Uncharted 2

[Treebeard]

About half way through this and I'm surprised to find that the hype surrounding it is mostly justified (after the slow start).

Its probably the most cinematic game I've ever played. In some respects its like Metal Gear Solid 4 but the transition between cut-scenes and gameplay is even more seamless and the cutscenes are not hours long . The script and voice acting is some of the sharpest I've heard in a game as well. At times its like playing a film but not in a bad, uninteractive way.

The combat and platforming do their job. Much like the first game its Tomb Raider meets Gears although the combat has been toned down. The gameplay is all very familiar with really nothing new.

Visually its everything I've heard it is. Its a real next gen moment. Every level is painfully detailed and its one breath-taking environment and set piece after another. The Tibetan village and train ride should be experienced by everyone.

Genre defining possibly in certain respects.

 

[Zeus]

aye, i was very impressed by it. decent storyline (nothing special, but fun in a playable-indiana-jones kinda way), excellent graphics, and fun gameplay.

 

[Guy]

Read a ton of positive about this, and looks great. My question is this: do I need to have played the first one to understand the characters or story?

 

[Zeus]

i hadnt, still made sense.

 

[Rochdale]

I kinda half played the first one.... then lost my disk somewhere in the flat....

 

[Soupytwist]

Yeah I'm loving it. Right near the end now hopefully complete it tomorrow, had a play on the online stuff tonight and that's also really great - team gameplay 5 vs 5 that plays quite simular to Gears of War online, however the real star online mode is the objectives where 3 players can team up together and play modified chapters from the game, that's a great addition.

 

[Zeus]

i think i'd like the online stuff more if my connection was better. wish games would show pings these days, but apparently most people connections are too good to care... ./sigh.

 

[Treebeard]

I'm on chapter 22 now which I think is quite near the end.

The combat is actually really really good on some levels, namely defending the Tibetan village and the train ride. In some respects the combat is better than Gears but the good fights are not as often as I'd like. Mostly the combat is broken up into small skirmishes. It seems easier than the first game as well. Hard is no so bad at all.

Some of the graphics in this are jaw-dropping. The view from the hotel in Nepal!!! The Tibetan village is officially one of my favourite levels in a game ever. No combat or platforming, just a stroll around an amazingly detailed and atmospheric environment.

The platforming side is probably the weakest. Its all very restricted in comparison to Assassins Creed (although the platforming in chapter 18 was brill).

 

[Zeus]

you have quite a lot left, tbh another... 10 chapters or so?

 

[Treebeard]

Finished it last night and there was a fair bit left.

Some of the best levels as well I thought. The section leading up to finding the hidden entrance was especially good with some more great combat.

Shame about the generic, dull boss fight.

 

[Soupytwist]

Also completed it last night. Great game, the Train chapter was the highlight for me.

Shame about the generic, dull boss fight.

I agree, infact not only was he a dull boss fight, he was also a really bland villian thoughout the game, just a typical stereotypical bond style megomaniac - the weakest part of an otherwise great game. I was hoping Flynn would double cross him and become the real villian.