I’m not an avid gamer but I do enjoy the chance to play them, mostly for the escapism and because they’re better than telly. I’m also not very good at them, due in part to lack of practice (I can only play one game “at a time” for fear of forgetting all the command choices) and also lack of desire. I miss the days when easy cheats on PC games gave infinite ammo so I could get past the inordinately dull “boss level” at the end of each sequence. Descent or Doom, way back when, for example.
Uncharted 3 is a different beast. It’s not, to some degree, even a game as many would view it; it’s an interactive movie. And astonishing for all that. Nathan Drake and Sully return, determined to find the truth about a long lost secret of Sir Francis Drake (Nathan’s ancestor – or is h..?).
It’s balanced nicely between problem solving, chases, gunfights and video sequences that don’t have you reaching for the skip option. It’s not a perfectly explorable world – leave the expected route in a chase or jump somewhere you thought was reachable and you likely have to restart, though that’s quick. The only section of the game that was a little infuriating, so far, was young Nathan running across rooftops where it really wasn’t clear where to go so it takes many attempts just to learn the route. A later chase, following rather than escaping, is far, far better for just that reason, as it gives fast-paced clues as to where to step next.
It’s linear and you are expected to follow the script – but, by God, it’s compelling! Some of the linearity is hidden beautifully in timed events – some flooring crumbles, or a door slams in your face, for example; it was only going to when you got to it but its managed so seamlessly that it adds to tension. For free exploration, try Skyrim or Assassin’s Creed. But for driving story and excitement, this is where you want to be.
I’m 70% through and can safely say it’s the best game I’ve ever known. The graphics alone are gobsmacking – not just in the details, but in the choice of details: there are relics and antiques, portraits and pictures that are real and just there for joy, not story-relevant content (case in point: a stuffed Tasmanian Tiger, extinct, casually atop bookshelves).
(from here)
The last sequence I played, “rewound” to do again, was in a rusting dockyard. From the point where the floating barges and pontoons are rolling about in the waves, continuously; from exiting the innards of a vast ship which trigers a pan back to show the scale so glorious I stopped and stared for minutes; from being taken out by an unexpected wave and then battling on board ship it is simply exhilarating.
Voice acting and script are excellent and the motion of the actors and facial expressions are exemplary (with the possible exception of Marlowe, who somehow looks less animated and more fake than anyone else; she looks like she was intended to be Helen Mirren but then had pixels zapped at the last minute so she that it wasn’t too obvious). Even touches like Drake extending his arms to move off a wall when you unexpectedly send him into it are naturalistic.
The only really unnecessary thing here is the collecting of random treasures, noticeable by their twinkle; it’s irrelevant and belongs in a different sort of game, even if I do still find myself wandering to grab some, although that’s probably more an excuse to look at more of that incredible detail.
I could do without the bloody spiders, though. And I rather doubt I’ve seen the last of them. Far too unsettling!
Arkham City is more playable, and terrific in its own right, especially for a bat fan like I. But Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is unmatched as a thrill. And contrary to others thoughts, I feel, eminently replayable.
