November 2007. October 2009. It didn’t take a rocket surgeon to decipher Naughty Dog’s cryptic release pattern to work out we’d be getting a new Drake adventure at the tail-end of 2011. That said, when this list was forged, deep in the labyrinthine bowels of TSA Towers back in the faded lost era of late October, we didn’t know it had the subtitle of Drake’s Deception. We also didn’t know what we do now after scouring over interview after interview, watching new gameplay footage in awe and trying to imagine what Naughty Dog can cram into their next title in a little over eleven months from now.
We did know about the sand, however, that particular aspect something we’ve been hearing rumblings about for a while, and, as a game mechanic, we’re excited. It’s always refreshing to hear about developers pushing themselves; creative people who could easily rest on their laurels and still be successful yet decide instead to follow the harder path, always looking for a new challenge to throw their creative might behind, especially when it’s something that hasn’t been done exceptionally well yet. It won’t be the only game with a sand dynamic in 2011, of course, but you can bet your last gold doubloon it will be the best.
Usually around about this time in our Top 100 series we do one of two things. Sometimes we tell you a little about the game to set the scene; a fluffy introduction in case you weren’t too familiar with the title in question. Or perhaps you had heard of it but wouldn’t mind something of a recap, oodles of data decanted into a pithy, punchy five-hundred word preview. We’re not going to do that here. You already know what you need to know about Uncharted 3.
Other times we talk about why we here at TheSixthAxis are interested in the project in general – a quasi justification or character witness report about the game based on the studio’s pedigree or promise, if you will. We’re also not going to do that here. This is Uncharted 3. This is a game developed by Naughty Dog. This is number three on our list and, if we’re being completely transparent, could easily have been number one, and may actually have been if we had seen the recent footage when we voted back in October.
But the list is what it is. We’re happy with Uncharted 3’s ultimate slot in this compendium, satisfied that despite knowing full well what’s in store for us next November, the franchise still manages to instill a sense of expectancy. We know it will be awesome. We know it will be – somehow – better than Uncharted 2. And maybe that stark realisation has dulled our anticipation levels a mite. Much like why Killzone 3 and LittleBigPlanet 2 only crept into the Top 10 when many thought they should have featured perhaps a little higher, there is a degree of familiarity with Uncharted that, while any new entry in the series should be lauded in its own right, is slightly diminished because of this personal acquaintance with the series. Let’s face it, the hallowed halls of gaming will crack open and crumble in upon themselves if Naughty Dog somehow manage to cock up Uncharted 3.
There’s little risk here. We’re not anticipating Uncharted 3, hoping it will be great. We can’t wait to get our hands on it because we already know it’s going to soar technically while simultaneously delighting us with some of the best story-telling in this – or any for that matter – medium. Uncharted 3 is our banker. We still obviously want it a great deal – it’s number three for a reason – but unlike some other titles on this list that are laced with apprehension due to our genuine curiosity to see if the developer can pull it off, the appeal of Naughty Dog’s third Drake adventure is rooted in its pedigree; the safety that we’ve nothing to worry about.
We’re exceptionally happy with our final three, and, as mentioned before, the difference in their respective accumulated scores is minuscule enough to suggest that any of them could have taken the top spot. We’re sure Drake has no issue coming in third in our list. After all, he’s been here before, saving the day and firing out quips like there’s no tomorrow, and you can be assured that if there is ever a Top 100 Games of 2013 list, he’ll be on it.
Uncharted 3 is easily one of 2011’s big hitters. In fact, many would say 2010 has been a quiet year in terms of gaming greats, the omission of a Naughty Dog title contributing perhaps to this feeling of slight disappointment. 2011 is looking huge, however, and Uncharted 3 is a big part of that mushroom cloud of gaming spectacle just looming on the horizon.
Kronik76
Number 3? NUMBER 3??? Just kidding…
Dan Lee
:oD
antem92
Really looking forward to this game. Was slightly surprised that it didn’t take the No. 1 spot but with the wealth of games coming out next year perhaps it is good news that the Uncharted series doesn’t dominate this list
Dan Lee
As Lee said, at the time of voting we hadn’t seen any video footage, I certainly would have voted higher if that footage had been released! :oD very excited about U3 now.
