Games of 2009: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
All change.
I didn't fully appreciate how good Uncharted 2 is until I played Halo 3: ODST. "Naughty Dog" is about right. The studio did, after all, ruin a game I'd been looking forward to all year. Bungie wasn't to know I'd play ODST right after the return of Nathan Drake, of course. But boy, that was a mistake.
How quickly does the familiar pall in the wake of fresh wonder. In Halo's case, how uninspiring the action, how rudimentary the characterisation, how drab it all felt after 11 hours and 21 minutes in Drake's wild world.
Halo 3: ODST's only crime was to be merely good. A good game can be judged on its own merits; a great one by the shadow it casts over others. Which might go some way to explaining ODST's hub world colour scheme.
Assassin's Creed II was the next to suffer. Now, this is a brilliant game and my Most Improved Franchise of 2009. But for the first few hours it was that same nagging, hollow sensation of drabness. The wooden acting, the stilted dialogue - it was all so 'videogame'. And that wasn't good enough anymore.
It's a chemistry thing. There is a palpable emotional connection between Drake and his two love interests, Chloe and Elena. Uncharted 2 isn't the first game to capture vocal and physical acting simultaneously. But compelling performances, a strong script, masterly direction and technical wizardry imbues these digital creations with real human warmth and depth of feeling.

Yes, I know it's just a cheesy Hollywood adventure. But it's also a videogame and in this context chemistry between characters is the shock of the new; the fulfilment of a medium's promise.
Some more context (and spoilers lie ahead, kids): the treatment of sex in Uncharted 2 and Assassin's Creed II. The flirtatious, sexually charged banter between Drake and Chloe feels convincingly real. As she makes her dignified exit in the final scene, quipping, "You're going to miss this arse", it works because you care about the characters. And probably her arse. The same goes for the loved-up teasing between Drake and Elena as the adventure fades to black.
In Assassin's Creed II, sex is reduced to a Quick Time Event. Ubisoft is toying with the nature of interactive entertainment here - explicitly so with the final command for the player to "interact". But holding physical intimacy at arm's length for laughs feels a little adolescent next to Uncharted 2.
Naughty Dog also manages a cinematic feat alien to most of its clunking peers: subtlety. Nothing better illustrates this than the moment the player first catches sight of the monster in the mountains. Having stumbled upon the ravaged corpses of wolves in a cave, Drake and his charmingly unintelligible companion press on. As the player thrusts Drake across a cavern and onto a natural ladder of craggy ledges, the camera zooms out to reveal a snorting, yeti-thing bristling in the foreground, gone in a moment.
It's not hard to imagine a less confident, less able developer introducing the creature with all the stylistic restraint of Michael Bay directing Graham Norton. Instead, Naughty Dog understands the power of understatement, and so a fleeting glimpse that registers just long enough for the player to recoil in shock (well, I certainly did) casts a heady backdrop of fear, suspense and uncertainty to the following playable section of which, at that precise moment, the protagonist is only dimly aware.
It's a standard cinematic device but, crucially, one the interactive experience enriches: as Drake emerges from the cave, full camera control is restored to the player whose first instinct is likely to look around nervously, trying to eyeball the creature somewhere in the dark crevices of the frozen, gusty canyon.
But that's just a flash of artistic self-assurance. Naughty Dog's growing mastery of the medium and the action-adventure genre is most fully expressed, perversely, in the game's least intensive scene. Tom captured the elegance and structural import of the mountain village stage wonderfully in his review, so I won't labour the details.
Revisiting the sequence for this article, I was reminded that while Uncharted 2 is unashamed popcorn entertainment, it is popcorn entertainment that allows the player time to breathe, to reflect, to absorb the most glorious vistas rendered in a videogame.

Amongst the many stats the game tracks is the time Drake spends 'standing still'. At completion, I had stood still for precisely one hour, 22 minutes and 39 seconds. Most of which was spent just looking.
