The Official Uncharted 3 thread - Aiming Patch Out Now.

Solid is right, the multiplayer is fantastic. It feels great. The maps are extremely varied and are all awesome. There is so much to find, collect, complete. You can sign up for missions like get 15 kills with an M9 in 30 minutes. You can upgrade the perks. Of course buy new weapons and upgrades. Its a never ending list of content.dvader654

To those who've finished the campaign, you MUST watch the Launch trailer i linked in the OP. Wow! It makes me want to go back and replay the campaign. So many awesome moments in this game!

This is a wholesale copy of Black Ops, which is fine considering its regarded as one the best mp games of all time you mayaswell copy it.

I liked how you could unlike new outfits and stuff thought that was neat. gme

The best thing about Black Ops was this mode where you start off with a lame pistol but get a new better weapon with each kill. Also liked the wager system, im surprised not many shooters copied it.

To those who've finished the campaign, you MUST watch the Launch trailer i linked in the OP. Wow! It makes me want to go back and replay the campaign. So many awesome moments in this game!

S0lidSnake

Yeah but any good trailer does that. Makes the material look good no matter how bad it might be. Not saying U3 is awful but BF3's campaign is and the launch trailer for that made it look awesome :P

I understand the hype around these games and how much people love them (I am one of them) but any true Uncharted fan who plays it and doesn't see these problems with the story and inconsistencies is just lying to themselves

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

To those who've finished the campaign, you MUST watch the Launch trailer i linked in the OP. Wow! It makes me want to go back and replay the campaign. So many awesome moments in this game!

seanmcloughlin

Yeah but any good trailer does that. Makes the material look good no matter how bad it might be. Not saying U3 is awful but BF3's campaign is and the launch trailer for that made it look awesome :P

I understand the hype around these games and how much people love them (I am one of them) but any true Uncharted fan who plays it and doesn't see these problems with the story and inconsistencies is just lying to themselves

ummm what?

Read the entire thread, im not sure who is lying to themselves or why you would find the need to bring this up.

I'm still in the middle of the campaign (chapter 12) but I love U3. Its a little more puzzle oriented than I recall U2 being, but I love everything about it (great combat, lots of fun locations, interesting characters, snappy banter, cool villians and hints of the evil Drake will find in the lost city).

I was relieved and unsurprised to find out that contrary to some of the reviews, AI isn't magically always aware of you once the fight started (as in U2, you can utilize the climbing skills of Drake to get to some place your enemy isn't looking, then go for the quick kill).

I'm avoiding details because I don't want to spoil anything in the unlikely event someone else is even farther back than I am.

CarnageHeart

Oh my god, someone who isn't b****ing and moaning about the game! :lol:

Seriously though, I am enjoying the game as well, and I think I'm at the same point as you. It might be my bad memory, but this game seems more puzzle-heavy than U2 so far, which is cool as hell.

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

To those who've finished the campaign, you MUST watch the Launch trailer i linked in the OP. Wow! It makes me want to go back and replay the campaign. So many awesome moments in this game!

seanmcloughlin

Yeah but any good trailer does that. Makes the material look good no matter how bad it might be. Not saying U3 is awful but BF3's campaign is and the launch trailer for that made it look awesome :P

I understand the hype around these games and how much people love them (I am one of them) but any true Uncharted fan who plays it and doesn't see these problems with the story and inconsistencies is just lying to themselves

*SPOILERS*

I notice some issues with the story but other things I believe were left out intentionally. Not revealing Nate's real name or showing his mother and father was a great idea. It wouldn't make sense to explore that in the game. Some things are better left said. I believe those fall under that category. I do think Marlo should have gotten some more screen time.

But my only real issues with the story are that the card left in Cutter's jacket is never explained and how Talbot or whateverwas shot and vanished was also never explained. Beyond that I felt everything else was fine. Oh and Marlo's intentions are never mentioned.... that was also a problem. But beyond that everything else was fine.

I am over the shooting mechanics. They seem fine to me now that I am used to them. They did bother me quite a bit on my first playthrough. But on my second playthrough it has been fine.

My only real gripe is that the game has more bugs than expected. Nothing game breaking though. I feel they spent too much time on the multiplayer and co-op which I couldn't care less about. Which clearly ended up hurting the single player campaign.

But I really enjoy the game. I'd say more so than Uncharted 2 but Uncharted 2 was the more polished game. Why does multiplayer have to ruin games I love :( First Resident Evil 5, now Uncharted 3. Atleast Uncharted 3 is still awesome though. RE5 was terrible compared to RE4.

[QUOTE="seanmcloughlin"]

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

To those who've finished the campaign, you MUST watch the Launch trailer i linked in the OP. Wow! It makes me want to go back and replay the campaign. So many awesome moments in this game!

contracts420

Yeah but any good trailer does that. Makes the material look good no matter how bad it might be. Not saying U3 is awful but BF3's campaign is and the launch trailer for that made it look awesome :P

I understand the hype around these games and how much people love them (I am one of them) but any true Uncharted fan who plays it and doesn't see these problems with the story and inconsistencies is just lying to themselves

I notice some issues with the story but other things I believe were left out intentionally. Not revealing Nate's real name or showing his mother and father was a great idea. It wouldn't make sense to explore that in the game. Some things are better left said. I believe those fall under that category. I do think Marlo should have gotten some more screen time.

But my only real issues with the story are that the card left in Cutter's jacket is never explained and how Talbot or whateverwas shot and vanished was also never explained. Beyond that I felt everything else was fine. Oh and Marlo's intentions are never mentioned.... that was also a problem. But beyond that everything else was fine.

You are so right. that card in cutters pocket was really weird and then never explained. It never ever says why Marlowe wants what she wants other than she is part of some cult thing. But we need more motive to have the drive to stop her or get ahead of her. For all their promoting of her character and how she is more cerebral than older villains she was barely even in the game. She needed way more screen time because she started out great but then just ended. I didn't feel anything at all at end towards her.

