadspace 2 every time a scripted event occurs and you just have to aim and shoot the right spot , the game is playing for itself , or in god of war qte the game is also playing for itself since there is no way to fail them right? and in deadspace 2 you can't really stray off from the path either id say it's even more linear than uncharted games since it completly removes the verticality and open areas for combat and instead goes to small corridor to small corridor aside from some small mini bosses where it opens up a litle bit to give the A.I some room to manuever, and it has much much less variety compared to uncharted games(although i have always found deadspace puzzles more fun), but you know what i love the eff out of that game and the game got a 9 from eurogamer(different writers i suppose),anyway it did what the previous game did best it has established the franchise, it polished the flaws there were there and it improved on it, and it's exacly what uncharted games have been doing, like some user above also said, critisizing the game for being what it's meant to be is pretty stupid in itself, as it also seems as far as i know the only flaw the game has according to the writter, it's like saying gears of war 3 deserves an 8 because it's to violent, the problem of the review it's not that because it gave the game an 8 but because the "why" to it is rather absurd.

  • shomosan84 #420 4 months ago

    @underdog15 Check around on N4G there are multiple articles about it being beaten in 3 hours. Or just google Uncharted 3 beaten in 3 hours. Then come back and tell me I'm wrong..
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 20:40

  • USAUSA #421 4 months ago

    @ Syrette - How does my undying fanboyism exclude me from having a point of view, or joining this heated debate?? I haven't played part 3, all I can go off is the greatness of part 2 - and all the podcasts/interviews from the ND team to ensure my confidence. I'm just as jaded as the reviewer you defend. To add injury to insult, not only do I claim he is biased, but that the review itself is crap. It's a compiled list of how the game did not appeal to simon, and how its over-hyped and over-rated

    @ DrugMan - LMAO FUNNY THING IS - IT'S THE SAME REVIEWER!!! LMAO LMAO LMAO LMAO LMAO
    EVEN FUNNIER IS THIS QUOTE I PULLED FROM SIMON'S DEAD SPACE 2 REVIEW (Oh this gushes of relevance).
    "The game is at its best during the set-piece moments"
    Nuff said.

    GG clowns
    an 8 for 500 comments?
    Hope you and your boss are happy

    94.39%
    Score based on 23 reviews

    http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/61 5426-uncharted-3-drakes-deception/index.html
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 20:54

  • ronuds #422 4 months ago

    @ DrugMan

    He isn't criticizing the game "for what it is," though. He's criticizing it for giving the illusion that it's something else. The subtitle of the review should tell you that: "Smoke and Mirrors."

    I don't understand the "it does what it sets out to do," argument either. Almost every game "does what it sets out to do." Every game ever made deserves a 10 now?

    What a silly argument.

  • Goodfella #423 4 months ago

    @ronuds/Parkin

    So what illusion are Naughty Dog trying to create that the game isn't?

  • slayernz #424 4 months ago

    pretty poor review i think? hasnt gone over a few things and the part i was looking for most of all was the 3d....if you are going to review something please make sure you include all the content

  • ronuds #425 4 months ago

    Well, I didn't write the review, but from what I can tell he's saying this:

    "the game commits the cardinal sin of insinuating you have full control of your character"

  • USAUSA #426 4 months ago

    HE GAVE CHILD OF EDEN A 9
    LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    CASE CLOSED
    THANK YOU FOR POINTING THIS OUT ThinkingGamR

  • Pehmu #427 4 months ago

    @slayernz Maybe the reviewer doesn't have a 3D television home.
    I think EG/Digital Foundry already published some sort of article about Uncharted 3 and its 3D support.

  • Goodfella #428 4 months ago

    @ronuds

    It's still a rather vague comment from Mr. Parkin. I'm not sure what he means by it. Is he implying the game plays itself much like Enslaved where you point the stick in the direction you want adn the game does the rest, or has he not played the previous Uncharted games and assumes there would be more control?

  • USAUSA #429 4 months ago

    Lack of 3d talks is not the only thing void, how about the new buddy system, the addition of split-screen, OR THE RARITY of a game to allow you to sign in with 2 UNIQUE PSN accounts on one tv for separate leveling.
    He admired DeadSpace 2 set pieces and called it DS's best moments, yet in uncharted 3, they don't exist or they aren't as impressive as dead space 2. EL O EL.
    If you go through his reviews though, I think we are being overly harsh - maybe he isn't trying to bring hits to this crap site - maybe he is just retarded...

    Red dead redemption = 8
    Crysis 2 = 8
    God of war ghost of sparta = 7

    now get this
    Vanquish = 9
    Child of eden = 9

    Apparently Uncharted 3 is on par with the likes of Yakuza 4 (which his closing comments are - "THIS GAME HAS NO POLISH WHATSOEVER";)
    looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

  • ronuds #430 4 months ago

    I haven't played Enslaved, so couldn't really say how to compare the two.

    I suppose he somewhat illustrates his point with a comment I mentioned earlier:
    "Likewise, mistimed leaps are given a gentle physics-defying boost to reduce the staccato rhythm of having to restart a section."

    My interpretation of that comment is that - you press the button to jump, and you believe you're making a difference, but really the game is doing the jumping for you in that it makes sure your jump is successful, whether it should have been or not.

    What I believe, and was the point I have been trying to make, is that a lot of people are misinterpreting his comments as a straight-up complaint about the game being too linear, while I don't see that at all. Whether he's right, wrong, expected too much, etc., I have no idea.

  • tnt_2008smum #431 4 months ago

    @USAUSA

    Now I loved Uncharted 2 (thought 1 was good but not great) and I'm looking forward to 3 sooooo much but you are mental!!!

    Stop with the ranting and go play some games before you break completely!!!

  • USAUSA #432 4 months ago

    Insane in the membrane.
    Already prestiged in Resistance 3
    Gears 3 is only fun in bursts (I unlocked final skin)
    Already finished Batman's campaign, all side quests, all riddler trophies
    Dark souls I'm on NG++ on my warrior and NG+ on my sorcerer and tbh I pretty much burnt myself out on dark souls (GREAT fucking game)
    What am I supposed to do? Sex and drugs are not always available you know.
    Play BF3's atrocious campaign? Or wish that BF3 had an offline mode to practice my jet skills or at least play with friends via local split screen.
    Nahhhhh I'll fight for Uncharted 3!
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 22:00

  • ronuds #433 4 months ago

    Maybe you need some fresh air then! :lol:

  • spekkeh #434 4 months ago

    ChuckNorris: you're treating review scores like it's some kind of report card. 'It's technically better than the previous game, therefore it should deserve a higher score'. Simon Parkin is not a school teacher grading coursework and in general this is not how media criticism work. You can see a report card at the end of an IGN review of course, but this really just goes to show how clueless they are at their own job.

  • DrugMan #435 4 months ago

    @shomosan84 it's a speed run genious, people have beaten half-life 2 around one hour
    and fallout new vegas in 1 hour too...

  • DrugMan #436 4 months ago

    @ronuds now you are just putting words in my mouth, where did i say the game deserves 10?

  • bladdard #437 4 months ago

    If as Parkin claims UC3 saves and favours to keep the "movie" on track then the game is nothing like UC1 and UC2, both are linear but not to the point where they break immersion.

    I'm betting though that the gameplay isn't a single interactive cutscene and plays much like other Uncharted games which, if that's the case I'm in and this review is bullshit. The score means nothing it's the content that I find pretty contentious but until I play the game I'm commenting from a position of ignorance.

    @Ronuds: Have you ever played an Uncharted game because from your comments it sounds like you probably haven't.

    EDIT: And if you haven't then go and play them they are two of the best single player games this gen.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/11 @ 23:38

  • AJGB #438 4 months ago

    @LastNac
    But that's the whole point. How is an interactive medium crippling itself to become like a linear passive one "rising above its station"? The success of the interactive medium should not be measured by how closely it can mimic a noninteractive medium. That's idiotic.

  • bladdard #439 4 months ago

    I feel far more immersed in the Uncharted experiences than I do in the lonely fetch and carry fallout or oblivion experiences. Don't get me wrong I love fallout and oblivion but I don't find playing those quite as compelling.

    With uncharted I love Nolans cool, I love how sexy Chloe is and the chemistry between Nolan, Elena and Chloe is brilliant. I buy into the characters, I love the humour and I can't wait to see how it all pans out. There aren't many other games that make me feel this way and that's what this review is missing for me.

  • USAUSA #440 4 months ago

    oh god not this guy again. and his pseudo intelligence channeled towards a hatred for video games, and where they stand - with uncharted 3 being a pollution to video games, and he would rather watch a movie
    somebody call the WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAMbulance
    and fresh air is over-rated - that, water, and sleep I see no use for.

