Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Reviews

• Not your Average Joe

  
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2007-11-20
  Nathan Drake is not typical of characters you see in videogames much lately. Nate doesn't look like he pumps iron, he won't win any sexiest man alive awards, and his unassuming ways make him enjoyable. Of course you may recognize the name Drake for the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake. Yes Nate is related to the famous explorer and now he is off to find the mysterious El Dorado(City of Gold). To say the least the journey will be unforgettable to most.
  
  The story starts off more like a movie. On this quest you are accompanied by an attractive documentarian Elena and of course your comrade Sullie. What sets Uncharted apart from some many games is the cinematic approach is so seemless it makes it hard to seperate gameplay from movie watching. As your journey progresses you begin to realize you have many enemies. It seems Sullie doesn't live the cleanest life and borrowing money from a bad guy doesn't help. So now the bad guys are out to collect the debt by finding El Dorado. Although it becomes apparent that El Dorado is not a city of gold but a man of gold.
  
  Without getting too much into the story it will definately leave you filling your aderaline need. The gameplay is incredible in this game. The enemy A.I. starts off slow and quickly progresses as you get further into this game. Enemies will actually out manuever you. If you don't plan out your attacks well you will find yourself dead. Although the battles are not the only thing you face in this game there are a number of puzzles that are not overlly difficult. What I do enjoy about this game is that it has a hint option. You can use it to help you in confusing spots. Although if you are more hardcore you will probably leave this option off. There are four difficulty levels and the toughest option is locked until you beat the game on hard. What is a first for a PS3 game is the reward system that is being used. There are 60 treasures that can be found througout your journey. On top of that there are objectives that you can try to complete. Some are simple like killing a certain amount of enemies with one of your weapons and others are more complex like getting a certain amount of stealth kills.
  
  The visuals in this game are stunning and some of the best I have ever seen. What is good to watch is the incredible amount of detail put into everything. The jungle environments are lush and beautiful and the water effects are some of the best ever. Sometimes it is enjoyable just to stand and enjoy the beauty of the environment. Tree branches sway, clouds move, and leaves fly all over the place. This is as close to reality as I have seen.
  
  If you own a PS3 this game is a must buy. To say the least it is one of the best games available on any console. The storyline is enjoyable and reminiscent of many great adventure movies. Uncharted sets a new bar on next gen games and hopefully others will follow with this excellent quality. If you like action and adventure and don't mind being the star of a playable movie then Uncharted should be on your list.
  
  

• Uncharted is the Best Game Put Out This Year

  
  By A3OZ6WIHZNUP72 on 2007-11-19
  Uncharted is the most fun I've had with a game in a long time. The game-play is flawlessly implemented. There is an excellent balance between fun platforming and third person shooting with the best cover system I've seen in a game. In my opinion the cover system in Uncharted works better than Gears of War.
  
  Visually this is the best looking console game ever made. Hands down, no question. As someone who enjoys immersion in games, I've never had a better experience with a video game.
  
  Have you ever wanted to play a GOOD Indiana Jones game? Well, this is that game. The world, style, and humor is straight out of Indiana Jones. So you have a game set in a world that is much like Indiana Jones, and it just happens to have some of the best game play I've experienced in any game on any console. If you own a PS3, you simply must buy this game. If you don't, I feel sorry for you. If you don't own a PS3, you should buy one to play this game, and pick up Ratchet and Clank while you're at it. You will not be disappointed.
  
  

• Excellent Game, Even for Casual Gamer

  
  By A29S45AB2TWGL9 on 2008-01-01
  Other reviews have covered a lot of ground reviewing this excellent game.
  
  I would like to add one point:
  
  As a casual gamer, I often get frustrated with games as I don't have the time to learn dozens of controls, nor have the dexterity I once did. Plus, too often games get frustrating and I get stuck or bored by being forced to re-do too much when I fail at a mission.
  
  This game is excellent in the sense that it is just hard enough. Yes, I played it on Easy mode, and I amazed more games don't have this. Gives hints, just hard enough, and when I have to re-do something, 90% it doesn't go back too far where I get bored and frustrated.
  
  This was one of the most fun games I have played in a long time. (And I finished it too, which is pure joy.)
  
  I hope other publishers follow this trend. People in their 30's often have the money to drop 50-60 bucks on a game, but too often we are ignored by publishers by making the games too hard.
  
  

• A masterpiece, THIS is what gaming should be all about

  
  By A1BA8J8VKZGD28 on 2007-11-19
  Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is one of the most complete, immersive, and outright FUN games I have ever played. It is a remarkably fluid game, that transitions seamlessly from pulse-pounding action to epic exploration, all tied together in a fantastic cinematic style. The game is relentlessly entertaining and delivers the goods on EVERY level, with some fantastic twists leading up to a truly satisfying finale. It was with some regret that I watched the ending credits roll, but now I get to go through the game again! (It took roughly 12 hrs to complete on the "Hard" difficulty -- finishing on Hard unlocks the "Crushing" difficulty).
  