Ok, I admit when I'm wrong. The Shipyard level is atrocious. What the hell?! It seriously should've been left on the cutting room floor. Fighting enemies from all angles who have Rocket Launchers and Sniper rifles when the "going underwater" mechanic doesn't even work is freakin' terrible. And why does every single enemy have body armor now? Lol.

Oi.

[QUOTE="Jbul"]

Ok, I admit when I'm wrong. The Shipyard level is atrocious. What the hell?! It seriously should've been left on the cutting room floor. Fighting enemies from all angles who have Rocket Launchers and Sniper rifles when the "going underwater" mechanic doesn't even work is freakin' terrible. And why does every single enemy have body armor now? Lol.

Oi.

TheGuardian03

Before getting on the boat. They introduce a mechanic to dive unerwater to avoid gunfire. But you still get hit very easily.

The enemies are very annoying. They just come wave after wave of endless fighting and with broken gun mechabics its very easy to get annoyed.

This game needed more development time and sadly it appears the SP did take a big hit to bolster and improve MP. Can't believe even naughty dog, the greatest SP dev's, have fallen to this too

The card in cutters was explained by amy henning she replied to someone on twitter and that reply is on the ND fourms go look for it. one thing though cutter shot talbot and hes still alive, and at some chapter when drake looks for him and he dissapears just like in the movies :P. Marlowe was supposed to be the biggest villian in UC series yet they showed a little of her, i feel uc3 story was rushed, UC2 difinetley had better writing. the ending was the same as UC2, everyone is happy at the ending.TheGuardian03

So instead of actually giving the answer in the game we have to go look for it outside of the game because people kept asking about it. The more and more it goes on the worse the story seems. U3's story is all over the place. It feels like there is no drive to do anything. It does feel very very rushed and I think ND were just hoping people would like it cos its uncharted. But seriously they went on and on about marlowe and she in the game for all but 5 minutes

Ok, I admit when I'm wrong. The Shipyard level is atrocious. What the hell?! It seriously should've been left on the cutting room floor. Fighting enemies from all angles who have Rocket Launchers and Sniper rifles when the "going underwater" mechanic doesn't even work is freakin' terrible. And why does every single enemy have body armor now? Lol.

Oi.

Jbul

Chapter 12 is pretty tough. It's the hardest level I've encountered so far, but I do have a few chapters left in the game so we'll see how that goes. The diving mechanics worked for me, but you can't dive initially when you jump in the water; you have to wait for Drake to pop back up before you can actually dive, which takes too long and you're probably dead by that time. Best way to handle that was to hang back from some of the beginning boats and move around from cover. I was using the pistol to shoot the weaker enemies and the ones closest to you and moving away from the armored guys. It took a few tries though. Hanging from the top of ships and attacking worked pretty well too.

The rest of the chapter and the later chapters become much better once you pass that area.

[QUOTE="TheGuardian03"][QUOTE="Jbul"]

Ok, I admit when I'm wrong. The Shipyard level is atrocious. What the hell?! It seriously should've been left on the cutting room floor. Fighting enemies from all angles who have Rocket Launchers and Sniper rifles when the "going underwater" mechanic doesn't even work is freakin' terrible. And why does every single enemy have body armor now? Lol.

Oi.

seanmcloughlin

Before getting on the boat. They introduce a mechanic to dive unerwater to avoid gunfire. But you still get hit very easily.

The enemies are very annoying. They just come wave after wave of endless fighting and with broken gun mechabics its very easy to get annoyed.

This game needed more development time and sadly it appears the SP did take a big hit to bolster and improve MP. Can't believe even naughty dog, the greatest SP dev's, have fallen to this too

I think it needed a few more months in developement as well. But the waves of enemies didn't bother me so much on my second playthrough. Wait till you play it a second time and you might find it much easier and you won't find as many issues with it.

I just finished the game again, and it was great. Once again the only issues are with the story, for the most part it's good just slightly underdeveloped and doesn't always give you answers. But for the most part it's fine. Still better than most lol. I wish Elena was in the game more though.

But we shouldn't sit around poking Uncharted 3, we should be enjoying it. Which is what I have been doing. Try to look passed some of the faults and just enjoy it. I truly think it's one of those games you actually enjoy more on your second playthrough.

However Naughty Dog did a fantastic job with the multiplayer, so hopefully if they do Uncharted 4 than they won't need to focus on that as much.

Okay, So Naughty Dog is working on a patch to fix the aiming issues and patching in Motion Blur as well. Apparently, the motion blur was somehow left out of the Gold build unknown to most people over at Naughty Dog. Even their co-preisdent Evan Wells thought motion blur was in. :lol:

Anyway, thanks to gaf and of course Naughty Dog for having two gaffers visit their studio testing the new builds/patch. It's pretty cool how fast this got sorted out. Even if the patch takes a week or two to pass Sony's QA, we know ND was on it from Day 1. Good stuff.

Bring on Crushing!

Ok, I admit when I'm wrong.

Jbul

Now you have to make a blog post titled I admit I was wrong, and then mention me in there somewhere. Something like S0lid knows what he's talking about and I wish I was more like him.

BTW, that shipyard level is the first major shootout in the game. The rest were just skirmishes. you will start to see quite a few of these big shootouts and start noticing the aiming issues. It's pretty manageble, but it makes things more difficult.

P.S I thought the shipyard shootout was a great setpiece. Lots of room to move about and tons of weapons at your disposal. I even manged to lose the enemies by going underwater. It's going to be fun playing it again, after they patch up the aiming of course of course.

I just finished the game again, and it was great. Once again the only issues are with the story, for the most part it's good just slightly underdeveloped and doesn't always give you answers. But for the most part it's fine. Still better than most lol. I wish Elena was in the game more though.

contracts420

Elena and Cutter's voice actors had scheduling conflicts. Elena's VA got her own show and Cutter's VA got a starring role in Peter Jackson's hobbit which is why there was so little of them.