    Spekkeh your a kool guy, you made me laugh - but are you going to say eurogamer has more credentials then IGN??
    Even more-so Simon vs Greg miller?
    Love him or hate him, but his/their PlayStation podcast is the hottest atm, and his reviews have never been poor. He recently also reviewed batman (9.5) and he is a HUGE batman fan. The biggest -
    He also has been intently following ND and uncharted 3, he voiced his concerns over beta and with the help of positive feedback and greggy several integral patches were made - point being HE actually keeps up with naughty dog and the community.
    He knows that when uncharted 2 came out, along with rave reviews from critics - the fanbase was very vocal about how they felt the game was to similar to the first and the game was very predictable. Although I can't say I encompassed these same feelings myself - I'm not overly critical of games I love. He especially felt this way, and was almost "slightly" disappointed with Uncharted 2. He even wrote me an article convincing me that Mass Effect 2 was the superior game. (Why mass effect 2 is better then uncharted 2 is the name of the article)
    He will be the first one to tell you, there has been another leap in any form of achievable progress, from the game play, the tech, the combat, the visuals, the water, the set pieces, the story, etc etc.
    He knows that's why for uncharted 3, there are many more twists and turns, and the unexpected is around every corner.
    He knows there was an outrage when they scaled back gun dmg for multiplayer, and that naughty dog (like a great developer that listens to their fans) almost immediately beefed up the damage on the spot.
    It does kind of fall along the lines of what drugman was saying.
    Gears 3 did virtually nothing different from gears 2, they focused on tweaking the multiplayer (that they destroyed in part 2) and made it the most replay-able, and balanced multiplayer up to date delivered by a gears game.
    So natrually, uncharted has already carved out its fanbase (remember naughty dog doesn't make games for simon, they make games for the people who are constantly talking to them) (the loyal fans)
    Did you not play previous uncharted iterations ? What did you expect this game to offer you ? Skyrim exploration? Batman's Semi open world sandbox?
    Do you even know the background of these characters??
    In the latest tale of drake, the story has been dialed back down from larger scales, to a more personal tone - emphasis being on our hero and his father-figure/mentor Sully. This time the people surrounding drake, for once actually question drake and his lofty goals - is it worth it ???
    If you wanted the game to "trick" you into thinking there was more room for exploration, then I guess they could've made areas broader? less direct? to tailor to our favorite simon........
    -because that's about the best they could do. Anything else and the game isn't uncharted ....
    That's what drugman has been trying to explain to you tards.
    This guy was not a fan of the game style, and he explained how he would've made it better had he been a part of the development team to veer them in the right direction and make the game less linear, and more open like a far cry 2, or Crysis.
    Guess platforming, and vertical-laity in your 3rd person shooter doesn't cut it for Simon, he wants his nano suit visor and his 3 options to tackle a situation.

  • ChuckNorris #441 4 months ago

    @shomosan84

    Dark Souls can be finished in 1h26min. http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=x9ymysN3qQ8

    Is Dark Souls a 1,5h game?

  • USAUSA #442 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
    I MUST HAVE LOGGED 50-60+ HOURS BEFORE I BEAT THE GAME.
    WOWOWOWWOWOWOWWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOW
    /WRISTS

  • Charlie_Miso #443 4 months ago

    I've got nothing to add - just want to be a part of this clusterfuck.

  • AJGB #444 4 months ago

    @bladdard
    You probably don't like Fallout 3 and Oblivion because they are, in fact, terrible.

  • Powerstreak #445 4 months ago

    Did everyone just skip all the positive stuff that was in the review and the parts where he says that if this stuff is what you're after it's the best there is at it? I mean it's right there in the text.

  • omniscient #446 4 months ago

    One of the most contrary reviews I've read. The gist is that Uncharted 3 is an homage to cinema as apose to games, yet games are indefinable. It's by nature that games' variability provides a medium to stimulate all forms of art; be it music, books or film. To criticise Uncharted 3 for being the quintessential example for the meaning of games is very rhetorical and so Eurogamer :). I guess the next Rockband game would be rated down for being too music like instead of game like.

  • errandum #447 4 months ago

    O ffs, people are whining because nowadays the rating systems are highly flawed. Ratings go form 7 to 10 unless it is a really, really, really bad game. Saying that this one deserves an 8 is similar to saying it deserves a 3/10 in a normal grading system. Do you really think this game is worth of that?

    The game obviously has flaws (or at least perceived flaws by the writer) but please, there is no way in hell this game is mediocre (what that score really means).

  • AJGB #448 4 months ago

    @omniscient
    Games should be games, not films or music or books.

    There is artistic merit in the game mechanics themselves, and that is what is unique to the interactive medium. Chess is one of the greatest works of art humanity has ever produced, and it's not because of Emotional Cinematic Cutscenes and Amazing Weather Effects.

  • LR100 #449 4 months ago

    The Uncharted series so far must be 2 in a very small group of games where I actually care for the characters and give a damn about the story. Even with other games that i've enjoyed, such as Gears of War 3, I barely pay much attention to the flow of the story.

    The characters in Uncharted are expertly voiced, animated and realised. They make me laugh or feel sad. The stories are exciting romps across the globe that bring the same sort of joy when I first saw the Indiana Jones films as a kid! I don't care that if it's linear instead of open world, I don't care if there's scripted stunts and set pieces. It's all part of a fun experience that i'll gladly slap 40 notes down for.

    I am not bothered by the score of this review, 8/10 is pretty good (although most people were expecting it to get 9 or 10, be honest). However, some of the criticisms levied against the game in the review are about things that make this game just what it is! It would simply not work as an open world game, the story would suffer, it's very obvious. I can't wait for it to drop through my letter box next week so I can hop on for the exciting thrill-ride I am expecting!

  • Spong #450 4 months ago

    I haven't seen such a display of dumb fuckery as I have in the comments for this review (which I've just spent over an hour reading). What the fuck is wrong with people? In the larger scheme of things, who even gives a shit about a bloody number? Whatever happened to just buying a game and enjoying it for what it is and to hell with other people's opinions?

    Jesus fucking Christ, it says something when a number seemingly appears to be more important than whether or not people as individuals enjoy the game. Fucking fanboys.

  • bladdard #451 4 months ago

    @Spong

    I think you're missing the point mate, very few people give a shit about the review score it's the language therein that has caused offense. As I've said before I haven't played the game so I might be wrong but calling one of the most immersive, fun and playable experiences this gen shallow is part of what has pissed everyone off. The reviewer obviously has an agenda and doesn't like cinematic games, uncharted games don't and never have played themselves, much of what's in the review doesn't sound much like the previous uncharted games. Parkin could be right and NG could've totally screwed up UC3 turning into a dragons lair clone but after reading many of the other reviews I don't think this is the case but I can't wait to find out.

  • bionic #452 4 months ago

    Reads like a 10/10
    Will be buying!
    Even if EG gave it 1/10 I would buy, as what does EG know - the anti PS3 site that it is ;P

  • spekkeh #453 4 months ago

    Parkin didn't say ND totally screwed up Uncharted 3.

  • bladdard #454 4 months ago

    @spekkeh

    Many of the criticisms in this review such as the player having a supporting role, ND playing the role of vindictive god and where he summarises about the shallow experience are not my experiences when playing the previous games and if this is true then ND have totally screwed up.

    I'm under no illusion Uncharted games are not perfect and 8/10 is a good score but the critisisms in the review just seem massively off the mark if the previous games are anything to go by.

    Uncharted games have never been QTE heavy, or scene driven like heavy rain they've been linear yes but with great shooting mechanics, good enemy AI, unforgiving platform sections and the trigger points tied the action and story seamlessly. As I've said if these things that make Uncharted such great games have changed and this installment is all the things Parkin claims it to be then ND have seriously screwed up and I'll be gutted.

    I also get the feeling many of the commenters jumping to the defense of Parkin have never played an uncharted game.

  • Spong #455 4 months ago

    @bladdard

    Fair point that there's a chunk of people here who disagree with what was actually said in the review itself, what I say isn't aimed at them at all. I respect those comments because they took time out to compose a proper response. I agree with some of the points raised by those people in fact, comments about the lack of certain aspects being discussed, like the 3D functionality and the all too brief mention of the multiplayer. And I agree that, in places, the review appeared to build things up just to knock them down again.

    But those level-headed responses have been buried by the landslide of people who seem more obsessed by the number at the end of the review than the actual content. And the Parkin roasting appears to have spread across then net as a result. A thread at NeoGAF is full of people citing that the 8/10 score here is some deliberate attempt to spoil a perfect Metacritic rating. So what if it is (which I'm sure it isn't)? In what way will it make the game any less enjoyable to those who are going to buy it anyway? Will a less than perfect Metacritic rating somehow cause ND to stop doing what they clearly do best? It's almost too inane for words. And to top it off, time and time again, people have tarred & feathered Parkin, saying he hasn't got a clue what he's talking about, when he's the one who's actually played the game. I've got all the time in the world for constructive and level criticism, but people spitting out the dummy when they've not really got any first-hand experience to base it on just makes every-last one of them look like bitter, idiotic fanboys.

