Uncharted 3: Drake’s fortune is a strong sequel with several great features. Campaign wise the gameplay matches up to that of Uncharted 2. There are plenty of excuses to go globetrotting and the amazing set pieces from the last game show up again with new twists. Jumping out of a plane with no parachute is as fun as it sounds. New features include the ability to throw back grenades and a more complex hand-to-hand combat mechanic.
The action still dazzles and is very satisfying. Special mention has to be given to character animations and the environments as they both look incredible. Shooting has a strong punch and the weapons feel powerful. I like that stealth wasn’t forced even when the characters recommended its use and this produced a stronger sense of choice when it came to some of the action scenes. That’s not to say Uncharted 3 isn’t a linear experience, it is. Criticising that would be like getting a superb four course meal and complaining that we should get the dessert first. Uncharted works as a game because it is linear and has a set pace. The pacing isn’t as perfect as past games. This is down to two main problems: The game is slow to get going with the action and the characters have less depth than Uncharted 2.
Both of these points were a huge let down for me. There are some segments near the beginning of the game where you have to move through the environments slowly. It was okay the first time round but on replays became a major chore, it would have been less of an annoyance had there been no treasure hidden in these parts, but if you want to unlock the trophies you will have to either cheat by looking at other websites or expect a slow hour whilst looking for these. In regards to the characters having less depth; one of the two main love interests has had her role reduced to driving the action rather than story. Her character was almost completely replaceable. It doesn’t help that the main love interest has lost some of her complexity by appearing in the second half of the game with only a very artificial reason for getting involved with Nathan Drake and his danger squad again. That said, the back story with Sully is fleshed out in a fantastic manner and the new villain is incredibly cold but truly likeable at the same time. This villain is more complex and psychological than previous Uncharted villains and the story is more rewarding because of this.
Multiplayer is back and offers various improvements over the previous game. As your level raises there are various perks you gain access to, just like the older game. There is also currency to spend on perks, just like the last one. The difference? There is a much stronger variety of options available to you here that are all significant and give you a boost over your opponents, though never to the point of being unfair. If one team are losing, that team may gain access to perks than help them get more kills. These boosts only last a short amount of time and don’t have the annoying “Mario kart - blue shell – I was in first and have been screwed over by someone in last” effect. The balancing seems right and I never felt too cheated in any game. Any advantage that a team has can be countered with enough skill. You never feel as though the power has been taken away from you. The other main attraction of the multiplayer is the environments that can change or shift throughout play. Some of the maps even have different segments for the first few minutes of play that change into the main arena. This can be quite exciting but it was hard to find a game where these were being used. It’s an idea that needs more developing and one I hope more developers take on. Having to move around in a constantly adapting environment adds new challenge to a multiplayer game where a lot of the modes are fairly standard.
Co-op makes a return although the levels are either recycled from this entry or previous levels from the series. There were enough new twists in these modes to make them fresh but it was disappointing to not have something completely new here. The co-op has been separated into chapters that are supposed to be played in a set order. Whilst this is a commendable idea you will probably end up playing the chapters out of order because you can’t find someone playing the part you are on. Each chapter can take up to an hour to complete and is incredibly action focussed. Co-op is fun but exhausting. I also found it to be far more challenging than single player.
Uncharted 3 is a comprehensive package that offers all sorts of modes, all of which are of a consistently high quality. If you have enjoyed the others, you will enjoy the offerings here. It doesn’t raise the bar any more than its predecessor but it doesn’t need to. Every other action / adventure game can’t even touch the heels of this developer… for now. Naughty Dog should be commended for building and maintaining such a high quality trilogy.