Just a couple of (cool) things from my second playthrough:

• Threw a guy out the window during the bar fight. :lol:
• opened up a fridge door and the guy chasing me ran into it head-on during the chapter 3 chase
• flipped my rifle and smacked the enemy right in the face with the rifle butt
• ran out of bullets so charged a couple of dudes, took out one, caught his uzi in mid air and shot the other in the face... totally awesome
• treasures are hidden well... VERY well. Almost sadistically well. Liked finding the treasures in U2 a lot more.
• The game needs more trophies like the crocodile in the library and less of getting kills with each lame weapon. We've been getting the EXACT same trophies since the first Uncharted. There is so much detail in this world.... USE it!

Melee might still be a cheap Batman clone, but my god it's awesome!

Just curious, could you guys elaborate on the pacing issues? I know Vader said that there's too much time walking around with nothing to do. Are you saying it's has problems because it starts off very slowly and takes time to pick up steam or what? The pace doesn't seem to different to UC2 to me, tbh. In fact, I seem to remember a slow as snail pace for the ice mountain section right after the incredible train sequence in 2 that took all the momentum out of the game at the moment..Travo_basic

There is less story and slow down in the game for me. You constantly are being chased, jumping out of planes, burning down houses, sinking ships and in gunfights. the game is comprised solely of them and the biggest story and slow down parts are the cutscenes. They were in U2 also but they were spaced further apart and not always in your face. In U3 they also last a lot longer. Like the boatyard is constant fighting even during some of the platforming and when you get to the boat there isn't much exploration because you are back snapping necks and shooting again. The like of uncharted 2 where you have long lengthy platforming sections with no confrontation is much better paced. like just running around with elena or chloe or tenzen. U3 just felt rushed and the conflicts in timing for Elena's and Cutter's VAs made them very scarce in the story

Pacing isn't momentum. The slow down sections are what made U2 a masterpiece and just let you explore the world and get immersed in it. This CoD mentality (and it is the main culprit) of turning everything into Michael Bay movies is sickening. U2 had a great narrative and story to tell and it was paced between slow and fast sections. This is what make a game great. Like Metro 2033 where you have your monster fights and your times of just walking around doing nothing. It creates great atmosphere.

First of all, an apology to all those I prematurely criticized for being hard on this game before I had played it, most specifically S0lidsnake. I looked at the mostly stellar reviews, then heard the complaints and thought alot of us were just spoiled by the recent wave of AAA-AAAA releases to look past some (what I thought) were small flaws and recognize a truly great game.

Before I give my impressions of U3, I would just like to say U2 is one of my favorite games of this generation, so I'm definitely a fan of the series.

After completing Uncharted 3 today, I can definitely say the game has real issues. Although I don't feel the aiming is specifically the issue itself, I feel like Uncharted's gunplay is beginning to feel forced and very outdated. I know the aiming has changed a bit, but I really didn't have any problems getting the reticule to go where I wanted it to. The issue is, thecombat just isn't enjoyable as it used to be. Could this be because since U2 we've seen some of the best shooters of all time (in a technical and mechanical sense)? Possibly.

But I think alot of it has to do with the scenarios themselves. Now I don't remember every single detail of U2 (it's been probably a good year since I last replayed it) but I don't remember scenario's where you've got Rocket Guards spamming you from 4 different directions and locations while guys with shields and body armor flank you simultanously. Also, the snipers. What the f***? When did 1-hit kills become okay again (on Normal difficulty, no less)? Countless times I'd try to roll out of the way of a Sniper only to be "caught up" in a melee animation with an enemy I hadn't seen, and be killed instantly by the sniper. This is unacceptable by today's shooter standards, and actually borders very closely to Ninja Gaiden II levels of cheapness.

The mechanics are sitll serviceable, but even the platforming doesn't feel as special and thrilling as two years ago. I was also frustrated by the "trial-and-error" escape hallways that left no room for player creativity or freedom (Young Drake fleeing on the rooftop would be a specific and particularly frustrating example).

But when the game works, it works spectacularly. There are a special few sections (maybe 3 or 4) where this game meets U2's level of euphoric action melodrama. I also still adored the amazing voice acting and hilarious (and heartfelt) dialogue between the characters. I literally smiled when I saw Elana for the first time, almost like I'd missed her (so corny, I know). But the points in between, and specifically the combat, were occasionally frustrating and yes, even dull. I almost had to force myself to finish the game, to be honest. **SPOILERS**** The demons who took 60 rounds to kill near the end were just plain terrible, frustrating, and boring to fight.****END SPOILERS****

The story fell through completely as well. I mean, WTF? I'm wondering if Naughty Dog gave the finished product to reviewers and sent a pre-alpha build to the shelves on accident, because I honestly see nothing here worthy of a 9 or 10. I'm thinking 7.5-8. Not bad by any means, and still with some amazing moments, but a far cry from the other great games this year. Now keep in mind I haven't played the multiplayer (and I never will) but I've heard it's good, so someone who's interested in that may enjoy the package more than I did. But as someone who fell in love with the series from a single-player point of view, this game is one of the years biggest disappointments to me, personally.

So again, sorry for "not believing" in you bastards. Here's to hoping Naughy Dog gets a longer development cycle for Uncharted 4, and really blows us away again.

Bring on Skyrim!

The mechanics are sitll serviceable, but even the platforming doesn't feel as special and thrilling as two years ago. I was also frustrated by the "trial-and-error" escape hallways that left no room for player creativity or freedom (Young Drake fleeing on the rooftop would be a specific and particularly frustrating example).

Jbul

I think you were spot on with all your points and not playing the MP is fine to me because Uncharted has always been about a great SP campaign and U3 just doesn't bring it. A real reason for a lot of my gripes is the gameplay also. The shooting and platforming mechanics are far outdated nowadays to me. They were bordering old in U2 but now they're passed their sell by date. It feels finnicky clunky and just awkward sometimes. Trying to get into cover but rolling instead straight into enemy fire isn't something people want to do playing games. Its just annoying. I don't think ND could make a U4 and have it held in the same regards anymore without changing the way it plays. but if they do that then people will complain anyway. For me Uncharted has reached its saturation point. It needs to try new things in its next installment

I'm around 10 chapters in, and my impressions on the game are somewhat mixed, although probably not for the reasons most in this thread think so.

