I'm just now playing the first Uncharted, even though I've had it for three years. I love the platforming and puzzle solving parts, loathe the gun battles. I die, and die, and die, and die. And then I die some more. And then I quit and play something else for a bit and then go back. And usually die some more before getting to the next gun battle, where the whole sad cycle starts all over again. I'll get through it, though, one way or another.
Catching up on PS3: Uncharted 1 & 2
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 On 03/01/2013 at 01:23 PM by avidacridjam See More From This User » |
I've been struggling for ideas about what to blog about. Rather than post the usual, every-once-in-a-while gaming update (not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's what you want to do), I've decided to focus more on a topic in addition to the usual updates. Last week, I continued my streak as a late adoptor to consoles with finally purchasing a PS3. I've decided I should blog about the PS3 games I've missed out on. I intend to finish these games or at least complete a huge portion of their content and post my thoughts. I've been an Xbox 360 fanboy for so long that I think Sony deserves some attention; strange, since their Playstation 2 got me through college and the next few years after.
The first disc-based games I bought were Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and the sequel, Among Thieves. Minutes had just passed as I'm writing this since I completed the 2nd game's campaign. Among my friends, the sequel is highly regarded and I have to agree wholeheartedly. But I wanted to start at the beginning. Having played UC: Golden Abyss 2 months ago, I knew that the game was limited by its design and yet the characters and world were enticing enough to invest in.
By the way, I won't bother recapping the plot. I'll just add some thoughts about the more memorable aspects of the game.
Drake's Fortune was a blast and about as good a beginning for a series. There tended to be a bit of trial-and-error when it came to certain sequences, whether it was in combat or solving puzzles. Sometimes the scuffles deserved some thought on cover or choosing certain weapons. I'm never that good a marksman in 3rd person shooters (let alone shooters in general) but I think survived most gunfights. There weren't as many opportunities to sneak and stealth kill as there would be in UC2 but the animations were rewarding enough when I pulled them off. There was the usual satisfaction in pumping lead in a particular enemy (like those heavy armor-plated, shotgun wielding goofs).
The puzzles and navigating through the terrain were well executed. It made me think of the 3D Prince of Persia or Zelda games. Sometimes I'd take a wrong step and fall to my death; other times I think the computer just wanted me to die.
The extended action sequences of both games are amazing in scope and execution. The chase in the first game where you're on a mounted gun blowing cars off the road while Elena drives to safety. A similar chase in the 2nd half of UC2 piled on the circumstances with Drake hopping between vehicles. Then there's the train sequence. Or the collapsing building in Borneo. Or the memorable escape from the cliff-hanging train at the beginning of UC2.
I even took time to read Drake's diary from cover to cover. Hilarious stuff. The writing and voice work were top-notch. The banter between Drake and his friends while traveling made me chuckle often.
I didn't find all of the collectibles but I suppose that's what future playthroughs are for, if I'm so inclined.
So far, this is a good start for my life with the PS3. I have Uncharted 3 to play but that's not my only option. I'll be back with thoughts on the next game. None of this is news to anyone who's played the game, so I suppose this is a long way of agreeing with anyone who told me I should play these games.
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