Review: Uncharted 3

A couple months ago I started playing Xenoblade Chronicles. After getting about 15 hours in, I got - distracted - let's say. Since then I have played Kirby's Epic Yarn, 50 Cent Blood on the Sand (lost save file half way through), and have now finished Uncharted 3. It's hard to justify an artsy RPG on the Wii when playing this one.

Uncharted 3 is the pinnacle of cinematic gameplay and storytelling, and once again the developers show the world of developers how to properly pace a game. It is impossible to put down.

Here's my full review.

..story..

This ring will be PERFECT for my character on Damages. 

The story in Uncharted 3 is sorta hard to critique. On one hand its incredibly simplistic; characters are either good or bad, there is one main goal throughout, and the finale really doesn't deliver the emotional payoff you'd expect for the last piece of a trilogy. On the other hand, the story is delivered with such care and thought to its acting and scripting of events that it's hard to knock it for a basic tale. 

One of the best parts of the story comes very early in the game via a flashback scene. This shines a light on the history of Nate and Sully's relationship. It's certainly a nice nod to fans of the series and really creates an even stronger emotional connection to the two characters.

..gameplay..

It feels weird to say that Uncharted 3 is the same old thing as the past two games. Weird because that same old thing is so expertly crafted and polished. But what you're getting is the absolute best cover-based third person shooter in existence. The shooting feels just as smooth and responsive as ever, and there isn't a single thing that feels out of place or doesn't work. Mix this top-tier shooting with excellent, and improved climbing and pakour elements and you have a must-play experience.

The huge, cinematic moments return as well. Climbing huge structures, blowing up priceless, ancient artifacts and puzzling your way through historic deathtraps will keep you on the edge of your seat for the 8-10 hour experience. The pacing must also be mentioned. These guys can make a game that your brain refuses to put down. They know exactly how long humans want to shoot things before they start climbing things. I never got bored in this game and every level/chapter flows into the next so seamlessly that you literally have to force yourself to stop playing.

Uncharted is also well known for those "set piece moments" - the sections of the game which are so huge and scripted that anyone walking by the TV would be forced to sit down and watch. The cruise ship level in this game gives the vaunted train level from Uncharted 2 a serious run for it's money.

Train Level. Respect.

The formula of the series is starting to get a little tired. That formula being:

Travel through area to get to destination.
"You wait outiside, [supporting character] I'll climb my way in and unlock the door"
"Looks like the coast is clear"
Climb around until you find a way through the site.
Solve a puzzle which triggers some sort of trap.
Escape.
Oh my god there's like a thousand guys trying to kill me!
Escape with building blowing up behind you. 
Sully: "I'm getting too old for this shit."

Don't get me wrong, it's still the most entertaining game ever made, but it's just a little formulaic at this point. I think Naughty Dog was wise to end it at the third game.

..presentation..

Remember when Metal Gear Solid came out and everyone was like "OMG! It's just like playing a movie!" Yeah - if a movie consisted of 40 minutes of a conversation on a black screen, it's just like that! Uncharted is as close the gaming world has gotten to being an interactive participant in a blockbuster film.

The voice acting and script writing and motion capture are magnificent. The best in the business. Everyone in the voice acting business take note. This is how you voice act a video game. Nate and Sully are sort of larger than life characters, but the love interest Elena is the most believable character in a video game ever. From the facial expressions to the delivery of the lines she felt like someone I knew and wanted to be friends with. And also give her a hug and a blanket and a warm cup of cocoa.

Fast forward to 6:00 for the stuff from this game, and there are SPOILERS, but take a look and be amazed.

The music and graphics are also something that should be envied by every game designer ever. The level of commitment to excellence is insane. Stuff that shouldn't even have that much detail is loaded with it. Where they could've gotten by with simple music, everything is fully orchestrated and scored by expert musicians. The series theme song feels like a Lucas theme. Everything just exudes excellence. The guys at Naughty Dog are true masters of their craft and they deserve every game of the year award that Uncharted 3 received. 

As technically perfect as Super Metroid was when it came out. The absolute pinnacle of game design. Uncharted 3 should not be missed by anyone. Please do yourself a favor and purchase it and play it immediately.