A consistently good game? Get outta here
I guess I should follow up a satirical review with an actual review for game I actually played.
What I liked:
The game is basically a summer blockbuster, with you in the reigns. I absolutely love summer blockbusters (for the most part), so this game affected me in a way. The game does this in three ways: Gameplay, Graphics and Cutscenes. The game plays like most of the good action games that have recently came out, so it's no surprise that it controls, and feels like a dream. Aside from the tense gunplay, there's some average platforming, but what makes it special is the combination of guns n'climbing. One can go to higher ground whenever possible, and there's also the addition of sneak attacks.
The graphics are beautiful in this game. Probably the best-looking PS3 game on the market, but the fidelity of the graphics isn't the draw; the real pleasure comes from the great art direction and the scope. Being on the roof of a hotel and looking across Nepal is as thrilling as it can be, and the environments are extremely detailed at times, to the point where it seems that they just took pictures of various places and copied them with computers.
The story is linear, and plays like one would expect from an Action/Adventure title, but there are two key points that make it special: The characters are actually interesting as they can have conflicting morals with each other and themselves, and it helps keep the game from being stale. The other point is that the story often mixes with the gameplay in a way that doesn't involve quick-time events. Whether you're carrying an injured cameraman that you just met, or are in a collapsing building, you feel as though the actions you take are affecting the world in which this game is set, which is great for a linear narrative.
The multiplayer is a welcome addition to the series. Many people were upset, but Naughty Dog was able to prove that they won't needlessly tack on a feature just because its the norm. The multiplayer utilizes the functions of the single player campaign, so you don't feel too out-of-sync when switching modes, and there are plenty of multiplayer modes, most of which are just variations on classics.
What I didn't like:
The platforming is a bit suspect at parts. Some times you couldn't tell where to jump until the game gives you a hint, or if you have the guts to use Nathan as a guinea pig to try and guess where the next ledge is. Naughty Dog still hasn't got the cover system down 100%, so expect to go out of cover when you didn't mean to, or miss cover by trying to roll into it.
By some cruel irony, the fast-paced nature of the game actually makes it feel short. I beat the game in about 11 hours, which seems to be the average among other people. It isn't that much of a criticism, seeing as how the game doesn't feel stale - even in the 3rd or 4th play-through - but the multiplayer is there to give you some more taste, and of course there's the trophies, medals and treasures you can find in the game to warrant more than one play-through.
Overall:
The game is a visceral experience that can often feel like a roller coaster ride, but there are some hiccups in the core element of the gameplay that can lead to some minor issues. Honestly, it's probably the most fun I've had with a PS3 game, or any game this year, but the real question is: should you buy it? If you are a PS3 owner and an action lover - especially if you love summer action movies - then yes, you should buy this game, or at least rent it if you're low on cash. The game is worth the $60, and it feels as though everything melds into a fine game that not only shows us how far technology has gone, but also follows a particular rule of mine: Even if the material you're working with isn't original, do the best you can. It's evident Naughty Dog put a lot of work into this, and I'm sure their next opus in the Uncharted universe will be just as fun as this game.
I don't generally like giving scores for a game, and my review probably sounds like more of a 5/5 review, than a 4/5.
If I could, I would give this game a Fun-And-Rewarding-Experience/5.