First, I'd like to say that Naughty Dog earned HUGE points with me on this game for at least putting some effort into the puzzles, most of which are superior and more challenging than even the most difficult puzzles from previous games in the series. I've always believed this series could not survive as a shooter, and it pained me to see Naughty Dog pigeonhole such an awesome concept into the narrow confines of Gears of War shooter and Jerry Bruckheimer flick. The series could be so much more than that, and it's good to see Naughty Dog acknowledge it and make strides toward it. Drake is an adventure hero waiting to happen, not TPS typecast he's been shoved into from the first two games.

Unfortunately, the gunwork has become so substantially worse that it borders on borked, and as such, the gun sections simply aren't that much fun to play. All the guns feel largely the same, and the enemies are just as apt to soak bullets up as ever, if not more. That's the problem with these types of games that draw from other genres heavily -- usually the games they draw from do it better. The shooting sections are well planned and placed, but the controls and enemy design contribute to make it a mess to play. In fact, most of the controls are sloppy, period. Even the chase segments constantly feel like I'm playing stoned, because the neurotic camera is constantly veering around, making me readjust the controls on the stick. I think this was an intentional decision, designed to add dramatic flair to these sequences, but all it does is feel floaty and disjointed, and this is coming from someone who has played and enjoyed chase sequences in ND games since the original Crash Bandicoot.

It's also SLOW to get rolling. I don't mind a little exposition (and I actually like the backstory bits unlike many I've read posts from), but goddamn, the beginning of the game feels like a Michener novel. It could've pared away entire sequences of the game before getting to the first real area that feels like it belongs in an Uncharted game (the Chateau) and even then, there's a return to the city environments after another area. I know that I am only about halfway done with the game, but that's my point -- I'm HALFWAY THROUGH THE GAME, and it feels like I haven't seen s***. Very disappointing.

I was not as big on U2 as others were, largely because people who called it things like "Best game ever" and such were ignoring huge glaring flaws in the game, like the inconsistent, automatic controls, the fuzzy gunplay, and the (at times) boring settings like the Nepal city. This game feels like both a clarion call and a middle finger to critics of that game like myself. I think ND definitely took to heart the complaints that it was too shooter-centric and made it more focused on adventure elements, but they completely ignored the crappy platforming and the gunplay got worse. I'm playing the game on Hard, so I don't know how much of an impact that has (if any) on any of these elements. I'm still having a good time, but I better see some incredible s*** in the second half, and most accounts assure me I will.

I really like how thoughtfully designed the stealth bits are in the game. There have been two large areas that turn into total clusterf****s if you get all gun happy and act a fool. They play out somewhat methodically, almost like puzzle sequences, but this makes them oddly satisfying. It reminds me a bit of Tenchu in the stealth department. And while I may not be accurately recollecting here, the stealth sections in U3 are superior to those of U2.

And of course, the one area the series has always excelled in has been the characters, and U3 is the best in the series. The good guys are likeable and the bad guys are pretty awful. Unlike Gears of War 3 (whose characters ended up being cardboard cutouts compared to those in Uncharted), the characters in this game are believable and superbly acted, with great writing and scripting. The only thing I will say is that the character models feel like they have changed a lot, sometimes to the point of being jarring.

So those are my thoughts so far. It needs a lot of work in some areas, and it treads some new, exciting ground in others, which makes me want to like this game. I don't think anything can really save the gunplay, but I think it's still possible that this game ends up being something the previous games were not -- an excellent action/adventure game. I'm glad to be playing it, for what it's worth, and while it's not ever going to be able to top Gears 3 as a shooter, I still think has a chance at being a better game in a less crowded genre.

Why is this game not as fun as 2 was ? why ?

Its a great game in the series but wasn't fun like UC2 was, i'm on my second playthrough and just played like 30 minutes and then got bored, is it me getting bored of UC series ?

i'm gonna play UC2 and see.

TheGuardian03

I think the gameplay is just old by now. the platforming is point and click. The gunplay was never the best and they nerfed it way too much for U3. The camera work in U2 was award worthy. In U3 not so much. It just feels to me that it was rushed and didn't get the love and attention it needed from the devs. whether it was just too big a project for 2 years or they spent too much time doing the MP I don't know but either way the end result wasn't up to spec to me. I can't even go for a second playthough because I get bored like you said after about 30 minutes. There is nothing in the game to hold me and make me get sucked in. I don't think its one thing. Its a collection of small niggles

Just curious, could you guys elaborate on the pacing issues? I know Vader said that there's too much time walking around with nothing to do. Are you saying it's has problems because it starts off very slowly and takes time to pick up steam or what? The pace doesn't seem to different to UC2 to me, tbh. In fact, I seem to remember a slow as snail pace for the ice mountain section right after the incredible train sequence in 2 that took all the momentum out of the game at the moment..Travo_basic

I cant speak for everyone else,especially since i loved the slow opening in this game, but I think the first half of the game is very puzzles and exploration heavy while the second half is all action setpieces. I actually dont remember a single puzzle from Chapter 12 onwards. And just one setpiece is in the first half. (The Chateau burning down)

And I also agree that U2 wasn't perfectly paced btut nostalgia tends to make people forget :P. I didnt mind the detour to the ice caves but after the village tank fight and convoy chase the game drags on for 6 more chapters. The developers themselves have admitted that much, but the game still mixed in puzzles after the convoy chase, had the fan favorite elena by your side and had some pretty memorable shootouts for those of us who love the Uncharted gunfights. Still, I wont deny that it also had pacing issues.