  Gameplay is where Uncharted really shines. Since you are constantly doing and seeing new things (there are some truly dazzling set-pieces), there is never a "grinding" feeling to the game that too many action games seem to have these days. What surprised me most is the fact that not only does Uncharted succeed as an adventure game (you will visit all sorts of exotic locales and climb cliffs, scale walls, etc.), but is also a great action game in its own right with a well-designed and balanced combat system. The game features both gun-play as well as viscerally thrilling melee combat. Unlike the Tomb Raider series, the gun play requires some skill (there is only 'limited' auto-aim) and has a lot of depth. The different weapons are fun to use, and you are forced to make some tactical choices due to the fact that you can only carry around two weapons (plus grenades) at a time. The enemy AI is pretty intelligent and will sit back or aggressively charge/flank you depending on your own posturing.
  
  The story line is well written and neatly ties the whole package together. Let's be clear -- the story is not the Next Great American Novel. What it IS is the best of adventure pulp fiction, rolled together with some faux historical intrigue a la the Da Vinci Code. Most importantly, all the characters in the game are likable and deliver some good laughs in the process. Note: the game is rated "Teen" and deservedly so - without any spoilers, there is some content that would likely be pretty disturbing for younger children.
  
  The graphics and audio are top-notch and well-polished, which adds greatly to the immersive feeling of the game. The whole world feels alive - trees sway in the wind, fish swim in the ponds, ambient noises are well balanced by heroic in-game contextual music. Close attention has been paid to details: Nathan Drake (the character you play) will grit his teeth and mutter under his breath when bullets go whizzing by him, if he is too close to a concussive blast you will hear the ringing in his ears as the other sounds fade out. The level designs in Uncharted are also amazing. While the game play is linear (story-driven), the world still feels expansive and the architecture of the various ruins, castles, etc. are beautiful and allow for plenty of exploration (you can find treasures hidden throughout the game that allow you unlock various extras in the game).
  
  The unlockable extras and the built-in rewards system make the game well-worth replaying as well. In summary, this is a terrific game that shouldn't be missed. I can't wait for Uncharted 2!
  
  
  

• Best Looking Console Game Period...

  
  By A2JXU3DQ71K628 on 2007-11-19
  Aside from being THE best looking console game on the market, Uncharted is also some of the most single player fun on a console this generation. Some people simply call it Dude-Raider or a Gears of War clone, and while Uncharted borrows some of these games proven formulas, Uncharted is a game into itself full of action and better than the sum of its parts.
  
  The gameplay is linear, but why would Drake wander off in the middle of the jungle to save a citizen or return a lost item to a small child. The story works and engrosses the player in an interactive pulp action experience. Coming in at about 8-10 hours, Uncharted is not the longest game, but once the game is over there are still medals and achievements to unlock as well as various treasures to find.
  
  The AI is very intelligent, and at times frustratingly intelligent as they will flank you constantly if you hunker down in one place and flush you out with grenades. Nate, Elena, and Sully make Uncharted a can't miss game. The game screams franchise and is well worth the price of admission to enjoy....5/5
  
  
• Lives up to the hype.
  By A2R6GE92NRZAWE on 2007-11-19
  I wasn't buying into the hype for this game as I was focusing on Assassins Creed... Two days later I went to return the unplayable-glitchy-pile-of-digital-crap that was Assassins Creed and needed something to get the bad taste out, so I bought this figuring there's nothing better right now.
  
  This game is absolute blast. I won't go into details - you can read them everywhere else. I'll just say that graphics are beautiful, story is engaging in an Indiana Jones type way, but the BEST PART: the enemies are SMART (I'm playing this on normal difficulty)! Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. Combat also requires thinking on your part - you will not be picking up 200 rounds of ammo of each dead enemy, so you actually have to think before you shoot. The cover system is also great. You can't just duck behind a stone, as the enemy will flank you immediately. You have to keep moving and constantly be aware of where your enemies are. Long story short - you can not advance in the game by just running down the middle in spraying hundreds of rounds of ammo - you will have to develop tactics.
  
  To keep the game from being repetitive, there's a very big platform and puzzle element (although puzzles have been kind of easy so far). But all of this works really well.
  
  In short, I would recommend this over any PS3 title that's out there right now.
  
  
  
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• This our fortune
  By A3F43PAJZLOE3I on 2007-11-19
  I dont want to give out any spoilers, if Drake found his fortune or not. We found ours. What a fantastic game.
  
  I haven't even seen a PC game as good looking as this one. Every thing lives and breathes around you. Water, Vines, Plants and trees every thing. This is what Next Gen is. Buckle up and be ready for a heart pumping action thrill ride.
  
