E3 2011: Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Preview Impressions

Sony opened its E3 2011 press conference in style, at least where game demos are concerned. The first game to be shown off was Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, the highly anticipated sequel due to arrive this November. Evan Wells and Christophe Balestra from developer Naughty Dog took the stage to show us what protagonist Nathan Drake will get up to--and if the demo was any indication, it involves the platforming, action, and visual splendor we've come to expect from this quality series.

The demo begins with Nathan Drake on the upper deck of a swaying cruise ship. Drake tries to keep his footing as he moves across the deck, jumps below to the pool area, and then moves into the ballroom just beyond. Like most of the series' environments, this room is highly atmospheric. Two enormous chandeliers sway above, casting roaming lights and shadows below, and across the walls. From here, Drake performs a number of signature stealth kills on his way to a side deck. Drake again struggles to maintain balance but manages to catch another unsuspecting guard from behind for another brutal kill. Back inside, a long shadow announces the presence of another guard, and Drake dispatches him with ease.

Drake finds his way to a cargo area and proceeds to jump and shimmy to the floor. But now he appears to have nowhere to go and proclaims, "Dead end!" At this point, guards approach from the walkways above while their leader approaches him. Drake takes a chance and head-butts the approaching enemy, kicks him down, and shoots a guard above. He also throws a grenade, but that move doesn't turn out so well. The resulting explosion rips open the ship, and water begins to flood in.

Here begins the high-octane cinematic action fans expected to see. Drake runs from the oncoming watery threat while shooting and punching the enemies coming at him. He is then plunged into the water but swims and climbs to safety. He navigates his way through the ship, which is now tilted to the side, all while water rushes his way. Falling debris then pins him underwater, and escape is possible only by pounding on the triangle button. Drake surfaces finally, but he isn't safe: the final shot is of Drake running toward the camera as a wall of water roars behind him.

We'll need to wait until November 11, 2011, to see exactly what mess Drake has gotten himself into. If you want to see more Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, however, never fear: the game will be featured on day one of GameSpot's Live Show, so be sure to tune in and submit your questions then!