But I think alot of it has to do with the scenarios themselves. Now I don't remember every single detail of U2 (it's been probably a good year since I last replayed it) but I don't remember scenario's where you've got Rocket Guards spamming you from 4 different directions and locations while guys with shields and body armor flank you simultanously. Also, the snipers. What the f***? When did 1-hit kills become okay again (on Normal difficulty, no less)? Countless times I'd try to roll out of the way of a Sniper only to be "caught up" in a melee animation with an enemy I hadn't seen, and be killed instantly by the sniper. This is unacceptable by today's shooter standards, and actually borders very closely to Ninja Gaiden II levels of cheapness.Jbul

In U3 they seem to have gone BACK to the U1's formula of multiple waves of enemies in combat sections. Not sure who thought that was a good idea but thats what happens when you change Game Directors for no reason whatsoever. (U2's mp director is now the Game Director for U3) Still it's decent that they've put in multiple checkpoints in b/w these waves so that's something. I will say this though, I just played the shipyard scene you talked about earlier on Hard. Snuck my way to the very last turret, blew the guy behind it with the hammer rounds I found on my there and then easily took out everyone else charging me. I LOVE games that reward you for taking risks and thinking outside the box. If you're playing U3 with Gears menatlity of sticking to cover then I can completely understand why you would be upset at armored dudes rushing you and snipers and RPG guys taking you out. But Uncahrted games want you to traverse the enviornment and move about. I counted and there are 9 RPG rounds, 16 Hammer Rounds and two turrets in that section that allow you to massacre everyone in your sight. You just have to look.

I think ND definitely took to heart the complaints that it was too shooter-centric and made it more focused on adventure elements, but they completely ignored the crappy platforming and the gunplay got worse. I'm playing the game on Hard, so I don't know how much of an impact that has (if any) on any of these elements. I'm still having a good time, but I better see some incredible s*** in the second half, and most accounts assure me I will.

I really like how thoughtfully designed the stealth bits are in the game. There have been two large areas that turn into total clusterf****s if you get all gun happy and act a fool. They play out somewhat methodically, almost like puzzle sequences, but this makes them oddly satisfying. It reminds me a bit of Tenchu in the stealth department. And while I may not be accurately recollecting here, the stealth sections in U3 are superior to those of U2.

Shame-usBlackley

lol you should've tried the game on Normal, the aiming is completely f***ed on Normal. I started my second playthrough on Hard and it feels so much better that at first I didnt even realize there was something wrong. And then I missed a couple of shots and was reminded of the crappy aiming. Still, it's a million times better than Normal. God that was awful.

Stealth bits are nice but there are too few of them. In U2 I could clear out many areas without alerting anyone. I dont think there is a single such setpiece in U3. Once you get diown to the last guy or two, taking out one means the other will be alerted and call in reinforcements.

[QUOTE="Travo_basic"]Just curious, could you guys elaborate on the pacing issues? I know Vader said that there's too much time walking around with nothing to do. Are you saying it's has problems because it starts off very slowly and takes time to pick up steam or what? The pace doesn't seem to different to UC2 to me, tbh. In fact, I seem to remember a slow as snail pace for the ice mountain section right after the incredible train sequence in 2 that took all the momentum out of the game at the moment..seanmcloughlin

There is less story and slow down in the game for me. You constantly are being chased, jumping out of planes, burning down houses, sinking ships and in gunfights. the game is comprised solely of them and the biggest story and slow down parts are the cutscenes. They were in U2 also but they were spaced further apart and not always in your face. In U3 they also last a lot longer. Like the boatyard is constant fighting even during some of the platforming and when you get to the boat there isn't much exploration because you are back snapping necks and shooting again. The like of uncharted 2 where you have long lengthy platforming sections with no confrontation is much better paced. like just running around with elena or chloe or tenzen. U3 just felt rushed and the conflicts in timing for Elena's and Cutter's VAs made them very scarce in the story

Pacing isn't momentum. The slow down sections are what made U2 a masterpiece and just let you explore the world and get immersed in it. This CoD mentality (and it is the main culprit) of turning everything into Michael Bay movies is sickening. U2 had a great narrative and story to tell and it was paced between slow and fast sections. This is what make a game great. Like Metro 2033 where you have your monster fights and your times of just walking around doing nothing. It creates great atmosphere.

This game...so good! There's no denying it has the best set pieces ever. This is me during chapter 17: "Oh ****!" "Oh, my God! No,no,no,no! Lookout!" "Sweet!" "That was awesome!"Travo_basic

Chapter 17 is the most awesome thing I've ever played. It probably even tops GoW3's intro.

BTW, on my second playthrough I noticed something very cool .... Chapter 14 spoilers [spoiler] when you are escaping from the boat after the Pirate leader shoots the glass, the boat actually flips one more time and tilts over on itself. We dont get to see that happen but we do see the hallway rotate inception styIe when Drake's running away from the water. It's a very subtle touch but totally freaking awesome when i noticed it. [/spoiler]

Just finished U3 on hard. Awesome game, but I don't think it comes together as well as U2 did. My big issue is the lack of dialogue in the second half (there was dialogue, just not enough) and the fact the main villians weren't nearly as impressive as Lazarevic (I thought the pirate leader was more impressive than either of them) though I did like that they were loyal to each other. Still, there is incredible action, great setpieces, excellent stealth bits, memorable puzzles (without going into spoilers, my favorite was the one where you line up the pieces), wonderful platforming and a lot of great banter (mostly in the first half).

In U3 they seem to have gone BACK to the U1's formula of multiple waves of enemies in combat sections. Not sure who thought that was a good idea but thats what happens when you change Game Directors for no reason whatsoever. (U2's mp director is now the Game Director for U3) Still it's decent that they've put in multiple checkpoints in b/w these waves so that's something. I will say this though, I just played the shipyard scene you talked about earlier on Hard. Snuck my way to the very last turret, blew the guy behind it with the hammer rounds I found on my there and then easily took out everyone else charging me. I LOVE games that reward you for taking risks and thinking outside the box. If you're playing U3 with Gears menatlity of sticking to cover then I can completely understand why you would be upset at armored dudes rushing you and snipers and RPG guys taking you out. But Uncahrted games want you to traverse the enviornment and move about. I counted and there are 9 RPG rounds, 16 Hammer Rounds and two turrets in that section that allow you to massacre everyone in your sight. You just have to look.