  
• The Game of the Year!
  By A29BGNKBOQ13X1 on 2007-11-24
  This game is so good it really defies explanation. If you have a PS3, you MUST buy this game.
  
  Graphics: Possibly the best looking console game ever; Uncharted delivers in every possible way. Rock solid frame rate, textures that are incredibly realistic and animation that makes the characters seem truly alive. Details abound such as if a bullet gets too close for comfort drake will cover his head while he runs (while cursing). In addition, some of the later levels feature some of the best lighting ever in a video game.
  
  Gameplay: Anyone who has played Gears of War will feel right at home steering Drake through dangerous situations. He can take cover behind objects of different sized with the press of a button and the cover system is the basis for combat. Gunplay unfolds quickly with enemies coming in waves. Aside from a couple spots where you may suffer a few frustrating deaths from aggressive enemies the balance is excellent. Hand-to-hand combat is one of my favorite parts of the game. The secret is in the timing! Some reviews have said the combos are difficult to execute, however if you pay attention at the beginning of the game it is made very clear how to execute combos. You must press the attack buttons in good timing you CAN be too fast. Drake will slam enemies into walls, knock them over ledges, head-but, cheap-shot and drop kick in situations when you are light on ammo. The platforming sections of the game (jumping from place to place) are also very entertaining and break up the action nicely. There are a few areas that are difficult, but for the most part platforming is relatively easy.
  
  Sound: A beautiful theme and intense music during the game combine for some great atmosphere. The ambient sound is fantastic as well. If you don't have a surround sound system then get one and turn it up.
  
  Replay Value: This is the one area that some people may take points from uncharted. On my first time through I got 12 hours out of the adventure. I take my time looking for the hidden treasures to unlock rewards, however. A realistic expectation would be 10 hours on the first time through. There are plenty of bonuses to unlock that will bring you back for more, not to mention you can jump back into you favorite "chapters" to blast a few bad guys on a whim.
  
  Overall: This is definitely the game of the year for PS3 and maybe overall. No review can do the production values of this game justice however. The voice acting, art direction, cut-scenes and presentation are all so fantastic that it has to be played to be believed. Sony went above and beyond to help naughty dog make a hit game and the results are obvious. A game that people will talk about years from now.
  
  
• Amazing game, and I'm a cynic
  By A30DM9NZQZEG7L on 2007-11-29
  Let me start by saying I've been playing video games since the 2600-era in the early 1980s. I'm very hard to please, and the glut of FPS ("first-person shooters" for the non-geeks out there) has me incredibly jaded with the industry right now. Games that get insanely great reviews from the mainstream have generally been boring me in a matter of an hour or two.
  
  Uncharted is, quite simply, the most fun I've had with a video game in the last decade. For those who play a lot of games, imagine a cover system like the one in "Gears of War", but implemented more smoothly. Plus a quality of story, presentation, and musical score like that you'd see in a big budget popcorn flick like "National Treasure" or "Indiana Jones". Plus the best platforming implementation since "Prince of Persia". I won't bother comparing Uncharted to "Tomb Raider" as many seem eager to do, as this owes virtually NOTHING to that series. Yes, Uncharted features a 3rd person perspective, yes, you're looking for treasure, but the similarities stop there. Uncharted is on an entirely higher level of quality and polish, and the controls, graphic style, and feel are totally different. It would be like comparing "Police Academy" to "The Departed" just because both films have cops.
  
  The graphical quality of Uncharted is amazing. It truly is one of those very few games that actually looks better in action than it does in media screenshots and grainy videos. The implementation of light and shadow is by far the best I've ever seen. When you're walking under a tree, the shadows of the leaves play with the intensity of the bright sunlight as realistically as is imaginable. The indoor environments are similar with the behavior of torches and flashlights, especially towards the end.
  
  Speaking of indoor environments, it's as if the developer and media have gone out of their way to limit what is shown in screenshots to the earlier jungle stages. As the game progresses, there are more and more indoor areas, and they become almost ridiculously elaborate and impressive towards the end of the game.
  
  Which brings me to the end of the game. There are a couple of twists in this game that wildly change how you handle combat. The first involves a new weapon tactic employed by some of your enemies, and the second...I won't spoil it, and you won't see it coming, even with some brief hints before it happens. The entire atmosphere of the game takes a massive turn over the last hour or two of the roughly 10 hour play time. The intensity of things ratchets up to 12 on a scale of 10. You will love it. Whoever scripted this game is brilliant.
  
  Final thoughts...As a long time player of video games, I laugh when people knock this one for its 10 hour length. That's plenty of time for an action/adventure game. The cut scenes are great, are rendered on the fly by the system, and have very solid acting and brilliant facial animations that capture the subtleties of emotion better than any other computer generated stuff I've seen yet. Also, once you start/load your save game, there are absolutely no further load screens. You could play the game from start to finish, with zero delay...everything flows together. It's highly impressive, and gets you hooked because there really isn't a "next level" to play to, aside from periodic chapter titles that pop up on the top of the screen...it just keeps going, non-stop.
  