  • Kili102 #456 4 months ago

    If you enjoy the game, does it really matter what review score it gets? Uncharted games are enjoyable, dumb action games that present a leap in graphical presentation over other similar games. As has been pointed out, Gears of War 3 has recently been awarded an 8, and that is one of the better shooter games out there. Why should Uncharted be privileged?

  • irrelevanthuman #457 4 months ago

    This review kind of reflects Adam Sessler's excellent review for this at G4- and its provoked an equally ridiculous amount of infantile (not to mention vitriolic) comments on their forum. Looking forward to forming my own opinion, which is the one I hold most dear. The lack of perspective from some people bloody scares me.

  • kirankara #458 4 months ago

    Christ, how is this thread still going???

    @ajgb

    "Games should be games, not films or music or books."

    well that's games like Mass effect, final fantasy, and even gears of war with its cut scenes all subject to criticism then. It's clear you have an agenda, and just trying to substantiate it, whilst ignoring the many other games which rely heavily on cinematic experiences within games.

  • Goodfella #459 4 months ago

    @bladdard

    "Uncharted games have never been QTE heavy, or scene driven like heavy rain they've been linear yes but with great shooting mechanics, good enemy AI, unforgiving platform sections and the trigger points tied the action and story seamlessly. As I've said if these things that make Uncharted such great games have changed and this installment is all the things Parkin claims it to be then ND have seriously screwed up and I'll be gutted."

    This, if this is true I will be rather unhappy with ND. If it's not then Parkin needs to rethink what he said because if UC3 is the same as the previous instalments then I don't see what the problem is.
    Edited by 2 at 27/10/11 @ 09:43

  • TopKatt #460 4 months ago

    @EddieMink There's only one way to find out! Let's see how long we can keep it at the top.

  • djronz. #461 4 months ago

    I rekon we can get 500 posts before the day is out! EG will sure be encouraged to be controversal if they get these kind of hits! expect mw3 to get a 6.

  • kirankara #462 4 months ago

    @djronz.

    500 by 1030am uk time I reckon lol


    ps, reckon EG have already contemplated that 6, but the cheque from MS will dissuade them. (tongue in cheek folks)

  • captainjax #463 4 months ago

    Watching the fanboys on here throw a hissy fit is probably more entertaining than the game, well done Mr Parkin.

  • kirankara #464 4 months ago

    c'mon folks, we can do better than this, I want 500 in next 10 mins. try harder!!!

  • Rodriguez #465 4 months ago

    I'm concerned about Simon Parkin's safety, he's like the new Gaddafi or something. I half expect to eventually see a video of him being captured by a group of Nathan Drake cos-players sometime soon.

    /Yes, I do really like the Uncharted series but seriously guys, we all know reviews are highly subjective anyway. I've had great fun on some 5 or 6/10 games (hell I think EG even gave console version Dragon Age: Origins a 4/10) so just enjoy the game for yourselves!

  • vizzini #466 4 months ago

    I'm not usually one for pre-ordering, and like to see what deals the super markets are offering for big releases, The Ł5 discount voucher plus a good in store price for launch tipped the balance on AC: Brotherhood which I might have passed on. But with all the activity in this thread and the price staying high, I placed a pre-order last night just to make sure get this sooner.

    By the time the few people buying this game have played it and returned to this thread it will be hitting 600 comments by November 2nd.

  • omniscient #467 4 months ago

    @AJGB Please don't tell me, that is what you've understood from my post; that games should be Books and Movies. Let me reiterate with a level of clarity that even you can't misconstrue. Ever heard of the phrase 'the sum of all its parts' well it has no more poinent place than in Games. Games are the only form of art that provide visual and audio interactivity and it is this quality of combining mediums into one, that intentionaly or otherwise pays homage to the mediums Games ape. If games where books they'd be books.

    And 8/10 is a great score but my gripe stems from the fact that reviews serve a greater purpose beyond the sensationalistic norms of fanboyism oneupmanship, Reviews structure the industry. When people look at movies (which is why incidentally it has achieved critical mass) at the top you would see the likes of Godfather, Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction, yet apply that principle to Games and it fails to truly show how games have matured and Uncharted 3 is revolutionary in that it forms part of a niche collection of games providing experiences that depart from that iconic and permissable thumb numbing experience the world views games as.

    When the world looks at the pantheons of Games I want them to see the likes of Bioshock, Half Life, Portal, Uncharted without being conflicted or confused by the macho brooding games that share the podium.
    Edited by 2 at 28/10/11 @ 01:29

  • djronz. #468 4 months ago

    @AJGB so in uncharted i just stand around and wait for the game to tell me when to press walk, jump and which enemy to shoot next do i? or does uncharted in fact use a similar tried and tested game design thats been around since side scolling platform shoot em ups only dresses it all up in a fantastic 3d adventure with amazing production values and visuals?

    In either uncharted ive never experience quite the confines on gameplay that this reviewer suggests, unless this has altered for u3? So why is it if we have so little freedom does he bemone thie inclusion of treasures to find? surely they would be easy to find if its so constrictive?
    In fact why bemoan its inclusion at all? - cant be bothered to find them, then dont, like to get em' all, then great.

    He seems to try too hard to make out this is more a movie experience than a game rather than a movie like gaming experience. It is indeed a game and the series has been previously praised for combining elements of gears, tomb raider and ico! No bad thing at all.

    To sum up - yes there are cut scenes, yes it does have some button promts and some qte's but on the whole it shares platforming mechanics like ico's, shooting like gears and the adventure of tomb raider, so how is it a movie dressed as a game?

  • jetsetwillie #469 4 months ago

    @Rodriguez i wouldn't worry too much for his safety. most of those screaming and crying are back at school on monday.

  • vizzini #470 4 months ago

    EG: “but as soon as an AI soldier spots you so too does every enemy in the area, who instantly line up their sights on your position (even if you retreat to cover) with irritating telepathic prescience. “

    The sentence above by Parkin seems really odd, in that NG explained how they completely rewrote the AI in their engine, so that it is completely AI, rather than AI with pre-scripting that is 99% of other games.

    Parkin doesn't state what difficult he played on and it is hard to believe the AI they rebuilt isn't more life like than it was before. He also doesn't state whether he turned off the hint system menu option(which I presume is carried over from UC & UC2), but he does take a good few low blow shots at the game in the review on these topics.

    On the issue of testing a game, I think this poor review text, illustrates that all features need tested thoroughly (for an hour at least) in all review write ups (by the reviewer not DF), especially features like 3D and 3D audio.

    A carpenter coming to work on your house couldn't say they didn't have the tools for the job and use the line: I only could only do it like this, with my junior carpentry saw.
    Which is essentially what Parkin's review is saying by the absence of features tested.

    I would even say that a game should be tested in +40” HD & 3D with surround and 14” SD (for an hour) so that the reviewer can meaningfully pitch the average experience from testing at its best and worst setups.

  • AJGB #471 4 months ago

    @kirankara
    What do you think my agenda is, exactly? Because I think Final Fantasy, Mass Effect, and Gears of War are all terrible, as well. If you think this stems from some kind of platform bias, you're thoroughly mistaken.

  • Rviddy #472 4 months ago

    This guy gave the same score to Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3. As we all now Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 is a highly respected game.

  • des #473 4 months ago

    sony sacred cow has been exposed,sdf melting left and right

    This is just the start,expect a lot "I hate to say it but I agree with EG review" in upcoming months.
    Simon :bow

  • man.the.king #474 4 months ago

    @AJGB

    Because I think Final Fantasy, Mass Effect, and Gears of War are all terrible, as well.

    From your posts, it would seem that 99% of games are excluded from "being good", if I were to go by your unremittingly exacting criteria.

    In that case, you have my sympathy - you are missing out on so many superlative examples of interactive entertainment.
    Edited by 2 at 27/10/11 @ 16:49

  • Flyers021 #475 4 months ago

    My issue with the review is that on a whole, it gives numerous positive points and not enough negatives to justify the score. The negatives could all be applied to the Uncharted 2 review, so how is this game more of a negative? As a gamer who played the previous versions, I want to know how this stacks up in comparison. What would this dude give the previous version? How do the modes in multiplayer work, and what changes have been made to make it better or worse?

    In forcing myself to sit through the video review, it plays like a pathetic copy of Mystery Science Theater 3000, full of sarcasm but minus the humour. I would like to see Mr. Parkin try to script his own game. The constant sarcasm (which dwell on several scenes) became annoying, and did little to give overall impressions of the game. Instead of judging the forest, he was dwelling on bits of branches and leaves. For an example of an actual objective video review, go to Gametrailers.com. You will then understand how pathetic the attempt was, and actually realize the differences in the Uncharted versions, which was never covered in this review.

