The final of the 3 currently released Uncharted games has a lot to live up to. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is considered one of the best action games of all time and, by some, one of the best video games of all time. The visuals, stunningly choreographed action sequences and the fantastic set-pieces all built on and worked with one another to create one of the best blockbusters out there. And I’m pleased to say that Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception improves on this, though, perhaps, doesn’t bring enough new things to the table to really make the impression that its predecessor did.
Like the previous Uncharted games, you will spend a majority of your time platforming or in gunplay. Platforming is pretty much similar to Uncharted 2, that is to say, nothing has changed. There is no new moves – don’t expect Drake to be wall-running anytime soon – just refinement; allowing the already great platforming sections to be as enjoyable and as cinematic as possible. This has been a continuing theme in Naughty Dog’s series; take an element from the previous game, remove any problems and then improve and refine it for the next one. However, when it comes to the gunplay they seemed to have accidentally taken a step back – it’s nothing major and won’t harm anyone’s experience but could have been better. Everything just feels slightly more loose, slightly less accurate than previous games which could be put down to the increased recoil (and damage). This wouldn’t be much of a complaint as it forces players to be more accurate, rather than spray-and-pray, however, reticule sizes have become larger and imposing. Instead of the standard dot we have different grey designs for each gun – while it looks cool it does make it more difficult to pull off precise headshots and such.
Naughty Dog have, however, mixed up the usual procedure. Melee fighting, puzzle sections and general walking/exploration have become more prominent compared to previous titles. Melee fighting has never been a strong point of Uncharted but here you can see the beginnings of what becomes the satisfyingly brutal combat in The Last of Us. Puzzles have also received improvement and are now, well.. actually puzzles. You will be required to check your notebook and actually have to think to get the solution – it’s never too difficult but challenging enough that you’ll be proud completing them. And if you do get stuck, the game will always give you a hint on how to proceed.
And of course, how could you talk about Uncharted without mentioning the set-pieces. Remember that train sequence from Uncharted 2? Remember how dynamic, entertaining and unbelievably fun it was? Well take that and times it by 2.. and then have more of them. I won’t spoil them of course but these are the moments you will remember Uncharted 3 for. Naughty Dog succeed in many, many things but their dynamic set pieces and level design stand out above the rest – and it’s at it’s best here.
At Uncharted 3’s heart, is it’s story. Unlike previous titles, Drake’s Deception – much like the title implies – tells a more personal story. Of course, the basic outline of follow the clues, find the hidden city and find the treasure is still there but more focus is given to the characters – both old and new, good and bad. Particular treats are Cutter and Marlowe (goodie and baddie, respectively) each having their own personal reasons for doing what they do and Marlowe in particular, having had a past relationship with both Drake and Sully. Though the real focus of the game is Drake and Sully’s relationship. In the past, these two have had an unquestionable friendship which, here, will be put to the test. Drake himself, is also having a more personal struggle in why he does what he does and is it’s really worth it – and how it will affect himself and the people around him.
For the remastered version itself, as we go through the series, improvements will be less and less prominent but the added visual flair and 60fps is nothing to complain about. In fact, it’s something to boast about – for a remastered game from 2011 this trumps the vast majority of 2015 releases in visuals. The added bonus of some of the best voice acting, soundtrack and animation in the business only makes this game that much more appealing. Like Uncharted 2, however, glitches are not completely gone, though thankfully less major and apparent than those in Among Thieves.
There was little chance of Naughty Dog surpassing the brilliance of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and for the most part Drake’s Deception matches it. It improves on many areas though falters in some but will mostly come down to whether you are tired of this style of game. Keeping in mind of course, that for this style of game, there is none better than Uncharted.
9.0/10
- Release Date: October 7, 2015
- Platform: PS4
The Game Journal 