Tuffcub
Well I’m at a loss as to what’s No.1 now.. if it turns out to be an iPad game I going to cover Nofi in sherry and flambe him like a Christmas pudding.
emekcrash
Was Killzone 3 on the list yet? If no, then it’ll be 1st, and Skyrim will be second. Or it could be the other way around.
cc_star
Yes
eye8have9you3
well wasn’t Skyrim only announced at the VGAs? might have been too late for the list? No I reckon we’ll be seeing Mass Effect popping in soon
emekcrash
Then it’ll be The Last Guardian and something.
Origami Killer
thats a suprise its not number 1, still the game looks great well better than great
nofi
Have just remember what number 1 is… :D
Tuffcub
*Grabs Sherry* Tell me now!
cc_star
Just Dance 3… I keeps telling y’all
DRCD1
They’re making a Rogue Warrior 2?!? No???…
Naughty Bear 2, that’s got to be it…
jimmy-google
Fairly sure I know the top 2 just not sure on the order. Can’t wait for them to be be revealed
Dan Lee
Can’t wait – been bursting to talk about it :oD
colmshan1990
The Last Guardian has this sewn up, in my humble opinion.
alisound
If it’s Gears of war or something equally shit then it is obvious that your front page advertising of Xbox live runs a lot deeper than i originally thought. The Sixthaxis needs a name change.
Dan Lee
Gears of War 3 has already featured. As for the other comment, I genuinely don’t have the energy for a reasoned retort.
icuyesido
Where did that come from, would you rather they had no advertising and have them not pay server costs, I bet that’d work.
alisound
Would rather not see Xbox adverts anywhere to be honest. Especially on a site that i used to really enjoy as it was a Playstation fans site. Not saying i hate Xbox, more so have a distaste for everything Microsoft.
And the name change thing is an honest opinion. A Sony related name for a site plastered with Microsoft ads doesn’t look classy. Not like this site used to any ways….
Again a long time lurkers Opinion , please do not take it personally. mkaaay?!
Kovacs
Not taken personally and you’re entitled to your opinion. I preferred it when you kept it in “lurking mode”, however.
I will address your comments. You said: “If it’s Gears of War or something equally shit,” only to then go on to say you have a distaste of all things Microsoft. This suggests you haven’t played Gears of War. Correct me if I’m wrong but this just smacks of fanboyism. Hate something for a real reason if you must. Slating a popular franchise that I doubt you’ve played just makes you look myopic and misinformed.
Finally, stating “Especially on a site that i used to really enjoy” and then immediately claiming the site “didn’t look classy anyway” is grossly hypocritical. Do you usually like things that are not classy? Or are you just saying you liked something despite it looking garish in your opinion? I doubt you are and, once again, you’re just flame-baiting.
Once again, your comments are not taken personally, despite your personal attack on both the designer and the editors of this site. Bottom line: there are plenty of PS3 only fan-sites out there. I suggest you spend your time visiting these sites where you’ll be happier and not have to suffer through a site “plastered with Microsoft ads.”
Good luck.
Tuffcub
Correct me if I am wrong but wasnt the previous adbannerwrapthing for a PS3 exclusive Mini game? Who’s That Flying wasnt it?
alisound
Ouch.
I have played Gears 1 and 2 actually. Aswell as other games on the Xbox. Strange that i get put into the Fanboy genepool so quickly and by a staff member no less.
As to me being a hypocrite, well maybe i didnt didn’t make it very clear, that in “my opinion” Xbox branding makes things look cheap. The site is designed nicely and yes i do like things to look a certain way. Part of the reason i stayed a loyal reader of the Sixthaxis was based on its style alone. There is certainly nothing wrong with that!
But yes maybe i should go somewhere else to read views on something i like. Maybe i wont get staff members attacking me elsewhere?
Kovacs
Don’t even bother, TC. There have been many ads on this site over the last few months. From Joe Danger to Red Dead Redemption. All platforms are represented. Put up a 360 ad, however, and the trolls come out in protest.