    To sum up the actual review, it was narrow, focused and shallow (thankyou for the multiplayer and 3D coverage). I think Mr. Parkin was using a bit of projection in his summary. I look at how he gave Red Dead Redemption and this game an 8, but then gave Child of Eden a 9. Any gamer should try to play 1 hour of each and come up with their own score. How does it compare? You don't need a masters in journalism to understand these points, but rather experience as a gamer. All I am saying is that the editor should not let this guy touch the new Zelda, and then get him drug tested.

  • MynamesRAnonymous #476 4 months ago

    I wasn`t upset when a critic gave Portal 2 8.2/10.If Simon gave it 1 out of 10 I would have still bought it.I know it will have value when I`m bored and I like making my own mind up to what is good or bad TO MY OWN STANDARDS.I don`t need to justify my expectation with anyone`s review like a weak minded insecure slave requesting a mortal`s approval.Some people worship games to much as if they had a hand in the development or even marketing( and if people here think I`m talking about them, pointing fingers,then they might just be neurotically self indulged )I see a lot of gamers under delusions of grandeur ,laboring their egotistic fanboy- ism.Although some people make good points I accept...But I for one can`t wait to see 'Yahtzee' on Zero Punctuation take the piss out of this game just for laughs.Why not praise the critics who gave it 10/10 instead of burning one 8/10.I`ve seen kids in Africa die for less FFS.Relax people just try it out yourselves and you`ll see it`s a great game, not worth ranting over.

  • bad09 #477 4 months ago

    "If you enjoy the game, does it really matter what review score it gets?"

    Are you kidding? This is a console exclusive, have you not seen the fanboy outrage on most big exclusive reviews around here. For many that review score is all that's important as it validates their choice of console and probably their whole being, christ man how on earth do you expect people to enjoy a video game when someone out there thinks it's an 8/10? Next you'll tell me opinons are different you madman!

    8/10 games don't win the console warz for the troops you know!

  • jetsetwillie #478 4 months ago

    @bad09 by troops, i assume you mean children

  • RandomJ #479 4 months ago

    @menschenfracht: *dead*

  • shomosan84 #480 4 months ago

    @DrugMan So that's not beating the game? From what I've seen "Speed run" is still beating the game. Nice try though.

  • Flyers021 #481 4 months ago

    I would not say that this deserves a 10, as I would have to play it first. But this SURE AS HELL does not deserve an 8, and anyone with a bit of experience in gaming (objectively, without fanboyism) would see this. When this review is out in left field from so many other reviewers, I think it is appropriate to call him out on it. It is funny too see the defensive justification, and wonder if the anti-Sony fanboyism does not play a part in these defenses.

    It would be funny if this game starts winning GOTY awards, as this would clearly show the people defending Parkin to be complete fools who don't know what they are talking about. Then this page would start getting responses and calls for the idiot to get canned. In my opinion, I would put my money on Zelda or Portal 2 to take the awards. Long story short, this is NOT a game that deserves an 8, as 20+ reviews from experienced gamers clearly show this.

  • shomosan84 #482 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris Is Uncharted 3 an open world game? Nope. So you're comment is a waste of time and is invalid. GG

  • USAUSA #483 4 months ago

    I'm happy to see these comments attract some intellectuals.
    Guess even they are bothered by the ignorance and injustice.
    Keep these comments on a higher level baby, YEA!

  • WhateversClever #484 4 months ago

    This author is a troll. And by troll, I mean this article is intentionally trolling for traffic by posting a review that was meant to be poor from the outset, to get gawkers. Ads pay by the pageview in a lot of cases, you know. If you don't believe me, have a look for yourself, he gave Uncharted three the exact same rating he gave Dynasty Warrors: Gundam 3, which incidentally wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

    We've all be suckered.

    Either that or the author really is just that out of touch.

  • USAUSA #485 4 months ago

    @WhateversClever lol yea I mentioned earlier, his plans might be less sinister than originally anticipated. Maybe he is just retarded lmao.
    He also gave Yakuza 4 an 8.
    Which similarly isn't bad - but isn't good either LOL.
    lets not forget his 9 for vanquish and his 9 for child of eden LOOOOOL
    Crysis 2 and red dead getting an 8 both made me chuckle as well.
    What has this industry come to - we got euroliars slandering the future of gaming and we got game informers infamous dan ryckert stating BF3 campaign is the best shooting campaign since MW1
    so > Halo reach, Crysis 2, Black ops, Gears of war 3, Killzone 3, Resistance 3.
    When in actuality the campaign is atrocious. IT will make you throw up repeatedly.
    You can't even name all the problems wrong with SP, and we're not talking about texture pop ins and other issues that have plagued developers, were talking about invisible walls and such.
    They tried to turn BF into MW and failed to make anything worth your time.

  • Flyers021 #486 4 months ago

    Ohhh...yea, FIGHTCLUBBER...sending me messages which call me names makes me think that you are in 3rd or 4th grade. Please stop or I will tell your mommy and you will be grounded. Better yet, have your daddy review my posts and articulate an intellegent response (dammit, go ask him what that means).

  • USAUSA #487 4 months ago

    "While the two previous games had great characters, they felt more like extremely well-acted action/adventure archetypes. The rough-and-tumble partner. The sassy love interest. The intelligent, yet creepy villain. They all worked in the context of the games, but ultimately felt a little hollow.

    In Uncharted 3, all of the characters -- including most of your old favorites and some excellent new additions -- feel so much more complex. Not only is each character given some real, sometimes tragic emotions to deal with, but the relationships between these friends and enemies are portrayed with surprising depth.

    Speaking of enemies, Uncharted 3 has some really good ones. The main villain, Katherine Marlowe, is, hands down, the best in the series. (Her terrifying, mysterious cohort, Talbot, is not too shabby, either.) There is a conversation about halfway through the game between Nathan and Katherine that is easily the best written (and acted!) dialogue in all three Uncharted games.

    Fortunately, the game is full of moments like this: sharply written, superbly acted sequences that really expose each character and take the series to a whole new emotional level.

    But as great as the story and characters are in the game, let's be honest, the main focus of the Uncharted games is the action. With Uncharted 2, the bar was set ridiculously high for what can be done in a videogame. When I was going into Uncharted 3, my main concern was whether the game could raise the bar even higher.

    I can't believe I am typing this, but Uncharted 3 manages the impossible. It is an even bigger thrill ride than both the previous games combined.

    As much as I would love to spoil some of the games best moments just so I can hold down the caps lock key and go crazy over how awesome they are, I would never do that, as experiencing certain things for the first time with no knowledge of what to expect is part of the fun.

    Just be prepared. As you play through the game's generous, perfectly constructed single-player campaign, you are going to be blown away. Like, seriously blown away. One sequence in particular is so impressive -- think The Poseidon Adventure meets Die Hard -- that it ranks as one of my favorite videogame moments of all time.

    And just when you think the game can't top itself, it does something even more out-of-control that will blow your mind and drop your jaw all over again."

    - Chad Concelmo

  • Azazel #488 4 months ago

    I give this comments thread twelvety out of ten.

  • irrelevanthuman #489 4 months ago

    Good to see the milk of human kindness cascading through this delightful thread.

  • Flyers021 #490 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • Jackdexx #491 4 months ago

    8/10. Damn skippy. Did they really think making a game like the 10/10 GOTY would work out. I sure as hell did. Maybe because it does. LOL Man, you just know in a parallel universe their uncharted 3 was an open world multiply ending game that naughty dog made to mix it up, and eurogamer was all on their ass about that. angry they changed it. Uncharted isn't deus ex. No, you can't tell a character in need to go fuck themselves so you can go get ice cream, but if it was it would suck. If Indy decided not to go on an adventure, but stay and teach, it would not be as good. Unless its Indy 4 in which case he should have. The only problem with Uncharted 3 will be that after my three replays I'll want new stuff. so here's hoping many a side story DLCs to come. Now excuse me as I need to find a way to a parallel universe to judge for my self.

  • Lemming81 #492 4 months ago

    Love the Uncharted games, but people need to chill out in the comments saying the reviewer 'doesn't get it'. He does get it, but was expecting Naughty Dog to at least try and shake up the formula a little - nothing wrong with that.

    I get the impression that this game is alot more on rails than the previous 2. I hope I'm wrong as it was on rails just the right amount last time out.

    Still would prefer Indiana Jones-style brawls instead of gun fights, but hey it's a staple of the series now I guess.

  • Jackdexx #493 4 months ago

    @WolfFan1337 you would give uncharted 3 a 4/10? what do you consider a 10/10 game? does the game have to bring christ to life to be okay?

  • USAUSA #494 4 months ago

    I got a good one!
    More like .... euroFLAMER!
    ah? eh?
    That's a knee slapper...

