For the longest time, the Playstation 3 was criticized for its high price point, lack of quality platform exclusives, problematic development and bugs for multi-platform titles. It’s developers like Naughty Dog, however, who defy this stereotype with the Uncharted franchise. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune holds a special place in my heart. It’s an often-overlooked gem in gaming of this generation. Drake’s Fortune had its flaws, namely in gameplay. Yet its stellar graphics, voice acting and cinematic style all stood out to me. So when the sequel was announced I was certainly excited. Awards at E3, incredible trailers and the general media stir were enough to make it one of my most hotly anticipated Q4 releases.

After logging considerable hours in the multiplayer and completing the main story, here is my take on the PS3’s killer app this quarter, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (after the break).

Multiplayer

I had a chance to play the multiplayer beta early. While I didn’t originally give it much thought, I warmed to the gameplay, surprised at how well Uncharted’s signature mechanics work in a multiplayer setting. All too often multiplayer modes are tacked onto an otherwise great game, and the overall experience suffers. Owning a PS3, I had come to the conclusion that the multiplayer experience would never be as great as Xbox Live. While Uncharted 2 does not exactly fix this, it is certainly a step in the right direction. The shortcomings are those of the PS3 platform (poor party system, chat features, etc) rather than of the game it self. Everything is here for an enjoyable and addictive online game: including Call of Duty style level advancement and perks, and a robust horde-mode style co-op mode. A unique take on Capture the Flag and vertically oriented levels that take full advantage of the game’s climbing mechanics make Uncharted 2’s multiplayer a fantastic experience, and well worth the price of admission on its own.

Single Player

The main story of Uncharted 2 finds Nathan Drake on yet another epic crusade filled with betrayal, danger and hilarious predicaments for the protagonist and his entourage. In other words, everything you would hope to find in a Hollywood action flick. This is exactly where Uncharted 2 feels so unique, and while “cinematic” is such an overused word with games today, Uncharted 2 earns this title. Perhaps it’s the voice acting, so far evolved beyond any other game to date that it’s embarrassing. Perhaps it’s the lovable characters that are convincingly human. Perhaps it’s the stunning visuals and enormous set pieces and the way that Drake interacts with them; the nuances in the way he takes cover or navigates a climbable wall, for instance.

Even the story, which is at times a bit far fetched, is made believable by Drake’s extraordinary luck in the worst of situations. With Uncharted 2 you can rest assured that every rickety-looking bridge will collapse as you attempt to traverse it, and yet you will always miraculously climb away unscathed. You will laugh out loud at the ridiculous situations set before you, and be utterly amazed that Naughty Dog has crammed so many highlight experiences into the story. I simply cannot say enough good things about this game.

Conclusion

Between a cinematic single player experience and addictive multiplayer, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves easily makes it on my short list for Game of the Year. It is without a doubt the best game on the Playstation 3, and one of the most polished games I have ever experienced. While there have been plenty of reasons in the past few years to buy a PS3, Uncharted 2 marks yet another win for Sony fans, and a missed opportunity for all the naysayers.