  How great is this game? I just "finished" it last night around midnight. After the credits rolled, without skipping a beat I found myself starting all over again on the next hardest difficulty level. Brilliant game. There have been a couple of media reviews giving it a mere 8/10, and all I can say is that it's clear these people based their entire review on the demo. This is a must-have title all the way.
  
  
  
• Awesome Adventure and Action (AAA)
  By A3EMU00SV6D3TN on 2007-11-23
  If you like Tomb Raider and Gears of War get ready to love this game.
  
  The game looks and sound amazing on a high end setup (HDTV + Dolby 5.1). Certainly its a game that shows off what the PS3 can do. The game play can be explained by taking the gunplay of Gears of War and adding the adveture of Tomb Raider. I found it to be a lot of fun and strategic at times. There are some folk complaining about its difficulty but if you take you time, its not that hard.
  
  The Tomb Raider/Prince of Persia style jumping and climbing. Unlike the combat, it can certainly be accused of being too easy with lots of room for error but the fun is in just figuring out how to get through the level and not about timing the perfect jump.
  
  The story presentation is simply probably the best. Great acting, and great music. The story presentation simply raises the bar for adventure video games. Its unbelievably cinamatic! Most games story is tacked on but in Uncharted its very well integrated with the game and you really enjoy the story.
  
  If there is a negative to buying the game, it would only be replay value of the adventure aspects. The gunplay is certainly fun on a second or even third time through but once you know the layout the puzzle aspect loses it charm. But, this is true of most adventure games so I can't see docking the game for that.
  
  It will take the average gamer between 10 and 12 hours to finish and its plenty of game. If you like to rent games, this would be a great one to crank though in a week but I think it makes as good a purchase as any adventure game does. Much like other adventures, there is not much in the areas of online.
  
  
  
  
  
• Very good so far
  By A1EN4XAKX9LK4A on 2007-11-24
  I purchased Uncharted: Drake's Fortune as I was looking for some PS3-only games, as I buy everything for XBOX360 if I have a choice. I started playing and immediately got a real feel for the adventure that begins right from the start.
  
  The game looks amazing graphically, in fact, the PS3 shines thoroughly here in the way it creates exact shadows, and matches the characters mouths to the voices so you can almost read their lips. When Nathan takes a swim, his clothes darken and get wet and change appearance to show it. When Nathan gets out of the water, the clothes remain visibly wet. Not important at all, but an incredible bit of attention to detail. The old ruins explored in the beginning are gorgeously crafted and you can really feel the deep, dank, musty feel that they have. In the lavish jungle, the trees, plants and everything on screen keep an amazing frame rate and the visual pleasure that this game creates is utterly everything the PS3 is all about.
  
  I haven't played through the game yet, so I'm a bit unfamiliar with all of the levels. The ones I have seen are not terribly long, so I don't think the game will take terribly long to finish. I hope that I am wrong, as I'd love to get further lost in the game play and story line that gets established right from the jump off. So far there have been traps to avoid, puzzles to solve and pirates to shoot at. I get a real Indiana Jones feel to the story. The game play has had me climb levels, swim distances, find treasures, swing on vines and all out become an adventurer, which makes the game feel a bit like Pitfall if it had been made twenty five years later.
  
  Overall, I can only recommend this game so far. It's been an amazing journey and I've only just begun it. I'm usually much more biased towards my 360, but in this case the PS3 has been used perfectly to compliment what I consider one of this year's great games.
  
  
  
• A weak third person shooter disguised as an action-adventure
  By A1LVMQ52YODRMO on 2008-12-20
  I can imagine the meeting - "We have this great adventure game - gorgeous environments, fun action, interesting little puzzles, but it's only 4 hours long, what do we do?".
  
  "I know- let's add waves and waves of enemies to make it last 12 hours! We won't advertise it, we won't show it in the commercials, and we'll make the AI dirt easy so we don't have to waste time developing it."
  
  That's what they did. One third of the game is an amazing action adventure game, with a beautiful jungle environment, great controls, and thought provoking puzzles. Sort of like Prince of Persia in the rain forest. This is what the reviews, the previews, and the commercials emphasize. This is false advertising.
  
  Most of this game is a slow, boring, 3rd person shooter. The enemies come in waves of about 20. They stand behind an obstacle, and really don't move. So, you're at a stalemate. You can't move forward because you'd be shot, so you have to poke around, kill someone, and do it again for the entire wave. Then, most likely, another wave pops up again. So very boring. It doesn't help that you can't keep more than two weapons without even being able to keep bullets from your previous weapon. This whole sequence makes entering any new room a dreaded chore.
  