  • loop7 #495 4 months ago

    Will still buy it as I loved Uncharted 2 so more of the same will do me fine ;)

  • djronz. #496 4 months ago

    500! well done eg - it worked!
    Edited by 1 at 28/10/11 @ 05:48

  • HitmanBdtf #497 4 months ago

    @sfp_noodle It's taken you six years, three of which as a Journalism student to work out that no news source to ever exist is unbiased?

    And how does the new Uncharted 3 background and advertising currently adorning the website resonate with your conclusions?

  • P1GEONPOO #498 4 months ago

    @USAUSA is like coolbritania on steroids.:cry:

    Just what the new EG needed.:rolleyes:

  • silversun #499 4 months ago

    The game reviewed fairly well on eurogamer and it does not effect my choice to buy the game at all.
    What has suprised me however is everyone else reaction to this review. it seems bit crazy.
    Then again i dont care much about the metacritics of games and i know i go by my own instinct when buying games.

    Reviews can be useful to learn about games but for me they not the most important factor for buying games.
    This is me though, i think im different from most people that are into video games.

  • boomzes #500 4 months ago

    That is easily the most unbalanced video game review I have ever read. Multiplayer and co-op which make up more than half of the overall package were dismissed with a single sentence. Gameplay, was barely discussed. The bulk of the review was a rant about how linear and scripted Mr. Parkin felt the game was (which is completely find for a game of this genre. Uncharted never professed to be an RPG or sandbox game), with a few forced compliments sprinkled here and there, to make it look like he didn't have it out for the game to begin with. Mr. Parkin has good writing skills, but this only masks the fact that the actual substance, depth and quality of his reviews as well as the scores he gives are rubbish. Shallow indeed.

  • chaz1873rfc #501 4 months ago

    what would the karting game be called? unkarted lol

  • bradley012345 #502 4 months ago

    WTF they gave halo reach a 9 and un3 an 8? in un3 drake does various movesets not that i have anything against halo. they gave black ops an 8 and black ops sucks out loud Simon said i dont like the way the game looks as if im playing a movie, i think thats a cool feature you cant vote down an incredible book just because it dosent have pictures

  • bradley012345 #503 4 months ago

    @Hindle like how cod introduced killstreaks for 3 yrs

  • Starkillah_79 #504 4 months ago

    lol the review(er)s on this site are getting just RIDICULOUS! first Gears3 & now UC 3 8/10 COME ON WTF do you consider a 9 or 10? GotY (at least on it's system) hands down

  • o_ci2007 #505 4 months ago

    Ridiculous.

  • myms1ps3 #506 4 months ago

    @underdog15/kirankara and the other morons

    When did I claim to be a so called "hardcore" gamer??? Oh yeah, NEVER!!
    And what's with the shite you're spewing out about these "real games"???
    Is there such a thing as a fake game??
    Get educated and informed before commenting on posts here.

    And this might shut up the knuckle draggers who were trying to contest my OPINION that Uncharted as a series is , shallow, short, linear but still, A GOOD EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!

    Quoted from lead game designer Richard Lemarchand of Naughty Dog,

    "The strict, linear design and tight camera management may contribute to a sense of being a semi-spectator on a fairground ride, but the benefit of this design approach is that it allows the team to focus every ohm of PlayStation processing power onto what is on screen at any one time,"

    "The execution exhibits a kind of workmanship and polish way beyond the ambition of most other developers, let alone their abilities or budgets. As an expression of all that a video game could be, however, Uncharted 3 is narrow, focused and ultimately shallow."

    It is what it is. A very atmospheric, brilliantly characterised, fantastically well told, story - that's linear and shallow.

    I suppose it's difficult to find balance in the story they want to tell and how they want to tell it without breaking immersion.
    Edited by 1 at 30/10/11 @ 00:46

  • Porko_Rossi #507 4 months ago

    514 comments must mean this is a good game.

  • Biker_Bob_1971 #508 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 16:59:10 06-02-2012

  • Stevonymo #509 4 months ago

    Naaaa EG its better than 8/10...Your being very harsh on it.

  • ChuckNorris #510 4 months ago

    @shomosan84 Thanks for letting me know. Very valid reply, and not a waste of comment section space at all.

    I really can't be bothered to argue against or for anything in EG anymore. So this will be the last thing I add: There is one more fanboy group created as of late, and that would be the EG-defense brigade. If one utters a single complaint against this deteriorating product (will not call it a publication anymore, EG is in the sewers, marketed for the exact purpose of causing controversy where there is none, and adding fuel to the senseless flame wars) the response from EG-DB never differentiate between the posters that have valid, fairly articulate, reasonable points and those they call fanboys of this and that shit. I remember when one could have a discussion that didn't turn into this, a 500-comment long, 95% bullshit thread where, with a few exceptions, nothing more is said than: "My point has a larger cock than your point". (The raving Sony/Uncharted fanboys are present for sure, but trust that when I say that I hate them more than any of you, it's a fucking fact.)

    It's a culture that Eurogamer intentionally have (my guess, the cynic that I am) nurtured in the interest of increasing click rates. We who have the opinion that this article, although well-written, is ultimately an editorial opinion piece and as such, has no business posing as a review, get much flak no matter how well we state our points, because the tipping point has been reached and surpassed. The mass effect has already determined the outcome.

    Those that do care to argue against our points and not only insult us, tell us that reviews are just opinion pieces anyway and that we should get over it. These people are even worse than the shit spewers, because they want their gaming press in this poor state. Reviews are (and should be) tests of how GOOD a game is, with as little personal bias as possible. They should contain as much information as is reasonably possible about what the game has to offer, and they should judge how well those parts have been executed. That is something to aspire to, but not easily achieved. It requires a will and determination, to have solid journalistic ethics, and pride in your profession.

    This review does not even try to conceal its nature as an opinion piece because the standards of EG journalism has been significantly lowered, as has the general opinion of what we should expect from them. This is combined with a tremendous increase in what I will call (the elitist in me can't help him self) a peasant mob (be it SDF, xbots, or EG-DB) flooding these comment sections with huge volumes of absolute shit, making any impact of the intelligencia virtually undetectable due to shear dilution.

    So EG, if this was what you were after, congratulations, mission accomplished. Money in the pocket.
    Edited by 2 at 30/10/11 @ 14:35

  • winstoninabox #511 4 months ago

    I gave Shakespeare's Henry VIII 8/10. While the characters and story are quite well put together, he's done the king thing several times before this and I'm over it. I really wanted him to write a mime performance art piece that utilizes other media. That's what I wanted.

  • Praetorianer #512 4 months ago

    @ChuckNorris

    Basically, I'm with you on most of the points you've made. EG is getting worse every day, period. But I don't think review sites have to be "objective" all the time.

    If you've found a reviewer with whom you agree most of the time, than that's a good thing and it makes judging a gane's quality in advance a lot easier.

    There isn't just a single valid and neutral opinion to a game imo.

    Just try to find a reviewer who seems to have a similar taste as you do.

  • djronz. #513 4 months ago

    We're still going strong in here i see. 520 posts and no spacedelete? did that muppet get booted or just grow up?

  • ant72 #514 4 months ago

    So then. Good game, great review. Can't wait to play it.

  • Lucodeath #515 4 months ago

    I can say I havent added to this huge thread.

    Doh

  • Srhodes8 #516 4 months ago

    There are two distinct issues I have with this review. The first is merely a nitpick, the second is that it ignores an entire sector of gaming.

    First, the nitpick. The point that things are scripted just seems like a bad complaint with this particular medium. The only reason I say that is because every game has moments that are scripted. Where doing certain things triggers other things to happen. This has been going on in gaming for years. It is what our medium DOES. Consider the Metal Gear Solid series. Everything which happens in those games is entirely scripted. When you go to certain parts events will take place. Those games are heavily linear but no one seems to mind. Likewise, so are the first few moments of just about any Zelda game. Sure you can do one thing before another at times, but the point is that you're still going from point A to point Z through the entire adventure.

    The second is the big one. The idea that because a game is linear or that you can't really explore a whole lot contradicts a very big stylistic approach to gaming. Sure the Uncharted series may have scripted moments, but as I said... every game does.

    At least the ones that are about storytelling. Now bear with me for a second. There have been tons of developers who have spoken up about this. In particular those at Squaresoft (well, they were Squaresoft then) and Working Designs made two distinct comments. Depending on the type of game you want to make makes a big difference in how you have to approach it. There is the open ended, gameplay is everything type of game. And the more linear, "Let's tell a story," type of game. Uncharted obviously falls into the latter category. Not that we haven't done open worlds before with good stories. What I'm saying is that if you want your FOCUS to be story and you want the PLAYER to focus on the story you have to find ways to keep them on the story. Most any developer will tell you that if you want to be a story heavy game you're going to have to settle for linearality. This is especially true if you're telling a story with huge themes such as say... Metal Gear Solid or Bioshock or Catherine.