S0lidSnake

Not sure it was my playstyle that was the problem. I loved every second of Uncharted 2, and almost everyone's mentioned an unwelcome emphasis on combat in U3. I think the biggest thing for me was the enemy types and numbers. Some combat is fun, no combat is boring, but it's an extremely delicate balance that must take an expert hand. And ND didn't have it this time IMO, so the entire game suffered as a result. I also think, that although the setpieces were sometimes astounding, they don't have the impact they're intended to have.

Thought I'd throw this review at you guys. It's a very damning article about Uncharted 3, and while I DO NOT AGREE with the score, there are some extremely good points made. At the very least, maybe it'll open up some good discussions.

Uncharted 3 review -- 4/10, Link below

http://www.honestgamers.com/reviews/9640.html

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

In U3 they seem to have gone BACK to the U1's formula of multiple waves of enemies in combat sections. Not sure who thought that was a good idea but thats what happens when you change Game Directors for no reason whatsoever. (U2's mp director is now the Game Director for U3) Still it's decent that they've put in multiple checkpoints in b/w these waves so that's something. I will say this though, I just played the shipyard scene you talked about earlier on Hard. Snuck my way to the very last turret, blew the guy behind it with the hammer rounds I found on my there and then easily took out everyone else charging me. I LOVE games that reward you for taking risks and thinking outside the box. If you're playing U3 with Gears menatlity of sticking to cover then I can completely understand why you would be upset at armored dudes rushing you and snipers and RPG guys taking you out. But Uncahrted games want you to traverse the enviornment and move about. I counted and there are 9 RPG rounds, 16 Hammer Rounds and two turrets in that section that allow you to massacre everyone in your sight. You just have to look.

Jbul

Not sure it was my playstyle that was the problem. I loved every second of Uncharted 2, and almost everyone's mentioned an unwelcome emphasis on combat in U3. I think the biggest thing for me was the enemy types and numbers. Some combat is fun, no combat is boring, but it's an extremely delicate balance that must take an expert hand. And ND didn't have it this time IMO, so the entire game suffered as a result. I also think, that although the setpieces were sometimes astounding, they don't have the impact they're intended to have.

Thought I'd throw this review at you guys. It's a very damning article about Uncharted 3, and while I DO NOT AGREE with the score, there are some extremely good points made. At the very least, maybe it'll open up some good discussions.

Uncharted 3 review -- 4/10, Link below

http://www.honestgamers.com/reviews/9640.html

I loved every second of U2 and U3 (and most seconds of U1 aside from the vehicle bits and the last boss). U3's story isn't as strong as U2's but I honestly don't think it would have made sense for it to have the same beats (which is what some people seem to be looking for). I think its better to do something different even if it means messing with perfection than it is to simply rehash the last game beat for beat. Like I said in my last post, my big issue was the lack of dialogue in the second half.

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

In U3 they seem to have gone BACK to the U1's formula of multiple waves of enemies in combat sections. Not sure who thought that was a good idea but thats what happens when you change Game Directors for no reason whatsoever. (U2's mp director is now the Game Director for U3) Still it's decent that they've put in multiple checkpoints in b/w these waves so that's something. I will say this though, I just played the shipyard scene you talked about earlier on Hard. Snuck my way to the very last turret, blew the guy behind it with the hammer rounds I found on my there and then easily took out everyone else charging me. I LOVE games that reward you for taking risks and thinking outside the box. If you're playing U3 with Gears menatlity of sticking to cover then I can completely understand why you would be upset at armored dudes rushing you and snipers and RPG guys taking you out. But Uncahrted games want you to traverse the enviornment and move about. I counted and there are 9 RPG rounds, 16 Hammer Rounds and two turrets in that section that allow you to massacre everyone in your sight. You just have to look.

Jbul

Not sure it was my playstyle that was the problem. I loved every second of Uncharted 2, and almost everyone's mentioned an unwelcome emphasis on combat in U3. I think the biggest thing for me was the enemy types and numbers. Some combat is fun, no combat is boring, but it's an extremely delicate balance that must take an expert hand. And ND didn't have it this time IMO, so the entire game suffered as a result. I also think, that although the setpieces were sometimes astounding, they don't have the impact they're intended to have.

Thought I'd throw this review at you guys. It's a very damning article about Uncharted 3, and while I DO NOT AGREE with the score, there are some extremely good points made. At the very least, maybe it'll open up some good discussions.

Uncharted 3 review -- 4/10, Link below

http://www.honestgamers.com/reviews/9640.html

I agree with quite a few of his points, especially the ones where he said the characters and the combat sections seem to have taken a back seat in Drake's third outing. IMO Drake is at his finest/funniest when he's interacting with other characters and considering he spends 10 out of the last 12 chapters by himself in isolation, they really dropped the ball there. I dont agree with the score or how overly critical he was, but he does raise some good points. Uncharted should be a GOOD Tomb Raider game, not just a good COD Modern Warfare game, and thats precisely what it is in the last half of the game.

As for you saying that combat was a big focus in Uncharted 3, i completely disagree. In fact I think one of the biggest issues with the game is that it doesn't rely on combat enough. Out of the 22 chapters or so, only around 6-7 are combat/gun fight heavy. U2 had a 60-40% combat to platforming/puzzles ratio. I do agree though that the enemy types and numbers could make these encounters a bit frustrating and overwhelming. It's really sad that ND listened to guys like Shameus and toned down the combat sections in the game because Uncharted 2 had some phenoemenal gunfights and was a thrilling experience on Crushing. Probably the best shooter I've played ever. The conspriacy nut in my head tells me that they only added the multiple waves of enemies to these combat sections after playing through the final game and realizing it's only around 6 hours long. There is a reason why multiple waves were absent in U2 and it's because everyone hated them in U1.

