Nate is the new Lara . . (Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3))

Member Name: tallpete33

Product:	Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Date:	30/08/09 (113 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: see review

It's difficult to review this game without making comparisons to Tomb Raider but if you've played any of Lara's outings, old and new, you will see the relevance. If not, read on anyway.

The story centres on Nate's search for the gold of Eldorado, hunted for by both the Spanish and Sir Francis Drake. Our Indiana type hero is lead through jungles, ruined cities, up rivers and down deep and mysterious catacombs to find his goal. The game itself plays a bit like Tomb Raider Legend with more emphasis on the combat than the puzzling. He runs, jumps, rolls, swings, ducks and shoots with aplomb but does not have the full Lara compliment of gymnastics and you won't find him underwater either. He swims with his backside sticking out of the water too! In essence, though the lack of acrobatics gives the game a slightly more "realistic" feel and a special mention to the "cover" button which works very well. Press the circle button and he will take shelter behind the nearest pillar, crate etc. Move and "cover" again and he will roll to the next crate/doorway. This is very useful when the bad guys are coming to get you in numbers...and they will. Lara lovers will have no problem with the jumping and old fave - the crumbling ledges.

It is undoubtedly a good game, very attractive and whilst not groundbreaking or highly original, what it does, it does very well. Nate is joined at times in his quest for Drake's gold by "Sully" Sullivan and roving reporter Elena but whilst these characters are often present you don't interact with them as say you do in recent Resident Evil games. They do join you in firefights though, finishing off some bad guys for you in the early stages. The hand-to-hand combat is very good, and very necessary when you run out of bullets. "Running and gunning" is also great fun when you're in a tight spot.

The cut scenes are great and add to the story, which unfolds nicely as you go along. Some of the scenery is breath-taking such as the view from the top of the fortress at sunset - very Ico-esque, and anyone who has played that PS2 classic will know what I mean. Another favourite part was the flooded city which looked superb as Nate and Elena motored and shot their way around it on a jet ski. Taking that same vehicle upriver whilst being shot at was a good challenge too! Apart from a trip riding shotgun on the back of a jeep that is the only vehicle part though. There are a lot of medals/trophies to be had if that's your thing for head shots, treasure finding, gun running etc. Speaking of guns, there is not a great arsenal to choose from with the usual maximum two to be carried at any one time.

Naughty Dog, seemingly went out of their way (and succeeded) in making the main character Nate, a regular guy in his long sleeved "T" and jeans; the type of dude who'd buy you a pint in your local or go to footie with. No posh accent or "Nate Manor" to train, in, but he obviously had a good education somewhere....lol !

It is also worth mentioning the music which is excellent, if a little reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, and the excellent user-friendly menu.

Overall, it's a great all-rounder that will be an excellent addition to anyone's PS3 collection. For less than £15 (Platinum) this is a good buy before Uncharted 2 is released on October 16th.

Advantages
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Good story
Great gameplay
Good characters
Very attractive

Disadvantages
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Not a great variety in the levels
Some screen flickering
Not many vehicles



Published by Naughty dog
Rating 15

(also reviewed on amazon)

Summary: Great all-round PS3 exclusive with a Tomb Raider flavour