    The point is simple: Uncharted isn't a "blockbuster" it just wavers on a side that is much more particular to its storytelling and cinematics. And Uncharted has never actually been heavy on cutscenes. Consider in the second game the longest one is actually only seven minutes (compare that to Metal Gear Solid 4's 90 minute cutscene... and never-ending ending). This isn't taking people out of the game nearly as much as MGS or Xenosaga or even Final Fantasy. And while moments are scripted some of our best games have been designed in a similar manner. As I said, without this creative choice you certainly wouldn't have Bioshock or Metal Gear Solid. You wouldn't have any of your Final Fantasy (contrary to what people think Final Fantasy is a very linear experience until usually the last half when everything the story has to offer has been put on the table). Even Super Metroid, a game often herald for its exploration has two key moments that are scripted (Samus's encounter with the baby Metroid and the following fight with Mother Brain). I think the issue is that Uncharted 3 doesn't mess around with the illusion of exploration. And by illusion what I mean is... you THINK you're not being led down a linear path when in reality you are. Consider Arkham Asylum. It's not linear but the game actually very slowly leads you down a preset path. Always giving you hints of where to go next without directly telling you... and blocking off access to other areas so that you CAN'T get too far ahead of the game. Why? Because Arkham Asylum values the story it's trying to tell. It doesn't want you to experience said story out of order. Want another example? Resident Evil. You can explore the mansion but all over there are locked doors until you find the right key. You have moments in which certain events do not occur unless you actually trigger them to. Resident Evil eventually becomes a game where you are FORCED to do things in the order they designate. Certainly you could find a particular item before you're supposed to, but if you do... you can't do anything with it until the game dictates a moment for you to use it. Be it for a puzzle or something. And even after you use the key the last time the game gives you the option to discard because it KNOWS you won't need it anymore. Because by then you've explored every place the key can go... and the game is going to make sure that you do anyway (either for another puzzle piece or an important clue the game, for some reason, won't let you progress forward without). So Uncharted isn't doing anything different than what the medium has already been doing in terms of advancing on as a storytelling medium.

    What I'm saying is that while Skyrim will undoubtedly be good (probably an easy contendor for Game of the Year given how ambitious it is)... how many people are actually going to look at it and talk non-stop about the story? Or the character that, essentially, you're going to have to create? Skyrim just simply holds up to the other end of the creative spectrum of gaming. And there's nothing wrong with that either. The point is that there IS a place for that kind of creative decision that Uncharted 3 makes. And if gamers are ever going to hope for us to have our Godfather or Citizen Kane or anything like that... we have to learn that some games are going to have to lack that exploration for that to happen. It's what separates video games from every other medium out there. You can have story without a linear experience but the end result is usually a story that gamers aren't too particularly fond of. And the sad part is that so many gamers have been craving for good storytelling... but don't want to sacrifice what it would take to get it. Again, you won't always have a weaker story by being non-linear. And while I understand video games are about gameplay it's not like the Uncharted series especially lacks that. There is still gameplay. I still go back to the first two from time to time because they were fun.

    If we want our medium to actually be a storytelling medium (or rather, a focused storytelling medium) then we have to accept that some games are going to be developed along those lines. And if gamers can't wrap their heads around that, then it's no wonder our medium still can't be taken seriously by those outside of it. We understand, for example, that are many different ways to make a film and many different philosophies about films... but for some reason gamers STILL can't figure out that video games are also a medium with several different approaches. Something we should've figured out even as far back as the NES days.

    And lastly, comparing video games and film is just downright stupid. They're two totally different mediums where the expectations are totally different. Raiders of the Lost Ark, for instance was not "just a summer blockbuster," anymore than Uncharted. The two mediums they are in are influential in other ways (if you take a film courses you WILL talk about Raiders of the Lost Ark, for instance... it is clear the film industry and film afficionados see it as more than just a "summer blockbuster";). Consider that Uncharted isn't going to sell nearly as well as say... Grand Theft Auto or Modern Warfare or even Gears of War 3. All of those games will do much better than Uncharted 3. What we can commend Uncharted for is that it knows its audience and what they want. So while Uncharted 3 might only sell five or six million copies (certainly still a success but when you consider MW3 is expected to sell over 20 million it seems low), the developers know exactly who their game is aimed at.

    In short the problem with the review isn't the complaints. It's the fact that they never once stopped to think WHY Uncharted 3 might have been developed the way that it was. It's not a "stupid" complaint so much as it is one that anyone who understands this creative philosophy pretty much expects this from Uncharted already. Especially given the time and care it gives to its characters.

  • makeamazing #517 4 months ago

    Well played about 1 and half hours tonight, and it took me a little while to get started, and get back into how to control the character, but it then all kicked off and i am loving it all once again (and want to go back and play the others)..

    The games graphics are really amazing (though a bit bright at times), but the character interaction and story are just brilliant, and what us uncharted fans play for.

    Does it need to re-invent itself.. for me, no, i think they are doing just fine. If you are an uncharted fan you will most likely love the game, if you are not, you might or might not like it. Personally at the moment, this is one of the games of the year and i'm hardly that far into it.

  • potter73 #518 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • gamecube #519 4 months ago

    best game ever made

  • Snake_2011 #520 4 months ago

    this review is terrible now I have played the full game still do not get what he is trying to say UC3 GOTY.

  • clerigo #521 4 months ago

    Post deleted at 09:51:58 12-12-2011

  • clerigo #522 4 months ago

    Euroxbots gave a 8/10 to a PS3 game????

    Uncharted 3 must be a brilliant game!

    I can´t imagine the note if this game was a xbox exclusive (maybe a 11/10?)

  • USAUSA #523 4 months ago

    Great games share a curse, and Uncharted 3 is no different. Flaws will be more apparent just because your expectations are through the roof and anything less then perfect stands out more so then your not so great games.
    The only problems I have encountered are
    A- Fire didn't cause me to lose health (certain fires) (other expel you)
    B- During a room designed to be cleared out with stealth, I cleared the room using gunfire - Sully who was on the other side of the door said the same reply which is "something or other" I forget, but a diff dialogue if he hears gunfire would be nice. He was RIGHT there.
    C-Stealth segments (although there is never a failure, you can shoot it out til you clear the area) are not poor, but still represented better in games like mgs4 and batman
    D- That rocket launcher part was kinda annoying
    Multiplayer
    The multiplayer is actually very robust this time around and will actually keep you engaged and hooked.
    On the mechanics/system side, the MP portion brings all you could ask for.
    Note that split screen sign-ins can be guest log in or an actual second unique psn account. So you can level up on your PSN ID/account at your friends house, and your character will have all the cash and exp you accumulated when you get back home. Yes - 2 PSN accounts can sign in simultaneously on one console.
    Offline LAN (where through Wifi and other connections you host your own private games with a party of people) (everything is unlocked so there is no leveling up or cash to be earned) which also has a split-screen option (to hold 1v1's, or 2v2v2 with lans, etc)
    Offline split screen co-op = this mode is different from offline lan, because you will start at level 1, and have to level up, earn cash, and unlock progress. There are 2 modes available (usually 3, but 1 is removed if your playing offline)
    A- You fight waves of enemies
    B- Cinematic type missions, which allows up to 3 (2 in offline) people to shoot, climb, and experience something more along the lines of what single player offers.
    Then there is Online MP and Online Co-op
    I can only imagine offline custom matches being a blast - but the real treat here (besides the online competitive multiplayer) is the co-op.
    The waves of enemies is a horde mode unlike anything weve seen. The movement, the platforming, the verticallity, it's really awesome when it all comes together. Different objectives keep you on your toes, as well as enemies that will hold/choke you (requiring a partner to help you) and other team-oriented play mechanics.
    The missions are just as good, if not better. You get your share of gun-play for sure, but the real sight to behold is 3 people playing uncharted (as if you were playing campaign). It's a different experience all together to see 3 people scaling a wall or shimmying across to your goal.
    These modes are a heap of fun, I wasn't expecting all to much from uncharted multiplayer but I can assure you - this is some of the best action in town. I am surprised/blown away by how good the MP is from the co-op and the competitive multiplayer. I really can't stress how much of a solid experience MP in uncharted 3 is. This is not just some silly add-on due to the growing "necessity" to add multiplayer to your game, this is because they knew how to turn uncharted 2's rough multiplayer into something amazing.
    From all the balances and tweaks, to the new maps, and all the other additions, they have stepped it up. Even if you have a bad game, you see how your making cash, stacking medals, ranking up, etc etc and you don't feel like it's "time wasted"
    Onto the campaign, I'm relatively early in the game and I've already been blown away. Escaping the Chateau - from the spiders to the fire was breath taking and exhilarating! - I can't wait to see how they could possibly top that off.
    I'm even sadder to see all the hate and UN-appreciation for this game now that I actually have the copy and verified for myself the game is biblical.
    I'm not saying the game is perfect, gunfights are still not the most exciting thing in the world (unless your put in these awesome angles, like when your foot is stuck, or your hanging from a brick shooting baddies on the roof above you). But the game is so phenomenal that you can't even say "the game does so many things right, hell - beyond right" - no - that wouldn't be justice at all.
    The game is so good you have to actually need to know about gaming to pick up on all the details.
    The game obviously receives hesitation because it is a ps3 exclusive. Without question if the game was multiplatform like oblivion, gta4, duess exx, and batman it would be worshiped by all. Unfortunately with the u.s.a favoring the 360, even game journalists (who you would expect try to put away personal bias) are swayed by this. Truly unfortunate that naughty dog has to suffer because of whatever reasons they are sony exclusive.
    Any-who instead of convincing the haters (screw them) let me try and talk to the people "on the fence" about this one.
    If you enjoy assassins creed platforming - you will love this game, the platforming is as good if not better then a.c brotherhood (or PoP).
    If you enjoy story, presentation, and storytelling - you will love this game. If you have a love for video games as a medium, this game will show you how far we have come - and how far we will continue to grow.
    If you loved uncharted 1 or 2 - then you this game will blow your mind, make you cry, make you dance, make you happy to be alive, and make you happy to be a gamer. There has been an obvious leap from 2 to 3 just as there was from 1 to 2 - everything from combat to angles, to set pieces, they have learned from their last 2 games and built upon it.
    The only people I cannot recommend this game to, is to anyone who does not like the characters, and is not willing to emotionally invest in them. The snappy writing, and the moments between these characters brings this game to life. The chemistry is unwavering and truly special. Dialogue, and the manner that they speak/respond to each other is magnificent. You really can't appreciate this game, if you don't like drake and are not interested in the relationships these characters share with each other.

