Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is nothing short of a gaming masterpiece. There are minor flaws, such as limited enemy types or that some of the portions feel like they're on rails, but this is nitpicking, and does not affect the experience in a major way.
The action-adventure genre is populated with too many titles that try to recreate the success of Tomb Raider (which can be seen as a homage to Indiana Jones), but Uncharted 3 manages to surpass these franchises and delivers an experience that is second to none.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception picks up after the second title, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and takes Nathan Drake and Victor “Sully” Sullivan through a variety of new locations, including England, Columbia, France and even the Rub' Al Khali desert.
The main campaign centres on 16th Century explorer Sir Francis Drakes' voyage to Arabia in search of the lost city of Ubar. T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) repeated this expedition, and this feeds into the theme of the game - "finding the way".
The main campaign lasts an enjoyable and unforgettable 10 hours, which plays out like a summer blockbuster, delivering constant thrills and highs. Drake is charming and likeable, which is refreshing to see in a protagonist (many current video game leads are either too arrogant or noble, which makes them hard to identify with). The script is funny and original with a few laugh-out-loud moments.
The flashback scenes, which elaborate on Drake's past as well as how he met Sully, are a welcome reward for fans of the series.
Controls are generally responsive, and I got a sense that the developers, Naughty Dog, want players to enjoy the experience and not get frustrated, which is why, for example, the characters will often grab onto ledges even though they know they did not make the jump. I don't see this as a flaw in the game, however.
Much of the allure of the Uncharted series revolves around climbing and puzzle solving, and Uncharted 3 is no different. As with the jumps, puzzles are not meant to frustrate players and they are given subtle hints if they linger or get stuck. Again, this is probably done so that the player can enjoy the game.
In summary
Uncharted 3 has a robust multiplayer mode, which could sell as a standalone game. Coupled with a co-op mode where players can revisit scenarios, this gives the longevity a boost and ensures gamers will be playing well into the New Year.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is probably one of the best video games ever made.
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