THe coop advenure missions showcase how brilliant Uncharted combat can be. They are designed just like the U2 combat sequences, mixing corridor shooting with wide open areas that allow for a lot of thrilling escapes. THe Monestary and Airport missions are just plain fantastic, and I recommend everyone try them out. If you dont like them then Uncharted probably isn't a series for you because that's Uncharted at its best.

YLike always, I got a little overeager and wanted to go out and kick ass, leading to some hairy situations. Travo_basic

lol we ALL do that. Nothing more fun than stealing kills by rushing enemies and punching them out for medals. :P Vader and I only stayed back because we were playing on Hard (lower health) and those bastards drop grenades whenever you melee them on Hard or Crushing.

And yes, coop is limited to three.

It's really sad that ND listened to guys like Shameus and toned down the combat sections in the game because Uncharted 2 had some phenoemenal gunfights and was a thrilling experience on Crushing. Probably the best shooter I've played ever.

S0lidSnake

Yep, it's all my fault.

And if U2 was the best shooter you've ever played, then you haven't played enough shooters. ;)

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

It's really sad that ND listened to guys like Shameus and toned down the combat sections in the game because Uncharted 2 had some phenoemenal gunfights and was a thrilling experience on Crushing. Probably the best shooter I've played ever.

Shame-usBlackley

Yep, it's all my fault.

And if U2 was the best shooter you've ever played, then you haven't played enough shooters. ;)

For the record, Halo Reach has the best FPS campaign I've played this gen, and I believe it is your favorite FPS campaign as well. We both hate MW2 with a passion, and we both agree that Gears 3 was a bit repetitive... so we do have some common ground there. Just going by those two exmaples, I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to shooters.

We've gone down this road before and it ended with me quitting a forum temporarily and you leaving it permanently so let's not do it again. :P My mentioning of you was not meant to be taken seriously, I dont think it's your fault. If anything ND changing the combat section to your liking proves that enough people had sisues with it to warrant something different. I just dont agree that this was the right decision.

For the record, Halo Reach has the best FPS campaign I've played this gen, and I believe it is your favorite FPS campaign as well. We both hate MW2 with a passion, and we both agree that Gears 3 was a bit repetitive... so we do have some common ground there. Just going by those two exmaples, I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to shooters.

S0lidSnake

LOL, that's hilarious! I left that forum because it was a bore, and it still is. What's the post count up to there now, like three posts a day? I've never left anywhere over a fight, regardless of what end of it I ended up on.

And yeah, we have a lot in common with shooters, that's why I found the statement so absurd. U2 was a passable shooter wrapped in shiny bright action game wrapping paper, but it was far, far, FAR from being the best shooter this generation has seen.

Finished on Hard. Loved most of the campaign in general, but I would still have to say that UC2 is my favorite of the bunch. Naughty Dog provides plenty of thrills here, but a lot of them look vaguely familiar to set pieces introduced in the second game. Not that it's a bad thing, but there was definitely a sense of deja vu for some of the major segments.

The story was a bit weaker this time around. Character come and go pretty quickly and it was a little disappointing to see characters like Marlowe get the screen time that they did. I found her to be an interesting villain, but her capabilities felt underutilized. I really did enjoy the stronger focus on Drake and Sully's relationship, but the overall story had this uneven pacing. The middle chapters really felt like filler the more I think about it, but still it was damn gorgeous looking filler.

The combat was fun, but the aiming got in the way of that in the early stages. It's really a non issue for me now, but the enemy encounters felt more like a step back to UC1 with the high waves of enemies. The only time I really got frustrated with the game was at the end. I don't like to cry "cheap" on encounters, but there were a few areas that started me off almost completely flanked with bullet soaking enemies and every power weapon aimed for my head, or just stepping into a new area and suddenly getting blown up by a grenade launcher from an enemy I couldn't possibly see or hear. That felt like straight up BS.

Okay, that's enough of the complaints. The game looks so ****ing amazingly, eye-popping good. I could not believe what I was witnessing in-game. The graphic artists, or whoever made those all deserve raises. Many times I had to pick up my jaw off the floor, things looked so freaking amazing. They've made incredible looking snow, water, sand and some awe-inspiring skyboxes as well. This might not be my GOTY pick, but for best graphics, this wins hands down for me.

Soundtrack and voice work is incredible as usual. I liked the new characters in the game, both good and bad, and the musc had hints of this cello theme that played a lot during some of the more intense moments of the first Uncharted. The soundtrack was always good, but it felt like it was more recognizable this time around, more identity.

I feel that this game overall is almost on par with with Uncharted 2. It's a tall order to fill, but I think in some areas, Naughty Dog really outdid themselves. It's just that some other parts of the game could have been improved, perhaps if they weren't constrained to 2 year development cycles. Frustrated by the end, but the loved the package overall. I'm going to try Crushing later on.

Just reached ch 19 and yes it got better, woah at the end of ch 15 and 17 :shock: though the latter was a very short chapter. I cannot believe I'm almost done with the game while some set pieces surpass U2, the game feels disjointed, abrupt pacing, end of chapters. It feels rushed, kind of imcomplete like what happened to the other characters? Game is all over the place, and the gunfights aren't as engaging as U2 for some reason, it must have to do with enemy placement, variety and AI. Like I previously mentioned, I believe ND got caught up trying to make this game as cinematic as possible; at the expense of failing to strike the right balance of platforming,puzzles,gunfights,story,enemy placement and variety.

While I haven't finished the game I lol @ the guy who gave a 4 to this game in that article, yes I haven't read it yet. I hope 4 out of 5 right? Not 4 out of 10 like I'm thinking atm, if so I would love to see the games he has rated :lol:

LOL, that's hilarious! I left that forum because it was a bore, and it still is. What's the post count up to there now, like three posts a day? I've never left anywhere over a fight, regardless of what end of it I ended up on.

Shame-usBlackley

Good to know.