Kovacs
Oh please, you weren’t attacked. If you honestly think that was an attack I humbly suggest you stop commenting on the internet. Period. Your comments came across as both disrespectful and uninformed.
If you think anything with the 360 branding on it looks “cheap”, that’s your opinion and, like I said, you’re welcome to it. When you have a site that needs to cover server costs feel free to tell any potential advertiser to go stick their money because their brand makes your site look cheap.
For the record, TSA chooses its advertisers very carefully. Microsoft, one of the world’s leading technology companies is, in our opinion, an EXCEPTIONALLY respectable company. If they want to advertise with TSA, they’re welcome to. Just as other publishers like Sony are welcome, and have done. The ad in question is very well designed and the changes Al has made to TSA to accompany the ad are subtle and also extremely well done in my opinion.
Finally, why do you play games on the 360 if you have a distaste for all things Microsoft? What’s your gamertag?
alisound
What’s with the name calling Kovacs? I haven’t – as you said previously “attacked the designers and editors” so why do you feel the need to call me a troll? is this sites tag-line not “gaming news and opinion” any more?
I wasn’t trying to start an argument at all, and apologies to all i may have offended, but have to say i am a little shocked by the TSA official responses to my comment.
Kovacs
I wasn’t specifically calling you a troll. I was referring to other comments on TSA today as well.
But, for the record, you are trolling. What you are doing is the definition of trolling. Example:
“Sony related name for a site plastered with Microsoft ads doesn’t look classy. Not like this site used to any ways….”
THAT is an attack on the hard work of the designer of this
site and is a “troll comment.”
You, sir, are being disrespectful and there is NO other way that comment can be perceived. If there is, I’d like for you to tell me what else it could mean. “Not like this site used to any ways” implies this site NEVER looked classy. You then go on to say that the reason you stuck around was because it was classy so you honestly have me confused. What did you mean by that comment? What did you expect people to infer from that comment other than the fact that you were trolling?
You attacked the site. I referred to your comments and those of others today as trolling. I stand by those comments. And just because I’m a member of staff I’m not allowed call a spade a spade? Please….
Finally, these are MY comments. Me. Lee. Not TSA. As it says at the top of this section: “Disclaimer: All comments are the opinion and responsibility of the individual author and not TheSixthAxis.” I usually just turn the other cheek and decline from commenting when people speak out of turn but you’ve stepped over the line and I have the right to defend both this site’s designer and the site in general from your negative comments.
Kronik76
I’ve got to stick up for alisound here (surprise, surprise).
Firstly, when he said “Not like this site used to any ways” I’m pretty sure he meant that it used to look classier than it does now. His opinion and he’s entitled to it.
Also, he’s right about being attacked by TSA staff. It seems lately that more and more people (including myself) are the subjects of derogatory comments by staff members. Like Katy said in another thread ‘Readers have the liberty of being assholes, snide, arrogant and uninformed, and get banned if that is the staff’s perogative. You don’t’. She’s bang on right. You, as staff members, should have the professionalism to not bite.
It sometimes seems like you’re trying to create the perfect environment for yourselves, where no one answers back and all that happens is that people kiss your asses all day. Well I’m sorry, but it’s not about you, and the real world aint like that.
Serebii.Net
Flawless Victory!!
cc_star
@Kronik76
People at the site have the right to respond to unfounded, untrue & outlandish accusations of the type made above.
Kronik76
Yes, maybe so, but in a professional way that is not intended to offend.
alisound
You sir are focusing on the wrong parts of my comment as you are so focused on making me the bad guy. Did i not go on to clarify and say:
“well maybe i didnt didn’t make it very clear, that in “my opinion” Xbox branding makes things look cheap. The site is designed nicely and yes i do like things to look a certain way.”
That does not in any way state that this site has never been classy or is not currently classy.
Either way, i am sorry i have so gravely upset you. it was not my intention and if you think i was trolling then again apologies for that.
As for microsoft, well?!
My distaste for Microsoft and their Brand ethics are a whole different conversation which is better left in a bar.
