Uncharted 2: Thoughts

Ok this one is up a bit late. But basically the things I liked about Uncharted 2.

First thing is the amount of inventiveness when it comes to level design.

1) For example, there is a stage near the end of the game where you have to fight a tank.
Unlike Solid Snake though, Drake can't carry 40 grenades, a RPG and 16 other weapons on him at all times. What he has though are enemies who do carry them. Why they need a tank or RPG to kill a single man is never explained (but that's another story).

In this stage, the player has to keep moving and killing enemies around the map, specifically looking out for RPG enemies. Once you have neutralised the enemies, you get their RPG and one or two rockets. Even players with bad aim will eventually reach an Ammo stash at the end of the level. This stage combines the climbing, shooting and weapon mechanics throughout the game into a cohesive, immersive and visceral single player experience.

2) Next up, we have trademark flourishes, Insomniac and Naughty Dog have had years to perfect their platformer franchises Ratchet and Clank, Spyro, Jak and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot. Each iteration brings about improvements to core gameplay ideas less explored in the previous. In Uncharted 2, the reverse Crash Bandicoot camera comes into play. A couple of times, Drake has to run towards the camera, ala Dr Jones in sequences that are short, not too frustrating and provide an interesting mix to the gameplay.

3) Moving stages are not really new, we have had them since early FPS', but this is the first time that a level like this has had me so impressed. Drake can climb in and out of a moving train, the enemies will follow him around and even try to flank him. All these combined with external obstacles like signal lamps and an attack helicopter make it a truly exceptional experience.

Even more, the level changes gradually from lush vegetation to a full blown blizzard within minutes as the train travels up the mountain. As the train gets higher, Drake starts getting colder and commenting on it. All these without a single load screen or install.

4) On top of that, Uncharted 2 features an extensive range of reward based unlockables. Play well and unlock anything you want, from Skins, to bonus features. This caters to casual players who are interested in the behind the scenes as well as players who will replay the game over and over again to get everything.

A Truly spectacular release.