  • chillgreg #524 4 months ago

    Best game review I have ever read. Good stuff mate.

  • Alf-Life #525 4 months ago

    Having played this now for 2 days... I'm hesitant to admit, but I think Eurogamer might be right on this one and everyone else is all Emperor's New Clothes.

    Batman is much better and has overtaken the Uncharted games in terms of combat and action stealth, IMHO.

  • USAUSA #526 4 months ago

    @Alf-Life Funny - because as a fan of the first batman, and someone who has completed new game +, all 12 side missions, all challenge rooms, and all riddler trophies - I can easily say Uncharted is better. Combat and stealth, no contest - batman takes the cake. There is also a thrill to flying around the city as the bat. But in every other sense,(even in the platforming segments)uncharted is the superior game. Especially when you take into consideration there are enemies in batman who are never fleshed out, and feel crammed.
    The constant push forward, and the narrowing of the open world metroid-esqe actually boldens the experience instead of hampering it. They are both great games but batman really doesn't deserve a 10 even on a good day. Uncharted 3 you can easily make the case. Sadly since batman is multiplatform that or skyrim will take goty most likely =/
    BTW - not only is the single player portion superior, but there ofc is full blown multiplayer with co-op and competitive modes.
    kk thx troll

  • vizzini #527 4 months ago

    @Alf-Life

    I'm the exact opposite. Pulled an unexpected 3am finish playing this masterpiece last night. The AI (on hard mode) is extremely adept at flanking and surprising like real players would. The first twenty minutes are mostly interactive cut scene, to get new comers up to speed(which is good design) and old hands back in the groove, while setting up a compelling storyline. But the rest of the game so far has been the best of UC2, but more expansive and better visual fx and more gameplay related physics.

    Add in the beta I played, and the co-op modes I'm yet to play, the game is a 10 imo (as most other sites gave it).

    I had been enjoying Rage at 10hours in, after the first four hour drudge. But I remove the disc and it won't be going back in, until this game has been well used. If UC3 is an 8/10 for EG then Rage would have been a 5/10 or 6/10; which it obviously isn't.

  • BuckEntropy #528 4 months ago

    Moo goes the Sacred Cow

    /grasp on the obvious

  • crazyrabbits #529 4 months ago

    I read through most of the comments after beating the game, and you know what? The review is right on the money. Yes, the characters are as good as ever, yes, the setpieces are still awesome, and yes, there have been several tweaks made to the engine (you can have more allies assisting you in gameplay, the graphics are sharper, the environments are more expansive).

    However, Among Thieves took the original game (which was very good), added a spit-shine polish, totally boosted the gameplay, selection of weapons, a full multiplayer mode, lots of hidden secrets, treasures that felt like they mattered, a plot that upped the stakes, a villain who was a complete monster, compelling new side characters - in short, it codified everything great about adventure games, and became a pinnacle of the genre as a result.

    Drake's Deception had a lot to live up to, and in that regard, it tries way too hard, almost to the point of ridiculousness. The setpieces have become completely madcap. After the fifth time a ladder/pipe/walkway I was climbing broke in half, I just about swore at the screen. Not only that, but several of Thieves' interesting mechanics are missing - Drake originally checked items, high locations or switches to aid other characters getting up to him easier (i.e. hitting a ladder for Elena to climb up, assisting her with operating a device in tandem). In this, almost all the characters can do the same things Drake can - Sully can clear ridiculous jumps without missing a beat (he and Drake outrun both a collapsing chateau and collapsing city breaking apart beneath their feet), while Elena has somehow gotten absurdly powerful (to the point that she can take on multiple enemies by herself).

    Nathan may as well be called "Calamity Drake" for all the improbable shit that happens to him in this game. Not to mention that it suffers from "cutscene power to the max" - you can plow through twenty or thirty mooks, but the second one of the lead villains pulls a gun on you, the main characters give up.

    Marlowe and Talbot are nothing compared to Lazarevic from Among Thieves. Lazarevic shot a hostage Nathan was trying to use as leverage, compared himself to Pol Pot and Hitler, had no qualms about executing people once they outlived their use and was willing to steamroll and execute an entire village for one man. By comparison, Marlowe whines about how Cutter "wasn't supposed to kill" Drake and Sully in the opening, prefers mind-games (most of which Drake either rejects or just laughs off) and ends up dying in a pitiful fashion. Not only that, but the previous game gave us an awesome (if ridiculous) controllable battle against Lazarevic. U3's endfight is mostly a quicktime event. Not only that, but there's a polar difference between both games - in Among Thieves, you were always one step behind Lazarevic. In Deception, you're usually one step ahead of Marlowe.

    There really aren't any "breather" moments in Deception - you always feel like you're being pushed towards the next objective, and that there's no time to simply stop, walk around and take in the sights. That's why the village sequence in Among Thieves (where you can just walk around and interact with the villagers) always felt so powerful - you made a connection with the people you had to save later in the game. The entire middle-third of the game is basically one long chase sequence (get information before Marlowe does, escape soldiers, escape Marlowe, chase Talbot, chase a pirate - yes, the desert sequence is amazing, but it still feels like a race against time to find water before you die. All of Deception's breather moments happen in all-too-brief cutscenes. There's no flexibility, either - when you want to go fast and activate an object, you have to wait for characters to finish their speeches about the room/area you're in. When you want to slow down after a huge mission, there's no time because it's either a chase sequence or scripted event.

    The linearity is noticeable because many of the areas appear to be smaller than the previous game. With the exception of the chateau and the desert, many of the game's setpieces are set in cramped spaces (villages, towers, an airplane, temples).

    In addition, the game is more of a father-son tale between Drake and Sully - to the detriment of the returning and new supporting characters. Chloe is back for more "men are pigs" witty dialogue, but she doesn't grow or change in any conceivable way. Cutter was a very cool addition to the cast (he got one of the few "fuck yeah!" reactions from me when he bluffed Talbot and told the team to escape), but he's gone by the second half, and the sheikh who takes his place is never developed or characterized - he's just window dressing to get Drake to and from his destination.

    Also, Elena and Drake apparently married, had adventures and separated between games - it would have been nice to have more time to develop their relationship (again) than the last third of the game.

    The stakes weren't high enough in this game - in Among Thieves, you had to stop a general before he became invulnerable. In this, you have to stop a woman who wants to control people with hallucinogenic water (and this is accomplished in a cutscene).

    I get where the reviewer's coming from - yes, it's a very good game, but it "up the stakes" like the previous game did, and in a fall/winter full of triple AAA titles, it fell a bit short for me.

  • JeremyRPS #530 4 months ago

    @graz68 Without progress, what's the point?

