Uncharted 2: Among Thieves review

I've been waiting to play this game for a while now, because of all the hype around it, but I didn't have enough money to buy one. Luckily, Chester had just recently bought a copy. I waited about a week till he finished the game, then I borrowed it at once. I have played the first game and liked it a lot. I really thought its visuals and story were over the top. Saying this, I confidently state that this installment is 100 times better. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, everything looks so lively and real. From the lush jungles of Borneo, to the terrorized streets of fictional Nepal, to the blue, icy mountains of the Himalayas, this game makes you feel like you're in a living, breathing world. Also, something else about the graphics I should mention is the Focal and Motion blurs. The Focal blur works by focusing only on the object/character you're aiming at. (Everything else is blurred out) The motion blur is often considered as an annoying occurence, bur in video games this is one feature that makes a character's movements so realistic. Next, The controls feel right for the Dualshock controller. The slight delay when moving Nate perfectly coordinates with the looseness of the analog sticks.  Next, The gameplay is better than ever with all the mechanics from the first game, added with additional moves, like shooting while hanging off a ledge, or run-and-gunning.. Also, more weapons have been added like a Tranquilizer gun, or Pistols that shoot Shotgun shells. Could you believe that?! Next, the game's rewarding system is pretty satisfying. Like the first game, Uncharted 2 has an in-game list of achievements that one can fullfill if he wants, asides the Trophy set included in the game. Each achievement you fulfill gives you a corresponding number of points, which can be then spent on unlockables such as weapons, concept art, videos, and tweaks. (My personal fave tweak is the One Shot Kill tweak. Hehe.) Out of all these features, one stands out the most, and that is its story. Uncharted 2's story is a well-written roller coaster ride, complete with incredible voice-acting and character development. The scenes from the game looks and feels like it was cut from an A-list movie. The main character, Nathan Drake, is the funniest and most human video game character ever. Even in times of peril, he still manages to squeeze in a tiny piece of humor. This is what makes Uncharted 2 not video game-ish. *SPOILER ALERT* There's one instance in the game where Nate is hanging for dear life on the edge of a cliff but he still manages to talk to himself "Sure, Nate, save the chick, be a hero", showing his regret. *SPOILER ENDS HERE* This 'talking while playing the actual game' removes the word cut scenes from Uncharted 2's vocabulary. Because the whole game is a cut scene. Characters often comment on what you do, even react when something happens in the environment. Now the voice acting is over with, I'm gonna tell you how great the story was. *SPOILER ALERT*   The game narrates the adventures of Nathan Drake, a world-class treasure hunter, and his quest to stop a terrorist leader bent on world domination. The twist is, he has to acquire a special stone that turns someone immortal. (It's not a stone actually, you'll find out as you advance in the game) *SPOILER ENDS HERE* This may sound like 'just another treasure hunter saves the world' but believe me, it is more than that. So much more. And the way the game brings you to different parts of the globe makes it an even better experience. Now, its is time for complaints. Hmm, now that I mentioned that... I don't have much complaints for this game. Maybe the unrealistic jumping of Nate, or the unrealistic flashlight, but seriously these complaints are just for realism whores who are always mad at the whole world. I really can't think of any flaws right now. Maybe I'm gonna think of one (hopefully). Until then, I consider this game absolutely perfect. If you own a PS3 and don't have this game, buy UC2:Among Thieves now! If you're looking for a reason to buy a PS3, your search has ended.

MY SCORE: 5 out of 5 Game of the Decade!

*I haven't included multiplayer reactions, 'cause I haven't tried it yet*