Think of the best action movie you’ve ever seen. Then add the archaeological elements from Indiana Jones. Now immerse yourself as the main character and you have “Uncharted 3,” the best game of 2011.
The “Uncharted” series has always had the best storyline in gaming, but the third iteration takes it to another level. The cut scenes are something to look forward to instead of wanting to skip through. You may find yourself sitting back enjoying the cut scene before you realize you’re supposed to be controlling your character.
The story involves Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter, who travels across the globe with his mentor, Victor “Sully” Sullivan, looking for the lost city of Ubar. Along the way there are fires, shootings, climbing, fighting, and plenty of treasure to keep you busy.
The gameplay is fun and addictive. The platforming is similar to “Assassin’s Creed,” except more accurate. Fans of third-person shooters will feel right at home with the controls. But the revolutionary thing about the controls in “Uncharted 3” is the way Drake interacts with the environment. He doesn’t move around like a video game character. When he’s walking by a wall, for example, he puts his hands on the wall to brace himself. It’s these little perfections that add to the overall experience.
The graphics are the best yet of any game. It’s as if every little item was carefully detailed. The weather effects are realistic, and the lighting, such as the sunlight, was done masterfully. The different environments are fully realized, whether it’s a jungle, desert, or storm out at sea. The visuals are simply breathtaking.
When the campaign is over, you will be sad. It’s OK, though, because the multiplayer is insanely fun. It has the usual “Team Deathmatch” and “Free For All” modes that you find in “Call Of Duty,” but it’s more entertaining because it involves more strategy. The platforming is also incorporated into the multiplayer, so you need to find out which places you can easily climb to. The maps used are based on levels from the game, including a level where you’re playing from the back of an open cargo plane—while it’s moving.
Developer Naughty Dog has consistently shown they have the skills to make an award-winning game. After the success of “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” and “Uncharted: Among Thieves,” they could have just phoned this one in. But they chose to keep pushing themselves to make the best game they could. And because of their talent and commitment, Naughty Dog has delivered yet another classic to the gaming community.