  It doesn't even make sense. You would climb some perilous ledges, make some scary jumps, knock down a pillar, find a key, all to open a door. What's behind this ultra secret door with such a super difficult barrier of entry? Fifty enemies just waiting. Wait, what, why didn't I just take the same route these fifty guys took?
  
  However, this game really shows off the PS3s amazing graphical power. I doubt anything like this could be done on the Xbox360. The story is your typical ultra clichéd story which is just a plain rip-off of Tomb Raider/Indiana Jones. If you play games, your used to this, so it's not that big of a deal.
  
  There are some other details. In the middle, there's some jet ski and driving missions which are actually done pretty well. There are also mutants or aliens of something near the end that adds some difficulty and a little twist.
  
  All in all, if it was an action-adventure game through and through, this would be one of the best games around. However, most of it is a boring shooter, which makes it an average game.
  
  Pros:
  Amazing graphics
  Fun Prince of Persia style platforming
  Great adventure/action
  Jet ski is well done
  
  Cons:
  Wave after wave of useless enemies
  Enemies stay hidden, making the fights long and tedious
  Bad weapon handling system
  
  Hours to complete: 12
  
  Difficulty level (on easy): Easy-medium
  
  Frustration level: Medium
  
  
  
• First Impressions ...
  By AV2CU1KLZ9S76 on 2007-11-21
  1. The visuals are stunning and I'm not just talking about the environments. It's the little things as well. Drake's clothes get wet and dry off slowing after you've been in water. He actually using the steps when he runs down/up them. Drake can actually swim and it looks so real it's amazing.
  
  2. The AI is unbelieveable. They duck and cover. They run while they shoot. They'll run and actually dive for cover. If they are shooting at you from one side of cover and you fire back, they switch up and change strategies. If you stay in one spot too long, they'll either flank you or throw enough grenades at you that you'll have to move.
  
  3. Drake's character is great. I love his wit and comments.
  
  4. The elephant gun (or whatever the heck it is) is awesome. You only have like 3 bullets, but you'll savor every explosion it can produce.
  
  5. The controls are perfect. I wish all games were like this. The quick gun reloads, toggling between left/right gun view. The cover system. The hand-to-hand combat. It's refreshing.
  
  Oh, as for the jeep chase sequence, I can only describe as OMG.
  
  
• Huge Success
  By AHB8JM2HL2C9A on 2007-12-16
  This is by far the best game I have ever played. There is a little bit of something in it for everyone and anyone can play it. The game is somewhat of a movie and believe me, you will not be able to turn away because you will be anticipating what comes next. The graphics are absolutely beautiful and make it very exciting to play. I reccomend this game to everyone who like a lot of suspense and adventure. By the way a major plus is that there is limited free range so that all you really need to do is go and get done what needs to be done. I hope this helps anyone who is considering buying this game.
  
  
• One of the best - a must buy!
  By A1YC4I072VKPA1 on 2007-12-02
  It's been awhile since I thoroughly enjoyed a game as much as Uncharted. There are only a handful of games where you just have to make the time to play until the end, and this was definitely one of those. It's reminiscent of Resident Evil 4 in the way that gameplay has been designed. I especially appreciate all the creative thought and programming that went into designing the breath-taking scenery. An excellent game!
  
  
• Super game!
  By A21Q27AIA4FJVH on 2007-11-21
  This game truely shows off the power of the PS3. It's so realistic it's like controlling what happens in a movie. If you're a fan of Indiana Jones this is a must have. I'm also glad to see that it's platform specific - I don't have an XBOX 360 and feel that I miss out on some good titles (Gears of War, Halo). I'm hoping that they're already at work on the sequel!
  
  
• Another *MUST HAVE* game for 2007.
  By A1SL5FHOMDDY15 on 2007-11-20
  Set aside a few hours before you pop this game into your PS3. From the moment you watch the opening sequence, you will be sucked into a world that looks and feels real. This game is what's known as a "reference game" that PS3 owners should use to showcase the graphics and sound power of their system. The lighting, animation, water effects, physics, artificial intelligence, voice acting, texture quality, all combine to create an experience you won't forget.
  
  As Drake, you will explore ancient lands, jungles, meet friends and foes, take cover, discover treasure, solve puzzles, and admire the beauty of the landscape. I can't count the number of times I stood on the edge of a cliff and admired the vista on the screen before continuing on with the game. The adventure you will experience will make you feel like you are part of an unbelievable tale you'll want to share with everyone you know once it's all over. I only got stuck with the puzzles once and felt that the majority of the game had realistic (not mind boggling) puzzles. The action is fast paced, yet the game is very forgiving when you die starting you off nearby with your previous levels of ammo.
  
  The platforming element of the game is simply awesome and will allow you to feel like you can explore great portions of the level even though much of the game is pretty linear. I can't wait for another installment of this game.
  