My gamertag is Guest as i do not own or care to have a gamertag of my own, but can safely say i have hundreds of hours invested in playing Xbox with my brother aswell as friends and a housemate. I play games for fun, as do most people. Just because i dont like a company doesn’t mean i cannot get past that to enjoy good games (gears isnt one of those for me, even though i played alot of it – just as it was co-op!) My fave Xbox game is Trials HD.
Moving on, when do we get to find out what is number 1?
JamesF
I’ve got to say I like TSA simply because there are so few fanboys on it. I only own a PS3, but that is only because I do not have the time (or inclination) to invest in multiple platforms.
Dan Lee
Number 1 will be on the 31st mate.
Kronik76
Always the peacemaker Dan :-)
Dan Lee
Well, we’re all here because we love gaming, whatever the platform. The most important thing is that an amazing looking game has beaten 96 others, and the remaining 2 are going to rock your socks! Stayed tuned ;op
Kovacs
Fair comments. My response.
Alisound is more that welcome to voice his opinion on anything he so wishes. Like he said himself, this is a site that prides itself on varied opinions. Unfortunately his comment came across as disrespectful and, to be frank, I didn’t appreciate it. I’m human just like everyone else and I have a right to be annoyed when people show such negativity toward something I know people work very hard for.
The source of my angst was actually in his earlier comment: “It is obvious that your front page advertising of Xbox live runs a lot deeper than i originally thought”. Using this comment as a root, his other comments are actually tame.
That comment suggests we’re taking bribes. Plain and simple. Once again, correct me if I’m wrong, Alisound, but if do, please tell me what you were alluding to. Such a comment is pure unadulterated nonsense. If anyone thinks we’re taking bribes from any publisher, you’re welcome to think it, you’re even welcome to state it in a comment. Don’t expect us not to defend ourselves publicly, however.
Yes, we have a duty to be “more professional” than the commentators but at the same time we also have a duty to quell signs of fanboyism and trolling as we see fit. It’s my opinion that Alisound’s comments were trolling, purposely bombastic to try and incite a flame-war. Am I right in this belief? It doesn’t matter. He’s already won as here are are debating about it.
As a staff member I have the right to respond. Maybe I should have responded in a more official capacity and stated the following:
“Alisound, your comments are trolling. Trolling is not permitted here so please refrain from such commenting behaviour.”
I didn’t, and I do apologise for that. I didn’t because his attack was directed at someone I have a deep respect for, and instead of toeing the company line, I immediately jumped to defend that person.
Finally, we’re not trying to create a utopia where people are afraid to voice their opinions in fear of being shot down. There is a way of respectfully conveying your opinion without offending people, however. In my opinion Alisound failed in this instance. Something like:
“I think Sixthaxis needs a name change considering it’s not PS3 only anymore. Also, I don’t like the 360 branding on the homepage as, in my opinion, the 360 branding is synonymous with crap. RROD etc. etc. etc. I preferred this site’s old design rather than the new one. Just don’t like it myself.”
Same message (apart from the libelous part at the start which I have no way of converting into something respectful) – different delivery.
Do we want people to be automatons and afraid to hurt people’s feelings so that all their comments are lovey-dovey? No. If you’re going to call us cheats, however, maybe then not follow up with “this site was never classy.”
Once again, Alisound is entitled to his opinion. I will also fight for the right for him to express his opinion. If anyone is disrespectful, however, I feel I have the right to respond, especially to slanderous and unfounded comments such as bribe-taking.
To you, Kronik76, I’m sorry to hear you feel that the staff have attacked you personally. I don’t believe I have myself but I’m not going to comment on the comments of other members of staff. Like I said, they’re their personal comments and those writers can speak for themselves.
BIGAL-1992
Can’t we all just get along? :(
Kronik76
That’s a fair (and comprehensive) reply, and I can see your point of view. I also appreciate you taking the time to make the reply. And no, I don’t believe you personally have ever attacked me. Without wanting to sound like I’m kissng your ass(!) I actually enjoy your articles more than most.
cc_star
Unless I’ve missed a reply to Kronik76 which could be construed as an attack, I can only see a sarcastic reply which has been apologised for.
