**possible Uncharted 2 spoilers in this post**
Also if you thought your OP was a wall of text then don't even bother with reading this reply, it may be a bit too much.
If you decide it is too much and don't read it, then you are just being hypocritical. You can't call someone out on not providing a detailed argument, and then not read it when one is given. With that said...:
[QUOTE="Cherokee_Jack"]
I'm sure your logic works perfectly in the alternate universe in which all game criticism is based around your personal opinions.
Sadly we don't live in that universe.
Sledgehammer117
Good argument there. I always find this with Uncharted fanboys like you. You can't say what is so good about Uncharted because you know that its just graphics.
Oh please.
You really think Uncharted 2 won all the awards and perfect scores it did with not only superb reception from game critics, but also everyday gamers themselves PURELY BECAUSE OF GRAPHICS? Its ok if you don't like the game, but don't be so blind about it. Acknowledge the game for what it is, which is downright amazing.
I'll provide a (short, because I need to go to bed) list of some reasons why Uncharted is such a well recieved game.
First off, I'll start with the one that you know about:
1) Graphics. Yes, the graphics are dropdead gorgeous. No way around it, they are amazing. In fact Uncharted 2's graphics are still among the top as far as console games go. Killzone, Crysis 2, and some other benchmark games are up right along with Uncharted, but that doesn't diminish the graphical quality of the game. Now, the common argument: But do graphics really make or break a game? Well, no. Not alone at least. If a game has great graphics but lackluster gameplay, a short mediocre story, ect then it will still be bad. No, graphics don't make the game a massive success, what the graphics do is complete the experience. The great graphics simply add to the atmosphere and make the game a better experience overall. Uncharted sets out to be an interactivecinematichollywood blockbuster. A large part of what makes the game feel cinematic is the almost life-like graphics.
2) Story. You say its mediocre. Why, exactly? Sure, it has some generic stereotypes and cliches, but so do many forms of media that centure around adventuring and treasure hunting! Uncharted is simply staying true to the genre! Aside from the cliches, the story is good (in my opinion). The writing is exceptional, the voice acting is top notch, and lets not forget the biggest story-draw of the game: the cinematic interactive story telling. Believe it or not, many people like a simple linear story with lots of action. Its the same reason that some people prefer Michael Bay esque action movies like The Rock as opposed to more story driven movies that require you to think more, like Inception. Its those same people that prefer Uncharted's simple and fun action experience as opposed to spending 40+ hours on one playthrough of Mass Effect 2. The story of Uncharted is interesting because it intertwines real world locations and people, which is something people can relate to, into a fictional world. Most people have heard of Sir Francis Drake and Marco Polo, and are facinated to play a game that includes that type of history as they almost feel like they're learning something while they play.
3) Atmosphere / soundtrack. The setting, the graphics, the characters, the soundtrack, ect. It all adds up to an awesome atmosphere. There's no denying that the musical score Greg Edmonson composed for the game is simply amazing. Go on youtube and listen to Nates Theme 2.0, the song that plays in Uncharted's menus, and tell me it doesn't immediately make you feel like an adventurer. Or listen to Reunion and tell me that you don't feel a little bit sad when hearing it (assuming you played Uncharted 2).
4) Gameplay. You said you thought it was only average. Decent at best. Thats fine, but its only your opinion. To others (many, many others) the gameplay is immensely satisfying and the gameplay is a huge draw. Do you really think people would love the game so much if the game was a chore to play? No, a game needs good gameplay to succeed, and Uncharted delivers. Sure, Uncharted doesn't introduce any one thing new to the table in terms of gameplay. Third person shooter, cover system, freedom of movement / parkour esque climbing, puzzles, stealth, interactive cinematics, ect. Its all been done before. However, Uncharted is unique in that it allows all of these gameplay features in one game. The only other game that includes most of these features is Tomb Raider, which is where Uncharted gained a large part of its inspiration from. The gameplay in Uncharted is extremely satisfying. Sure, each feature alone is fairly average, but when combined it offers an amzing experience. You can sneak your way through certain areas, climbing buildings and pulling guys over ledges while remaining undetected, or you can go guns blazing.
Not to mention the AI is pretty good in that they actually have eyes and not wall hacks. In most games, even one's with a slight stealth element, once the AI detects you they know where you are until you move on to the next batch of enemies. But not in Uncharted. In Uncharted they'll realistically lose track of you and start searching, allowing you to go back to stealth after getting spotted.
Another part of Uncharted gameplay that people love is the interactive cinematics. Some of them are jaw-dropping. I'm sure you remember the collapsing building during the helicopter fight (in chapter 7) of Uncharted 2? Its undescribable how amazing that was on the first playthrough.
5) Characters. This goes in with atmoshphere but still deserves a mention because the characters are some of the best I've seen in games. They actually have personallities and seem like real people with real problems. I know you said you don't like any of the characters besides Nate and Sully but thats just your opinion. Many other people('s opinions) believe that the characters are some of the best ever. Take Harry Flynn for example. A perfectly put together bad guy. Tenzin was another awesome supporting character. The characters are loved so much because they have good personalities. Nate for example is sometimes hilarious. His one liners and conversations with others complete his character. I personally loved his "Marco.... polo" conversation with Chloe on the hotel roof. And his "Oh, no, its not that bad. Look I have my own bucket!" line in the jail cell.
6) The Genre. This one is vague and honestly can't be statistically proven in any way really, but in general people like the adventrue genre. Indiana Jones, anyone? Some people just love the thought of playing through their own interactive Indiana Jones experience. The shooting, mixed with the climbing, and the story, and the characters and soundtrack and puzzles and treasure and lost city and blah blah blah... people like that.
7) Multiplayer. None of the games you mentioned have multiplayer. Whether you like it or not, not everyone is a singleplayer-exclusive gamer. Theres a reason why Black Ops is one of if not the most sold console game of all time. Is it because of the 5 hour campaign? HAH, many people don't even play through it! And when it comes to Game of the Year, multiplayer isconsidered. Granted, Uncharted 1 also lacked any multiplayer and Uncharted 2 had a farely generic / basic mutliplayer, but Uncharted 3 looks like its going all out in upgrading every aspect of online play to compete with the big boys.
Thats all for now, I really need to get to bed. But there you go for a basic argument. Sorry for any spelling errors, I'm damn tired.
Also the points I gave are just the tip of the iceberg. The true reason why people love Uncharted so much can't easily be explained in text. Its simply the overall experience that so many love.
Also as far as the original question is concerned: Will Uncharted 3 win GOTY? Answer - who knows. It has a better chance than you're giving it because despite your personal dislike the series is one of the most critically acclaimed this gen, but it is going up against a lot of competition. There are many other possible nominees like Mass Effect 3, Skyrim, Gears 3, LA Noire, Infamous 2, ect
I'm going to bed now.
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