  
• Great graphics, great gunplay, easy puzzles, and a little bit repetitive
  By A3OKN4XFAX8EK7 on 2008-01-08
  Of all the demos I downloaded and played from the Playstation Network, Uncharted was the only one that made me actually want the game. Soon after, I got my own copy as a present, and have since beat the game.
  
  Uncharted does not offer any real innovations to gameplay. What it does offer is a solid action/adventure title with high production value. The puzzles present no challenge whatsoever, so most of the fun lies in combat. This is where Uncharted excels. The duck-and-cover game mechanic is a ton of fun to play, and you'll have to manage your limited ammunition and perfect your aiming skills. By the end of the game, however, the gunplay begins to get a bit repetitive. Fortunately, it's broken up by well-acted cut scenes and the painfully easy puzzles.
  
  The visuals are fairly impressive. I was pleasantly surprised when Drake's clothes appeared wet after running through a pond, and when the foliage was brushed aside as characters traversed the forest. This sort of detail, rendering at such a high resolution, was not possible until the next-gen console era. Uncharted makes a great showcase for the PS3's power.
  
  
• Suitability for younger players?
  By A34IC48GLL4U3Y on 2008-12-13
  There are some excellent reviews already posted, but the one thing I can add is the suitability of the game for younger audiences. There are two sides to the question... first is the content suitable, and second, is the gameplay reasonable?
  
  As for content, I would say it's mostly suitable. There are a few curse words (which frankly could have been left out without anything lost to the game). But the words are few and far between, and they are muttered primarily by the characters to make them seem a bit more grizzled. It's definitely not anything like Grand Theft Auto IV, which is exclusively for older players. The game violence is not bloody or graphic, and the player's character never shows any signs of injury.
  
  As for gameplay, Uncharted is readily handled by younger players. My 7 year old son had a little trouble initially when battling evil pirates and smugglers, but he quickly improved and can now do the entire game alone. The puzzles are simple enough to be figured out, keeping younger players from becoming too frustrated. There is also an in-game hint option that helps the younger player figure out what to do next or which way to go.
  
  Hope this helps if you're trying to decide about purchasing the game for a younger player.
  
  Please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.
  
  
• Best PS3 game of 2007
  By A37N1RXM3GWI01 on 2008-01-01
  Uncharted is simply a masterpiece. The gameplay consists of third-person gunfights, exploration, and puzzle solving. It's an absolute blast to play, and you'll also get treated to some of the best visuals and score we've experienced on a console... EVER. Uncharted is my PS3 Game of the Year for 2007, and it's one of the very best games you can find on any system this year, period.
  
  
• Best Game I played in a long time
  By AYC0J1N5MB8Q on 2007-11-27
  I picked up Uncharted because it is a PS3 exclusive, I also own a 360. As soon as I put the disc in, I was in gamer heaven. From the options, to the graphics, to the AI, and the fun factor, I was extremely happy with the game. It felt like new territory, stuff that hadn't been done to death before.
  
  The gameplay mechanics of fighting, puzzle solving, platform jumping, and simple exploring are mixed together perfectly. I love the control scheme, even the camera was well placed most of the time, though I wish I could have zoomed out more at times.
  
  The story, characters, and environments are great, but most important, I had fun all the way through (in about 12 hours). And I started a new game right after finishing it, now playing the whole game in German! It's great for us bi-linguals, that they have included other localization translations.
  
  I always liked adventure games a-la Ratchet and Clank etc, but Uncharted topped them all at this point. The mix of exploration comparable to Prince of Persia, with a good dose of humor and great action makes this one of my all-time favorites. Even the cliche *SPOILER* Evil German Nazi Zombie Monsters :) feel like a fresh addition. They are quick and when you have 20 or 30 of them coming at you, it's great clean fun for the whole family.
  
  Uncharted is a gem, and gamers should be hopeful that there is more to come from Naughty Dog. They did an awesome job with this one.
  
  
• If you own a PS3 you MUST GET THIS GAME!
  By A31QS5TDBQCNA9 on 2007-11-24
  Long have the loyal Playstation fans awaited a game that was worthy of next gen and one to show off the capabilities of this great system. Uncharted lives up to the expectations and surpased! Not only is this game stunning, but it is FUN! If you have a PS3 you need to run out and get this game! You will not regret it.
  
  Uncharted's gameplay is smooth, fun and inventive. Not only do you get a shooter game, but an adventure game with a very engaging story. It's like watching a movie that you are apart of. The game is so much fun, that you'll want to keep on playing it.
  
  For the casual gamer you might find that the easy and normal settings are just right. The shooting of enemies will seem frustrating as unless you get a perfect headshot these guys aren't going to go down rigt away. Although sometimes I thought enemies were pushing their luck with how many times I shot them, it kept the game going and I never really got stuck as to where I was frustrated. There are different solutions to the shoot outs -- such as shooting barrels etc.
  
