Genre- Third Person Action/Adventure
Visual Presentation- 10
Graphics- Naughty Dog has returned with a graphical powerhouse. The game has multiple locales around the world from Borneo to Nepal and each location has been rendered with such beauty. Character design has been improved over the first. Nathan Drake and friends look much better and more life-like. The game is one of the best looking games out there. The people at Naughty Dog have really outdone themselves with the artistic vision that they have brought to life in this game. A visual feast for the eyes, for example, the train ride. The changes from green jungle to snow covered mountain is still jaw dropping to notice. The explosions to water effects have been given an extra tweak to make it come to life on screen. Light and shadow effects look amazing, for example, when you are in an underground tomb the way its lit stands out.
Sound- 9.5
Music- The soundtrack for Among Thieves is among some of the best. It showcases how music is integral to the experience of a game. It really is striking how when the music is ominous or tense, it amplifies what the character is experiencing.
Menu Music- Nathans theme has been upgraded to demonstrate that this game is a grand epic.
SFX- One of my favorite sounds from this game is when I would shoot a propane tank and I could hear the gas bellowing from the impact of the bullet. Among Thieves has some of the best sounds, from creaking doors, exploding cars to RPG’s launching, the sound waves of action rush throughout your adventure.
Voice acting- The original cast is back and better than ever. The dialogue is believable and crisp. Its funny, action oriented and everyone gives their all and I really enjoyed that the interaction between characters didn’t feel forced or gimmick filled, that it felt genuine.
Game Play- 10
Control- The controls of the game have been improved from their predecessor, not that there was a big problem to begin with. The action is really smooth, response time is quick, the button layout has improved. The aiming system has really advanced compared to Uncharted part 1. Camera controls are better than ever. Moves are easier to pull off. Naughty Dog has really taken care to improve the little things that enhance the overall experience and feel of game play.
Simplicity/Complexity- The A.I. of the game is as good as it was for Uncharted. Enemies take cover, they flank, they respond like a real unit. The stealth system that they tried to implement in part one works a lot better in Among Thieves. There are a lot of moments in the game where you can take out multiple enemies with stealth before having to engage in a massive fire fight. I thoroughly enjoyed having the ability to be stealthy. The puzzles have been improved upon, they are more cleaver and require a bit more thought than before.
Online- 9.5
Server- Server runs well. Very little dropped games. There is occasional lag times here and there.
Menus- Are easy to navigate. Very easy to party up. There is lots to unlock for example: multiplayer skins, weapons, boosters, taunts.
Online interactions- What I really enjoyed about the multiplayer in Among Thieves is the level of difficulty you can encounter when playing against others. The game does require strategy and teamwork to succeed. There are co-op challenges you and your friends can take on in up to groups of three.
Overall
Uncharted 2 Among Thieves is a must own game for any owner of the PS3. The technical achievements that have been made in this game are cause for notice. The overall experience that I had playing this game is some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the music. The pace of the story is executed well with hardly a dull moment. I don’t want to give anything away to those who have not played it yet, all I can say is go get this game if you haven’t already.
FINAL SCORE- 9.7
