Post by Bytor on Jan 4, 2011 14:51:33 GMT -5
-Visuals- 9.9/10
It probably could be better, but to be honest I'm not sure how, unless we're talking about a Hollywood blockbuster, and even it might only marginally be better. Seriously this is an incredible looking game. The attention to detail is unreal, the scenery is second to none and Drake, Elena and Chloe all look fantastic (ESPECIALLY Elena, lol). There are times where the characters hair is moving as they do, it's simply so unreal realistic it's scary, the only slight issue is with facial expressions and even they, for the vast majority of the time, look incredible. The texture issues prevalent in the first installment are basically non-existent and screen clipping is held to the barest, and I mean barest minimum. The cut scenes and the actual gameplay are so seamless often I couldn't even tell when I was back in control of Drake. Yes, it's that good. The camera angles can still be a slight distraction but unlike the first game here I felt for the most part they added to the look and feel more so than causing problems. The backgrounds, especially the mountainous regions are simply awe inspiring, I seriously cannot imagine anything that's not a full blown movie production looking much better, as good yes, it's bound to happen, but better...wow that'd be something else!
-Sound- 9.7/10
The soundtrack, as in the first installment is awesome. The effects and rise and fall of the music sets the moods absolutely perfectly without overwhelming the game. The various actors/actresses themselves are also simply great. But what really sets the game at such a high standard is the writing. The writers have managed to find just the right amount of smart quips balanced with anger, worry and fear, and then it is acted out almost perfectly. Drake, Sully, Chloe and Elena are all unique, all come across as real characters and by the end (heck, half way through) you will be immersed in their story and feel what they feel.
-Gameplay- 9.6/10
The vast majority of the issues with the first installment have been rectified. The enemies are no longer so stupid, not sure sometimes if that's a good thing or not, lol, they actually will spot you peripherally and zero in on your location. The stealth aspects have been tweaked slightly allowing for more options in fights, although my one small complaint in the movement are was hiding. I felt Drake ook a tad too much time going from hiding to moving and attacking, this aspect of the control system just felt a little unwieldy to me. Ammo might have been a tad easier to come across this time as well, I don't think I ever actually had to resort to melee combat, and I certainly did in the first game. Now for one major complaint I had...just as in the first game the battles can at times be interminable, I would love to know how many enemies I actually killed over the course of the game (I'd guess @200 or so, seems a tad excessive for what I imagined to be a mercenary force), and not only are they numerous but until killed and looted they seemed to be not only much, much better equipped but man, they can take a licking and keep on ticking, it will take quite a few body shots to kill most of the enemies, and wait until you meet the guardians, lol. However those issues in no way detract, at least not immensely, from the overall game. Once again you pretty much shoot where you aim, move in the direction you meant to and the puzzles seldom gave me much trouble at all, and yet managed to be fun and challenging. Naughty Dog simply did a lot right, the platforming is challenging, the fights are for the most part challenging and yet not silly hard, although I do remember three in particular, one being the "Cat and Mouse" scenario annoying me quite a bit, after all, who likes dying constantly and quickly and the puzzles require some thought without being so over the top hard you simply wanted to throw the controller, and game, away. Great gameplay (with a few min or issues) overall.
-Story- 9.6/10
This time you are looking for the lost treasure of Marco Polo, most especially the Cintamani Stone. A map leads you from Borneo and then to Katmandu and...well...don't want to spoil it. Let's just say I found myself to be swept away by the story and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
-Overall- 9.6/10
Certainly in the upper echelon of PS3 games. Uncharted 2 hooks you hard and fast and takes you on a wonderful ride. A great game!