You could argue all of this is just window-dressing. But Uncharted 2 is also an exceptional game, brilliantly conceived and superbly executed. It isn't perfect. It sags a little in the middle during the inner-city sections; some of the pitched battles towards the end are frustratingly imbalanced; its run-and-gun mechanics aren't as refined as, say, Gears of War 2; and it suffers the same curious affliction that also struck BioShock and Batman: Arkham Asylum - Rubbish Final Boss Syndrome.
Yet none of these flaws prevents Naughty Dog's sequel being by a (draw) distance my favourite game of 2009. Above all it reminds me why I continue to play and love videogames, a feeling captured best by a handful of gaming moments down the years: Space Harrier's immortal: "Welcome to the Fantasy Zone! Get Ready!"; the mountainside run in level two of Strider; the first time I made Mario fly in Super Mario World; the freedom of Mario 64.
In Uncharted 2, I felt it climbing to the roof of Hotel Shangri-La and gazing out at the mountains of Nepal. A sense of wonder.
Uncharted 2 is gaming's Avatar moment in 2009. It won't be for James Cameron's straight-to-DVD dialogue that people remember the most expensive movie in history. But as a 3D spectacle, once you've seen it, everything changes. Uncharted 2 is a watershed moment in videogames that redefines what can and should be expected of cinematic interactive entertainment. I have a feeling Nathan Drake will be ruining other games for a while yet.
Check out the Editor's blog to find out more about our Games of 2009.
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Comments (78) Latest comment 2 years ago
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Applauds how Naughty Dog had produced such a classical game, sure its has its flaws but on the whole the presence is so strong and beautifully made. Still after 4 or so playthroughs, I couldnt play it again, too predictable and samey.
However the replays after a long absence should be certain to restore my awes and amazements in a year or so from now, and again a few years time and so forth.
A strong GOTY contender.
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This is been a year of ups and downs ... but having played 'the best' ... Uncharted 2 is hands down the most complete game this generation.
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Stick your girfriend in a room next to Angelina Jolie, and you'll see what I mean.
Game of the Year - easily. Game of the decade? Certainly one of the contenders.
But, oh my god yes. That final boss really was such a throw back (and triply so after everything else was sooooo good). What the hell were they thinking??? Would have rather had God of War's crappy QT event. Glad UC2 had one more mind boggling sequence afterwards to wipe that sour memory before the end.
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As for the ODST thing - fortunately I played it before Uncharted 2, but I see the point. Uncharted 2 has coloured my view of subsequent releases.
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"What an idiot way to start an article"
I agree. While Uncharted 2 is (for me, at least) one of the best console games of this generation on any console and best game of this year, there was no need to bring in ODST into the article (unless the author/editor wanted to spur fanboy comments, that is
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Valve or Rockstar? I can't decide either. I loved Uncharted 2 and Naughty Dog, but I don't think they're quite up there with the biggest boys just yet. I imagine one day they will be, not quite yet though.
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For me that's what sets Uncharted 2 apart from the throng. ND took onboard the complaints and fixed nearly every technical issue with their game-engine. You can see the love in every carefully placed pixel, in every nuance of the game.
The mechanics may not be completely original, it has its flaws, but this is one of the finest games ever crafted.
PS-Nice work Minkley
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Dont get all the "missy thought it was a movie not a game" - eyes must be faulty on some human models as its no more realistic from 10 foot on a 32" LCD than Pac Man.
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"and so a fleeting glimpse that registers just long enough for the player to recoil in shock (well, I certainly did)"
Me too!!
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But then i remember i'm an actual gamer, and boot peggle back up.
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I thought the first one was more FUN. I thought it had better flow, better atmosphere, and the locations were more beautiful. I'm not talking snazzy textures or screen-tearing here....I'm talking locations that actually inspired me to go 'Wow'. The submarine section springs to mind.
Imho the first game (technical failings aside) should have got a 10 and the 2nd (technical supremacy aside) a 9. I think the 2nd over does it on the cut scenes and also the vehicle bits. It doesn't flow as well as a piece of narrative, and I resent having the game interrupted quite so much for a (even semi-playable) cinematic.