  I don't want to spoil everything for you but you will ride jet ski's and shoot rocket launchers and kick butt in every single way. If you get tired of shooting an enemy or you run out of bullets you can run over and beat the guy, knock his head into some stone, steal his bullets and shoot the rest of his pirate pals.
  
  There have been a lot of games that I regret spending $[...] dollars on, but this one is definately one I am happy with. Hours of game play, unlockables, and just a lot of fun. I look forward to other Drake titles and what Naughty Dog has in store for the the PS3
  
  
• Best Game To Date for PS3
  By A4GB8I8ACS4PM on 2007-11-22
  After being disappointed with "Assassin's Creed" I sold it on Ebay and bought Uncharted. I had already played the demo for this game, so I had high hopes that the full game would not disappoint. Well, for once, I'm elated that I bought this game!!!! First of all, this is hands down the most gorgeous looking game I've ever seen on any console. Backgrounds look like a photograph they are so sharp and full of detail. The character animation is the most lifelike I've seen, from the body movement to facial expressions. Kudos to whoever developed the lighting effects for this game!! This just adds to the realism you feel while playing Drake's Fortune. The storyline for this game is very entertaining, and would make a great movie.
  
  If you are looking for a fun game with lots of action and adventure, you won't be disappointed with Uncharted. If you don't have a PS3, this may be the game that justifies you getting one.
  
  
• When does the movie come out?
  By A6Z8W3CGVTTYU on 2007-12-31
  This is great product!
  Visually stunning. Great character and plot development. The story accelerates throughout. At certain points the dramatic use of music will make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end (Beware the Spaniards!).
  I bought this game for my kids, then made the mistake of picking up the controller to "check it out". Almost without blinking, I played straight through (10 hours!) and didn't get bored once. It was just like watching (living?)a great action/adventure movie. I couldn't help but wander around site-seeing after all the bad guys had been dispatched, the modeling is so beautifully done.
  
  
  
  
  
• Interactive Summer Blockbuster!!!!
  By A2NTDX1IKDWPBN on 2007-12-25
  I think this game is great! I love how the different gameplay styles (although all of them are lifted from other great games) are blended together seamlessly. One second your hanging from a cliff, the next your in a firefight until you realize your running low bullets. You decide to conserve your ammo and duck and dodge behind cover until your close enough to engage in hand to hand. within seconds, you give him a two piece and a biscuit and he's out cold. Incidents like this happen all throughout the game which really make the game stand out as an experience. Then when you throw in the gorgeous graphics and you've got a real stunner on your hands. Buy it now!!!
  
  
• Best Game Of The Year
  By A1L38RMGER8529 on 2007-12-17
  Ok so i know my title for this review will most likely upset some people, (the majority being Halo 3 fans) but I am a huge gamer, have all the consoles and this year no other game has been as heart pounding, exciting, dramatic and fun to me as Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. This game has it all: superbly acted and voiced cutscenes, dramatic musical score, fun gameplay and the best and most intriguing story i've seen from a game all year.
  
  Let's start the review with the best element: the story. I am a big RPG guy just because I love a truckload of cutscenes and story. This game doesn't disappoint in that category. You play as Drake, a relative of sir Francis Drake who was once on the trail El Dorado so naturally, the main character Drake wants to conclude the search that never ended and find the treasure. The characters are perfect and placed in a well balanced, intriguing and exciting story to find the lost treasure of El Dorado. The story and pace of the game is perfect and the way it is blended in with the game is so well done. I have just recently beaten the game and there is not one thing I'd change. I'd go into more details with the story but I don't want to give away a single detail that could result to a spoiler.
  
  The graphics are great. Sometimes in the game, you'll find yourself walking, not running just to get a better glimpse at the amazing and detailed environments. Drake's clothes will get wet and eventually dry, the grass moves when you run through it and everything in the background moves when the wind blows. This is a great example of what the ps3 can do and in my opinion has saved it from being a bland system with nothing much to offer. Now the presentation isn't perfect. There is a bit of graphic tearing throughout the game and a few more little tedious stuff but nothing that really sticks out and ruins the experience.
  
  The sound and music is perfect. The sound effects play an important role and really brings certain life to the game and to top it off, it has a breathtaking musical score which is truly the icing on the already tasty cake. Go to itunes and sample the soundtrack for yourself.
  
  The voiceovers are pitch perfect as well, not only cause the game has a talented cast but because the cutscenes were filmed while the cast acted them out. So the voicing and motion capture were done at the same time and resulted in wonderful cinematic experience. The cutscenes had to be my personal favorite part of the game which really shows us how videogames are being taken to a whole new level.
  