Anyway its gaming time now, gonna do some Buzz first – then need to get back in the Warhawk saddle later
alisound
Erm, it is The Sixthaxis isn’t it? that is what i wrote.
i at no point said which you quoted “this site was never classy”
The original comment about the front page? well, that is unfounded and wasn’t implying that you are all taking bribes or not intentionally. more so that Microsoft make it imperative to be seen as great and innovative company at all costs. And making sure that an opinion piece/vote on hype and hyperbole for next year from a widely recognised news site, is something of course they would reward well. Business is business after all!
alisound
aaah you got your editing ninja out fast! Would have looked a bit silly if you didn’t know your own websites name huh?! :P
alisound
CC_star i see you are a warhawk fan. what servers you play in? maybe i could come join you and let you kill me as a way of making things right?
Kronik76
Let’s all have a Warhawk grudge match! Then I can show you all how shit I am!
cc_star
I’ve always played on whatever official CTF 32 player server was the most full and just drop-in/out when it suits me. I prefer the expert servers if they’ve ever got sufficient people in them.
I’ve recently learned you can get many times more points playing on smaller servers, but I’ve got into a groove that I like and am kinda stuck in my ways now.
I find the small games good for quick blast, but I find them to be clusterfucks.
I’ve noticed less people playing it since BlOps & GT5 was launched, which is funny because Warhawk withstood MW2, KZ2 & anything else the release schedule could throw it it
Shakugan
I got attacked too… :[
DrNate86
I have a lot of respect for you Kovacs (you are one of the writers I most enjoy reading) so mean no disrespect by this, but this is a good example of when a public argument between staff and users could have been avoided (which I mentioned in the other thread). It was clear that alisound’s comment was a stupid one (which apologies ali, but it was), and other readers could see as much. A simple dismissal of his behaviour would have been better, much like Dan did. It is understandable to get angry, but unprofessional (for lack of a better word, I by no means think you are personally unprofessional) to vent these angers at the users.
And to reply to Ali, these are the points in which you came across as rude, whether you meant to or not:
“A Sony related name for a site plastered with Microsoft ads doesn’t look classy. Not like this site used to any ways.” This implies the site never looked classy.
“If it’s Gears of war or something equally shit then it is obvious that your front page advertising of Xbox live runs a lot deeper than i originally thought. The Sixthaxis needs a name change.” This implies that if Gears were to win, the X-Box advertising runs deeper than just a picture on the front page. Implying that it has influenced the outcome of the vote. Implying that they are taking advertising money to rig awards.
Kovacs
“I at no point said which you quoted “this site was never classy””
I was paraphrasing. As I’ve already clearly stated, your comment was: “A Sony related name for a site plastered with Microsoft ads doesn’t look classy. Not like this site used to any ways….”
I’ve re-read and re-read this comment over and over and I think (now) it can be read in two different ways. As I’ve already said before, this comment can be interpreted to mean the site was never classy. You may not have meant it that way but that’s the way it can read. And that’s the way it read to me at first. Maybe I just picked up the wrong end of the stick. As, I think, you meant “It used to be classy, it’s not classy now.” If that’s the case, okay, fair enough. I don’t agree but, okay.
“The original comment about the front page? well, that is unfounded and wasn’t implying that you are all taking bribes or not intentionally.”
Okay. By adding “intentionally” it makes this a bit different. I hope you can see how it was perceived in its original format, however. So now you’re saying we’re not willfully taking bribes but Microsoft have somehow infiltrated TSA! :)
If that’s what you’re saying at least it’s a better position than saying we’re simply on the take. Suggesting advertisement money is influencing our reviews, perhaps? It’s an interesting opinion. Personally, I don’t think it’s true. We did give Hydrophobia a 9 while others didn’t care for it. Then again, other sites also gave it a high score. And it’s also coming out for the PS3 next year. We gave Alien Breed 3 (XBL) a 6 and some of the launch Kinect games 7s. Hardly in Microsoft’s back packet, in my opinion. But, yes, we gave Mass Effect 2 10/10. But that’s because it’s awesome.
