Why We’re So Excited For Uncharted 3

Today the world got its first glimpse at Uncharted 3’s multiplayer mode – it looks, as we’re no doubt you’ve already seen, fabulous.  Of course, Among Thieves’ online portion was solid enough to start with: we’ve had plenty of Meets over the months since release and the comprehensive photo mode still impresses, so there’s no reason to think that Drake’s Deception won’t be anything less than fantastic fun, something echoed by the various hands-on articles circulating this evening.

[drop]But, from a personal point of view, it’s all about the single player.  I’ve never really been much of a multiplayer fan, especially when it comes to deathmatch based experiences, preferring to stay in the relative safety of co-operative teamwork rather than rushing around trying to stay alive longer than a few seconds.  Thankfully, the two previous Uncharted games have excelled at the lone story mode, the second in particular a phenomenal experience from start to finish.

As we’ve said before, what we’ve already seen in the form of the Chateau level was a blisteringly paced thrill ride set against a collasping building ravaged by fire which showed off Drake’s new moves, both agility wise and in terms of combat, which is immediately more punchy and weighty.  Indeed, melee has been ramped up considerably, and whilst close quarter combat was always something of an aside in the series, in Uncharted 3 it looks like getting down and dirty with the fists is going to be more essential.

The promise of a story based, once again, on tradition and lore is most welcome, too – I’m a big fan of exploration and whilst we’re never going to get a free-roaming adventure the chance to explore the desert is too much to miss, especially when it’s going to be based on the tales of Lawrence of Arabia, a story that’s been something of a favourite mystery of mine for some time.  And, naturally, sand won’t be the only location on offer – expect London and jungle, amonst others.

Naughty Dog can do no wrong of late – they rank up there with the very best on a technical level, pushing the PlayStation 3 beyond what most can only dream of, and whilst they’ve left the likes of Crash and Jak behind for now, it’s for good reasons: the Uncharted games have been fantastic from the first to everything we’ve seen of the third.  Reason enough to start the hype train rolling when Drake’s Deception isn’t out for a good few months yet?  Absolutely: details might be the wrong side of scarce, but anyone doubting this one is crazy.

I hate wishing away the days, but November can’t come soon enough.