U2 plays out differently than any other third person shooter out there because travesering the enviornment is so fluid thanks to Drake's superhuman platforming abilities. I love flanking enemies and have them flank me. Halo is like the only shooter besides Uncharted that have enemy A.I aggresive enough to flank you. Usually shooters are just content with having enemies take cover adequetly and throw a grenade or two to get you out of cover. Gears 3 horde mode is a thing of beauty because the level design allows the enemy to flank you, it keeps you on your toes and make each encounter freaking thrilling.

I feel that this game overall is almost on par with with Uncharted 2. It's a tall order to fill, but I think in some areas, Naughty Dog really outdid themselves. It's just that some other parts of the game could have been improved, perhaps if they weren't constrained to 2 year development cycles. Frustrated by the end, but the loved the package overall. I'm going to try Crushing later on.Dez

Pretty much my thoughts on the game. I also adjusted to the aiming on Hard mode to the point that I barely even notice it. It was simply ridiculous on normal though. I suspect you will like the combat sections more on Crushing because now you know exactly how many waves the game throws at you and where and when they drop the power weapons. I breezed through the game on hard barely even dying when on normal I died around 70 times.

Like I previously mentioned, I believe ND got caught up trying to make this game as cinematic as possible; at the expense of failing to strike the right balance of platforming,puzzles,gunfights,story,enemy placement and variety.Destruction

If you watch the Behind the Scenes - Story interview with Amy Henning, she specifically talks about how the setpieces were their focus this time around and how she wrote the story around them. What bothers me is that she seems to think that's the way things should be done. I mean it does sound good on paper, i.e., gameplay over story, but in a series like Uncharted where the characters practically are the main attraction, you cannot have Drake running around by himself in the last half of the game. I dont remember Drake saying a single funny thing after the 'You're a Pirate' line to Ramses in Chapter 12 It's funny to see how an industry veteran of 22 years can get something this basic this wrong. She still did a fantastic job with the dialogue but the overall plot and story felt a bit uncomplete.

Seems like everyone is saying the same thing. Its good with some great moments that are hard to deny, but at the end of the day the pacing is bad and disjointed and the story and narrative are all over the place. Its just not focused enough. If it got a little more time in development it could have been spectacular. But it was rushed. Either to beat CoD and Skyrim or to meet that absurd 11-1-11 date I dunno. But the end product shows its flaws. Great game but a little disappointing

If you watch the Behind the Scenes - Story interview with Amy Henning, she specifically talks about how the setpieces were their focus this time around and how she wrote the story around them. What bothers me is that she seems to think that's the way things should be done. I mean it does sound good on paper, i.e., gameplay over story, but in a series like Uncharted where the characters practically are the main attraction, you cannot have Drake running around by himself in the last half of the game. I dont remember Drake saying a single funny thing after the 'You're a Pirate' line to Ramses in Chapter 12 It's funny to see how an industry veteran of 22 years can get something this basic this wrong. She still did a fantastic job with the dialogue but the overall plot and story felt a bit uncomplete.

S0lidSnake

Yeah this agitated me too. The story in uncharted games is what accelerates its rise to glory. Its story and characters along with locations and set pieces make it great. Not a game written around set pieces. Never ever should a game have set pieces in mind first. It shows it U3's design that it was built this way.

Also you're right drake just isn't as funny in this game. He has his moments but some feel outplayed. I mean Cutter was funnier than Drake was. That and the fact that nate is alone most of the damn game means he never gets to interact with anyone

Also can some explain to me. On the boat they said "move the prisoners to the blah blah blah" but drake never finds anyone and kilss everyone on board and the ship sinks and he washes ashore. I meant, what the hell? why was he even on the boat in the first place then

Also can some explain to me. On the boat they said "move the prisoners to the blah blah blah" but drake never finds anyone and kilss everyone on board and the ship sinks and he washes ashore. I meant, what the hell? why was he even on the boat in the first place then

seanmcloughlin

They're just trying to fool Drake into believing they have Sully and other prisoners. They dont have s***.

[QUOTE="seanmcloughlin"]

Also can some explain to me. On the boat they said "move the prisoners to the blah blah blah" but drake never finds anyone and kilss everyone on board and the ship sinks and he washes ashore. I meant, what the hell? why was he even on the boat in the first place then

S0lidSnake

They're just trying to fool Drake into believing they have Sully and other prisoners. They dont have s***.

Ahhh makes sense I suppose. That would have been a massive hole in the story otherwise :P

I'm not a believer in developers creating the "bigger better more badass" sequels. You eventually end up with a franchise that has one game worth playing and the rest nullified by virtue of being exactly like the successors just a little worse. So even though Uncharted 3 is not perfect, ND did the right thing by changing the pace, the combat scenarios and tone of the game. So now if I want to replay the franchise a year from now, I get three different experiences (relatively of course).

Same with the MGS series and why I give a lot of props to Kojima.

Anyway, I beat the game and the most disappointing aspect is the unfinished story. No doubt they ran out of time and they did such a good job of setting it up that you are left with a ton of questions. (spoilers ahead). What I intially liked about the story was that it was a personal story about Drake. I was thinking how awesome it was that the story wasn't about saving the world, something I loved about Drakes Fortune before the end where they fell back on the cliched videogame plot. Its unfortuante that ND feels like they have to add that element when its completely unecessary and only hampers what they built up for 90% of the game.

I still enjoyed the story more than U2 (which was worse than DF), and as a whole I thought it matched U2, but not for its time. Some of the battles in the game were brilliant, how they fuse tech and gameplay is something remarkable. The shipyard scene comes to mind, it gives you a ton of ways to tackle and the water is great for giving the player an escape from the chaos if they are about to die.

The areas I liked the least were the Castle in Syria and tunnels in England. I didn't hate them but I thought they were boring. My favourite areas were the shipyard, and the desert was unreal. If Naughty Dog wanted to make an open world in the vain of RDR I feel like they could blow us away.

There's a lot I could say but I don't want to overanalyze at this point, but I'm looking forward to replaying the game with the aiming patch. Some frustrating moments could be relieved if I could aim quicker.

I still haven't touched Coop or Multi, but this is already a great game, can't wait to see the rest of it. Lets play today guys!