I don’t see how anyone can say Microsoft’s advertising strategy with TSA has affected the Top 100, however. I can’t comment fully as there are two entries to go but, out of the eight top 10 entries so far, 6 have been PS3 exclusive. Portal 2 and Dead Space 2 the two others. Multiplat titles you’ll see. The highest 360 exclusive, so far, has been Gears of War 3 which was 27.
I appreciate your comments explaining your stance and I do apologise if I came on a bit strong. I hope you understand why. Your comments are not really clear and could be misconstrued to be quite spiteful. I understand now that that was not your intention.
We got there in the end.
:)
alisound
Well i am glad we have sorted this out. I for one have just jumped back in a Warhawk and got kicked and banned from the first 3 servers! Must be something about me today :)
If anyone is wanting to play some right now hit me up. My PSN is alisound. kovacs, i think you should come too so we can unite in something that i am sure we all love!
Kovacs
Thanks Alisound. I’m actually glad we had this debate as it has shown that it is possible to disagree with someone on the web, get angry and feel frustrated, work through the misunderstandings and come out friends at the end.
You won’t find that happening on many sites out there.
Dany2Step
http://blogs.technet.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Components-PostAttachments/00-02-99-89-79/wrong.jpg
hehehe *bolts*
ericzap
Epic reply thread is epic.
cc_star
@Dany2Step
That is awesome
Dany2Step
why thank you *bows*
nichotshoter
wooooow!!! am i the only one that think that went on for abit of time. but yeah i hate the xbox simple as. not because of microsoft( well actually it is) but that piece of junk gave up on me three times and left me with games and nothing to play. since i bought the ps3 its the only one i had since so if alison is in the same shoes im in i would understand why he would hate microsoft, although i dont go around bashing microsoft but i do potray the 360 as a piece of shit that breaks from my personal experience. p.s i like thesixthaxis because it not filled with 360 fanboys like some other sites please keep it that way. i dont mind the ad because we all have to eat right but i noticed and article while back where one of the staffs classing move as a dildo now that is unprofessional.
alisound
Same here Kovacs, glad we worked it out :) That wouldn’t have been resolved anywhere else.
Armonster9000
Why the hell do people become such babies when it comes to video games?
Kronik76
Babies? How would babies reason through debate in a mature manner? Babies generally eat, cry & poo.
Charmed_Fanatic
Playing through 2 right now :) awesome game
Stitch
Same here, it’s fantastic!
cc_star
Wonder where this would have come if it had been revealed & the trailers had been released before we voted.
From the top 2 I can only think of one game that hasn’t featured yet – so looking forward to seeing what the other is, or indeed if my suspicion features at all o_O
emekcrash
I can think of three, ME3, Skyrim and The Last Guardian. I guess The Last Guardian is not on there because it has no release date.
KeRaSh
Great ranking for a great game. I can’t wait to get my hands on this. The Last Guardian must be #1 or #2 but I don’t know what the other one could be. Did Journey already appear in the list?
Erroneus
Oh right, I forgot about the Last Guardian :) I think Mass Effect 3 is the other game.
Erroneus
So Mass Effect 3 is #1, yeah I don’t agree, the only thing which can beat Uncharted 3 in my book is…. *gasp* Half-Life 2 Episode 3 / Half-Life 3 and we have no idea if it’s coming in 2011. Though it’s not unlikely with a late 2011 release.
So maybe Half-Life 2 Episode 3 / Half-Life 3 is #2 :)
TSBonyman
I think any game which doesn’t have an announced release date for 2011 is being left off this list but the next Half Life game is also one of my most anticipated games whenever it comes out.
kivi95
if so then it’s Mass effect 3 and Skyrim because The last guardian doesn’t have a release date.
cc_star
Keep in mind there was a voting deadline…
plenty of games don’t have confirmed release dates, but Lee (the series’ author) has been in the industry a long time, has a wealth of contacts & plenty of insider knowledge to have formulated a comprehensive list for the staff to vote on as their most anticipated titles
gazzagb
Only recently got around to playing UC2, the first part is a bit boring, and the gameplay isn’t amazing, but the graphics + story are quite good. Looking forward to UC3 though.