  The gameplay is great as well. Throughout the game, you'll get a great variety of weapons, including pistols, rifles and grenade launchers so you can really wreak some havoc upon the dirty mercenaries trying to kill you along the way. The game's combat doesn't stop there though. The game also brings with it an awesome hand to hand fighting system which is really cool and fun. You get awesome combos and really get to beat the crap out of the bad guys. I was really close to giving the game 4 stars though just because the combat can get old in some parts. In some areas, you'll fight dozens of guys, kill them, the tense music will stop, you'll try to leave the area and another dozen guys, all with shotguns will come running out. This can get tiresome in some spots. Now don't let that stop you from getting the game!! It's not a big thing and doesn't really make the game worse in any way. just thought I'd point that out.
  
  Now the game's length isn't great but DO NOT LET THAT STOP YOU FROM GETTING THIS GAME! Sure the in-game story isn't 50hrs but the length is perfect for this game. If the game was much longer, instead of this game getting 5star reviews saying the game is a little short, it would be getting 3-4star reviews saying the game gets slow and drags on. Even after you beat the game, it's so much fun that you will want to play through it again and find the artifacts, (bonus items) that you missed the first time around and it's worth it just to go through all the excitement again. it's like watching Indiana Jones or Lethal weapon again. Nothing wrong with that at all.
  
  This game isn't perfect of course, but that doesn't mean it deserves less than 5stars. The work necessary for this project was obviously put in and the end product is one hell of a game that has made the PS3 my favorite system right now.
  
  
• Can't Get Enough of It
  By A2NMNKTDMW7EK5 on 2007-12-02
  I've played it twice...Does that say anything? There are about 3 people still waiting to play it themselves.
  
  Best console graphics/lighting/animations. Animations and lighting are all up to CELL CPU... and Naughty Dog still hasn't tapped the potential of the processor. They said they were at below 50% capacity.
  
  I cannot wait for what the future of PS3 gaming may hold.
  
  I recommend it to anybody who loves games.
  
  
• Incredibly good!
  By A1PSASS4HMM0WN on 2007-12-02
  This game is just pure fun from start to finish. The visuals are the best you'll see on any console game thus far and the gameplay is very satisfying. I'll add my vote to all of the positive reviews. The stand out feature is that (like a good book) you find yourself caring about the fate of the characters. All credit to the voice actors for this. A must buy if you have a PS3.
  
  
• Sony needed a hit and they got one..
  By AZQSALBDD1KXB on 2007-11-27
  Uncharted: Drake's Fortune follows the story of a modern day fortune hunter (Nathan Drake) in search of the legendary treasure of "El Dorado". He's pursued by pirating oppurtunists and accompanied by hilarious character's that really come to life.
  
  The graphics are superb, and the storyline deliver's like a blockbuster Hollywood movie.
  
  I picked up Uncharted with the pre-disposed idea that this was a mediocre game pushed out by Sony so they could meet there 4th Quarter sales goals. Boy, was I WRONG.
  
  If you have a PS3 this is a must have, especially with the lack of real quality games on the system. This is definately a candidate for game of the year. Now quit reading and go buy the damn thing!
  
  
  
• Uncharted: Unbelievable!!!
  By AMAD5L4NRYE8T on 2010-05-01
  This is the first time I have ever written a review for a game, so I hope that this would benefit someone and I wouldn't botch it up to much. First of all I just recently bought a PS3 and I mainly play COD: Modern Warfare 2. I wanted to play something else for a while and I had heard really good things about this game. I have played it quite a bit since I have got it and I will probably beat it over the weekend. I am a type of player that likes trying to find all of the little items and trinkets in my first play through and so because of this I play a little slower than most people would.
  
  To the game now:
  
  Graphics: 9 out of 10. I can't give it a 10 just because of what is out now, but conisdering that this is a few years old now, it really holds up well. Some of the facial animations are amazing, and because of this I can't wait to get Uncharted 2 soon.
  
  Story: 9.5 out of 10. There are some cheesy moments, but they are endearing and kind of just make the whole story more amusing. The way the main character interacts with others is pretty remarkable. You can tell that the writers put a lot of time into the story so that the player would be engaged and want to be more involved in getting to the end of the game.
  
  Sound: 9 out of 10. I have noticed a few times that there is a slight delay...but that could be from my surround sound. The music is engaging and draws the player into the overall feel of the game.
  
  Playability: 9.5 out of 10. The game moves very fluidly with only minor hiccups as you play the game. The targeting system is very well done and is integrated really well into the game. Mainly though this game is just plain fun.
  
  Replay Value: N/A. Since I haven't beaten the game yet I cannot comment on it's replay value.
  
  Overall: 9.5 out of 10. As I said it is a very good game. In fact one of the best I have played and now I am really excited to play the second installment of the series soon. The game is just fun and if you own a PS3 this is a must have game for you.
  
  I hope that you have enjoyed my comments and hope you have some fun hunting for Drake's Fortune.
  
  

• 2-Year Replacement Service Plan - Covers Electronic Items $0–$49.99

• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• Assassin's Creed
• Infamous
• God of War: Collection