  • LastNac #531 4 months ago

    @AJGB

    What, it is less of an experience because you can't jack a car and kill a hooker? If you ever check out UC3 you will see it is far from passive and it tells a story with characters, not avatars. What is idiotic is comparing an active to a passive medium. UC gains a level of intimacy because it is not quick time based and a large amount of the action isn't in the cutscenes. Some of the finest moments I have ever experienced from any medium comes from the desert portions after the plane crashes. The sweeping score and panning camera would not have been as beautiful if it werent for the ability to interact with that scene. Crippling? No, improving with the strengths of both, weakness of neither. For the first time ever I felt a characters desperation and it wasn't in a cutscene. Whats crippling the medium is the idea that it is limited to just providing mindless fun or filler content, that it turns to cutscenes(a passive mini-movie) to convey anything of importance. I saw change to the formula with UC3. For the most part, ND told a story through actions and brought me closer to a character than ever before. Does the interactive medium need to change toward this? No, but it shouldn't shy away from it either. Whats wrong with having one Uncharted for every ten CODs?

  • Minoko #532 4 months ago

    I wish this review was unaccompanied by the obligatory ...out of 10/5/100/chicken etc, as the content is spot on. It's a good game, but let's not go bananas. We'll all be done with it before we're unwrapping our presents, which for a lot of you I imagine, will be cole.

  • Android8675 #533 4 months ago

    What is the point of voting on comments, it doesn't promote the well thought out comments, and just indicates to me that if you don't think this steaming turd is a 10/10, then there must be something wrong with you.

    You guys are all sheep

  • BritishBlue1 #534 4 months ago

    Bloody hell, why has the comments section exploded into a cesspool of whinging arse weasels? I've always loved the uncharted series and knew I was going to buy this one regardless of scores. You should read the opinion piece and ignore the score since the scoring system is a mess anyway but people seem to do it the other way round. Absurd.

    It's your own opinion that counts not review sites.
    Edited by 1 at 04/11/11 @ 10:15

  • solminator #535 4 months ago

    What the hell is wrong whit all the ppl raging over a 8/10 score
    an 8 is an exelent score 8 is way above average.
    It's a number representing one players opinion.
    Its not the absolute truth of the universe.
    Live whit it and go play the game.

  • smoothpete #536 4 months ago

    Completed it last night, 8/10 is the right score

  • Rodchenko #537 4 months ago

    I don't mind the one or the other hissy fit, act of fanboyism or rage. That's the salt and pepper in a gaming forum. What gets on my balls though, is the legion of patronizing fuckwits who constantly feel the need to remind everyone on here that "it's just a number" and "just one man's opinion" and that we should calm down and "judge the game ourselves".

    I come to a gaming forum for the controversial, silly, funny, witty, smart and stupid contributions. Because it's entertaining and giving me laughs. Not because I want to be lectured on the obvious.

  • phoenix0879 #538 4 months ago

    Personally I'm glad to see a review that doesn't follow the hype - one where the reviewer actually PLAYS the game, forms his own opinion and doesn't just take a bribe from the developer/publisher like most of the other sites have. A game with flaws (and ALL games have flaws) does not deserve a 10. As far as I'm concerned, any game which scores a 10 - take at least one, maybe two points off. 10 is PERFECT and no game is perfect.

    The fact that the reviewer clearly doesn't like the overtly linear style of gaming that the overrated Drake series offers AND still gives it a 8 out of 10 shows that it clearly is a good game, but that for the individual reviewing it the overt nature of the linear style was too restrictive. It IS possible to make a linear game that doesn't feel overly so - take Half Life 2 for example: a completely linear game but one that, 90% of the time, doesn't *feel* linear.

    Personally, the Drake games aren't for me - I tried the first one and was bored senseless in an hour; give me a game like GTA IV, Red Dead Redemption, Batman Arkham Asylum or Dragon Age Origins, which never get dull. My experience with the first Drake game left me feeling like I was mostly watching, not playing. And from all the reviews it seems like number 3 is even more pronounced in that regard. So I think I'll pass and replay RDR whilst I wait for Skyrim to come out.

  • melatonin #539 4 months ago

    Well done Simon. Bang on the money.

    Anyone who raged about EG daring to give this only an 8 deserves every tacked-on multiplayer mode, every publisher-enforced online pass, every DRM-riddled download and every shoddy piece of malfunctioning hardware currently out there. You are everything - every damn thing - that is wrong with the games industry today.

  • dragonlion #540 4 months ago

    i think Simon's right on spot. Its VERY linear. My take is that controls feel odd & inprecise, like i wanna dodge roll but i end up pushing an enemy and get killed, same for cover, wrong side of the wall (again). While before in the other episode of the franchise shooting was more than inaccurate, in this case its way too accurate even with a pistol, but again thumbsticks dont help, i had to lower the sensitivity to minimum to aim correctly, because crosshairs moving too much.
    some stuff that made me rage

  • Wyrm #541 4 months ago

    8 is right.

    It's technically an 11, but as a game, maybe not.

  • enzima #542 4 months ago

    Waited until I played it to comment... Now I can say the review is really spot on! Graphically stunning, the dialogue and characterization are wonderful, but the overall package is not on the same level as these elements... And the feeling of deja-vu doesn't help. Still a great game and one that deserved to be played from anyone owning a ps3. A gem in its own category!
    Edited by 1 at 06/11/11 @ 14:50

  • enzima #543 4 months ago

    Also USAUSA really shouldn't be allowed to post anything ever again, not here not anywhere. What a moron!

  • KenMarinaris #544 4 months ago

    Simon Parkin has no idea about gaming at all, I have to admit. He gave 8/10 to Valkyria Chronicles as well. According to Guinness Valkyria Chronicles was the BEST PS3 game in 2008!
    http://blogs.sega.com/2010/06/17/e3-2010-guinnes s-world-records/
    STOP HIM from reviewing Uncharted on PS VITA!!!

  • dom9876 #545 4 months ago

    I shoot them in the head and they don't die. That's not a 10 out of 10. That's annoying.

  • j3w3ls #546 4 months ago

    Seems like a perfect score to me. it is absolutely jaw dropping, well told story and imagined characters (mostly), and an amazing thrill ride. If there was a category for interactive movie i would give it 10 out of 10 however as a game its linearity of gameplay make it fail at times as games imo are about personal control.
    It's funny i enjoyed the 2nd one too but never played it.. just enjoyed watching it be played for its superb visual and directive aspects

  • tankboi #547 4 months ago

    why is everyone complaining about the score? Read the words, not the numbers. The score is decided by the advertising. The real review is in the words. That is why the two do not always correlate.

  • Dr.Buckles #548 3 months ago

    superb game, really enjoyed the story so far, think i must be just over half way, in the desert last time i was on it.

  • vizzini #549 3 months ago

    @j3w3ls

    I think people that already love the setup in the Uncharted games (rightfully) don't mark the game down for the focus on story, in the same way the Skyrim review was rightfully done by someone who likes mmo games and his review and score seem to match.

    I however would likely cap Skyrim's score at a 8/10 without even opening the case, just for knowing it has excessive options and classes, weapons choice, and lack of story focus, which I see as huge family-time stealer, that I no longer have much justification for now as a life long gamer.

    What I have found in my second play through on crushing mode, is that the best of UC3's non-linear fun playability is only when you attempt to get the other trophies on your second play through. Combat routes and strategies I used in my first play through are different in the second play through, and really show off just how far the developer went to provide action gameplay choice, in amongst a strong focused story.

    From the review, Parkin seemed to do as little as possible in all areas of the game because he was predisposed to dislike the game's story setup. UC2 would have been a lesser game experience without going for the platinum trophy(with crushing playthrough), and that is equally true of UC3; except that UC3 has wider combat cover shooter areas, and has improved AI and brilliant use of physics to make it a far more rewarding repeat play through than UC1/UC2 imo.

  • IronGiant #550 3 months ago

    Some staggeringly good visuals in this game on ageing hardware.. The markets sections make Assassins Creed look like a PS2 game.

  • Moerk #551 3 months ago

    Absolutely brilliant review. "Shallow" is *exactly* how I felt at the end after having played through.

  • silversun #552 3 months ago

    LoL mega 64 - u all got to see that video on the web.

  • Starsailor #553 3 months ago

    I respect the opinion of the reviewer judging the game too narrow and script driven. At the same time I am wondering how Uncharted 3 could have been different? Adding RPG elements or free-roam freedom like in a GTA game? Maybe some of us want all game s to give you the same freedom as in Fallout 3 or GTA4, but that cant be done without compromises. You cant tell a good story with cinematic quality graphics and let the player do whatever he wants. I feel the quality of the campaign game deserved maybe a little bit more praise, since there arent many other titles like this in the market now.

  • Starsailor #554 3 months ago

    @phoenix0879 the first 3 games you mention got dull for me. Free-roam is a lot of fun at first, but after a while it can get just as boring as any other game, I dont see why all games should be like them.
    About the 10, if you have a scale of votes from 1 to 10 and you never use either 1 or 10, there is no point on having that range right ?

  • Lunatic4ever #555 2 months ago

    @Srhodes8

    goddamnit...who's gon read all that!?!?!?