The Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Multiplayer Beta has been out for almost a week now and reviews are coming in thick and fast, most of which seem to show the current multiplayer gameplay in a good light. However, with these reviews have come two new videos which show some of the maps in play, online.

Plaza Showdown, the first of the maps shown in these new videos, seems to be set in a darkened courtyard. With broken walls, upturned cars and sandbags there is plenty of cover in this map. From what I can gather, the map is quite big and seems to include several side streets which all lead to the central courtyard. There also seems to be several floors to the level which will provide good spots for snipers. This map looks very promising and, if all of the maps are as highly polished as this, Naughty Dog shouldn't have anything to worry about.



The second video showcases a map named Village Firefight. Set in a village, this small map seems to fit in well with the feel of Uncharted 2 as, like the Plaza map, it also contains a lot of cover. Again, this map also seems to provide a vast expanse to roam and hide away in. The war-torn atmosphere to the map creates a dead and lifeless feel, with only the odd splatter of colour; usually provided by the fire. This map is also shaping up to impress and dazzle the fans.



Jacques

Labels: Beta, Jacques Hulme, Trailer, Uncharted 2, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Video

Watch out people that have not played the game, this article may include spoilers!

1) A new foe
When Nathan thinks he finds the body of his long deceased ancestor, legendary explorer Francis Drake, the game takes an unexpected turn. Whereas the game started to feel a little bit repetitive, fighting pirates on and off until that point, we are treated to one of the most dynamic changes in a game's plot and pacing ever. I won't ruin it all for you but from there on the game becomes one of the highlights of gaming in 2007, and for me will be a moment that I will forever remember.

2) The graphics
Graphically this game was the best I had ever seen. Although this game will no doubt look dated later in the PS3’s console cycle, it will surely be remembered as the game that marked the day that graphics on Sony’s console truly became next gen. With stunning textures and brilliant views over the sea, this game sets a new standard for graphics not only on the PS3, but for every console game in this generation.

3) Change?
This soon it is impossible to tell, but Uncharted: Drake's Fortune might just have changed gaming in this generation. While most "Best Selling" games were exclusively 'Shooters' (such as Halo 3, Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War), Uncharted proved that to do well you don't have to be "all about the guns". Although some may point to other games such as Portal helping to potentially stop the influx of generic shooters, Naughty Dog's masterpiece showed developers that firepower can be used along side an interesting plot and puzzles, while still retaining an extremely large 'Fun Factor'.

Matt

(Writers note: I am not saying that I do not like Call of Duty 4, Halo 3, and Gears of War. Also, the "3 Reasons Why" title may become a series of articles).

Labels: 3 reasons why, Matthew Meadows, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune