Lunchtime Discussion: Should Uncharted 2 Have Been Two Games?

I’ve been playing Uncharted 2 recently and with the exception of Warhawk, I think it’s just about the best game I’ve played on my PS3. In the audio and graphics departments it’s peerless, not only with the stunning performance-captured cut-scenes, but during the hustle and bustle of gameplay. However, the further I progressed in the game, the more I realised how pronounced the difference between the two gameplay styles was.

The shooting is exciting and organic, whereas the platforming is about as on-rails as you can get. At times, I’d have been happy with a “Skip Platforming” option right alongside the “Skip Movie” option already present. To be fair, Naughty Dog has done a great job of injecting tension – at least on the first play – and graphical splendour into some of these sections, but ultimately they left me a little cold. Especially the climb up the train.

As I neared the end I started to think that Naughty Dog should split the gameplay of Uncharted into two separate games; one combat based, one platforming based.

Which games have you played that have incorporated gameplay styles you wish had been left out?

Thanks to Michael for today’s inspiration.