All imho, of course.
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But still, GOTY for me.
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This is a standard action adventure game that provided good bit entertainment nothing more.
Game reviewers are impressed far too easily. This isn't an attack on Uncharted BTW.
Edit: Actually I think I should give the game a bit more credit for (some of) the level designs, especially the blizzard ones and the village as well as the JAW DROPPING textures the mirror room really impressed me, I really looked for low res and blurry textures and didn't find any.
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I am a MASSIVE Xbox 360 Fanboy, but Uncharted 2 is my game of the year.
It really is a masterpiece of gaming fun and so the rest of my 360 playing friends can also enjoy the game i have been lending out my PS3 with the game.
I enjoyed ODST and MW2 but for the single player game and the enjoyment i got. No other game has EVER come close to Uncharted 2.
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I actually love the coop sections in UC2, would have been the perfect game if could have played COOP all the way through. Can take an hour to beat on some difficulties for each part, and there are 3. Also the other coop modes as well. Want more, please.
Never bash HALO, I always think of it as a great coop game, in that it excels. As SP, it sucks against many peers.
If sony would let ND share that engine (its in another league), would we buy anything else ?
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Technically both U2 and KZ2 are one step ahead of the rest in 2009.
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"Uncharted series is one of the few that when I finish on hard start almost straight away on crushing. "
Me too. After finishing Uncharted 2 on Normal, I started up Hard. As soon as I finished that, I started it on Crushing. Have the Platinum trophy for that game
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Edit: not trying to shit on U2 it's an excellent game but that disconnect has always stood out in my mind.
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Where's my trophy?
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But yeah, definiteley GOTY.
PS: Is the Marco..Polo thing an americanism? (Yes of course I know who he is btw
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No game has blown me away like Uncharted2 since Resident Evil4 back in the day. Its the only game my girlfriend has ever sat down and watched as I play it. Its cinematic thrills meshed with a game play that is fun do feel like almost like a new genre
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As in: "A naughty dog must have done it"? Nice to see you listen to the same podcasts as me!
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Haven't played ODST yet, it's on the Xmas list.
Merry Xmas.
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Impressed to see this thread hasn't descended into a Halo farce. After reading the 1st 3 paragraphs I had to scroll down to see the damage, and to my surprise it's all pretty tame. Merry christmas everyone!!
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But surely, it could have done without the needless ODST baiting!
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If it stirs no interest whatsoever, then why are you posting here, I wonder?
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"But surely, it could have done without the needless ODST baiting!"
I agree.... let's talk about how crap MG4 is!
Happy Christmas guys.
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You really should do whatever you want. If you need justification from someone, rather than use you own judgement and the great reviews UC2 got then I don't think anyone can help.
"Am I wrong or is this game aimed only at people who only own a PS3 and not an XBOX360"
As it's an exclusive title, like your gears of war 2, no, you're not wrong. It's a bit of a useless statement really.
"and wish to have a game which enables them to say HA now we have something you don't which is just as good as gears of war. "
This is tosh, so in this case, yes, you are wrong. In case you didn't actually read the article it talks about one of the many games of 2009.
Merry Christmas! enjoy GOW2 as there have been plenty of cold evenings recently!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!
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I played AC2 after Uncharted 2, and (especially on PS3) was completely unimpressed, and very disappointed, at how poor AC2 came across in comparison. The second great game of the year apparently, and another sequel.
Yet where Uncharted II is leaps and bounds ahead of the first title (which was much better than Assassin's Creed I anyway), Assassin's Creed II is... the same. Sure they've fixed the whole "game gets real boring real quick" to a good degree, but it's clunky and unfriendly after playing Uncharted 2. The visuals are drab and sameysamey.
Which is a shame, because if it wasn't for Uncharted 2, the visuals would be great. This is the hardest part of being a next gen developer: Getting the publisher to let you build on your last success, rather than just milk it without changing the ropes. All it takes is someone else to go that extra mile, and suddenly you aren't shining quite so bright...
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Because the online multiplayer actually works.
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I loved U2, but I don't join the incredible graphics = incredible game bandwagon...
It is not even my GOTY on PS3, that place is reserved for Demon's Souls,and Killzone 2 should come in second place.
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Best graphics of the year:
http://ww w.gamereactor.se/aretsspel09/te... (Uncharted 2)
Best game of the year:
http://ww w.gamereactor.se/aretsspel09/sp... (Killzone 2)
Gametrailers:
Best Graphics:
http://ww w.gametrailers.com/video/best-g... (Uncharted 2)
Best singel player game of the year:
http://ww w.gametrailers.com/video/best-s... (Uncharted 2)
Best Third-Person Shooter:
http://ww w.gametrailers.com/video/best-t... (Uncharted 2)
Best Role-Playing Game:
http://ww w.gametrailers.com/video/best-r... (Demon's Souls)
Gamespot
Best tech:
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/special-... (Uncharted 2)
Best Shooter:
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/genre-aw... (Killzone 2)
Best Competitive Multiplayer:
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/special-... (Killzone 2)
Best RPG:
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/genre-aw... (Demon's Souls)
Best Action/Adventure Game
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/genre-aw... (Uncharted 2)
Game of the year:
http://ww w.gamespot.com/best-of/game-of-... (Demon's Souls
Eurogamer
Game of the year:
http://ww w.eurogamer.net/articles/euroga... (Uncharted 2)
CVG (Computer & Video Games)
Games Of The Decade: 2009
http://ww w.computerandvideogames.com/art... (Uncharted 2)
/ Ken
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Resident Evil 5, for the briliant coop mode.
ODST, for being a long time fan of the series, and loved the new characters/story/horde mode with friends.
Forza 3, for showing that sim-driving games can be for everyone.
The Lost and Damned, even better than IV (true!), and so much better than Gay Tony (terrible voice acting, what were they thinking?, that Luis?! unbelievable!).
Am also really enjoying Borderlands but I haven't played long enough. Although it seems it'll be quite a ride, it hasn't been so far, for the simple fact I only played a couple of hours.
Merry xmas, to all.
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Still, I can see why people liked this.
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But the game itself was good (OK very good) but honestly not great. More flipping levers in ancient temples, really that's not boring? A story-based experience which couldn't be bothered to force you to face waving your weapon at civilians living in a major city (Kathmandu)?
OK comparing with ODST is stupid (boring game, and irrelevant game type in any case). I loved Uncharted 1, and this is better, and I'll buy 3 without hesitation, but it's still not GOTY by any stretch. (DEMON'S SOULS IMPORT IT NOW)
Yet still yak petting = AWESOME
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(Although with the impending arrival of a Wii in our household I'll need to finish Super Mario Galaxy first....)
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Good voice actors can make or break a game.
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Damn you Uncharted!
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"did any one walk behind the yack in the mountain village? that made my day "
I did! 'twas fun seeing Drake waving his hands in front of his face. BTW, did you know you could interact with the Yak by pressing "square" when beside it? That would result in Nate petting the Yak and you getting the "Beast" reward, which was 10000 points or something.
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RE: Yetis
You only really had to take one down like that though. Then it became important to carefully manage the ammo/weapon they drop as they were then one shot kills. The power of the Yetis was a good example of why you had to stop Lazarovic too - as they had been feeding on the sap from the tree.
Fair points on the rest of it. I thought the end boss battle was fairly weak - though I think I made more of a meal of it than I should have.
For me the game was about the variety in combat and pacing. The mix of stealth, gunplay and hand to hand made the battles a joy to play through. The puzzle/exploration sections were never that taxing - but made for a great respite from the gunplay.
It was a fairly linear experience, but a blast to play through and also a good length in this day and age.
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Semitope reckons ODST is rubbish but has barely played it (if at all, doesn't own a 360) so I'd ignore his comments. It's a good game but not UC2 good.