Somebody has learned how to fight...And it's Nathan Drake!
Game play:
Pros:
Never really feel like you're NOT in control. Nathan moves, climbs, shoots and looks as good as ever! And this time around, Drake kicks major @ss, which in my opinion, this addition alone makes the game best in the series. Puzzles are much better now-not only more stylish but more challenging which is always welcome. I actually feel like I'm accomplishing something as an experienced archeologist..
(supposed) cons:
What's this that the AI is bad? I feel the enemy is faster, smarter and shoots more precisely than ever. They almost have a live gamers feel to them because they elude your fire and problem solve which makes it challenging in a good way in my opinion. Also, complaints that the enemies are still 'bullet sponges' is something I don't see as a problem. It's still a video game and you just have to learn quickly where to aim. Torso and Head shots are still deadly but if you miss and don't kill them off your clip, they will revive in a way sort of like yourself which I believe make it difficult in a good way. Yes, sometimes you fall while climbing if you don't take your time but it's rare and there are checkpoints often so it never is that big of a deal.
Story:
Pros:
The story takes you to twice the locations the first two did and it mixes it up beautifully. Won't spoil the locations for you but I am very happy with the variety and pace of this installment. And thank god Naughty Dog decided to put Drakes love triangle on the back burner and focus on his relationship with Sully. Makes for a much more engaging and deep story. Similar to how Connery made The 'Last Crusade' best in series, though a different relationship, Victor Sullivan does here. Also, new great characters(both heroes & villains) are introduced keeping the story fresh though I would have liked to see more of them in the conclusion to make the ending feel a little less rushed and more complete.
Cons:
The only thing I would maybe change here is the threat of the fate of the world isn't there like before. This is more of a personal competition for Nathan rather than the fate of the world on his hands which doesn't make it as intense as it's predecessors. But I understand that this story is focusing mostly on Nate and Sully's relationship which is again better than the love triangle tag alongs in Elena/Chloe.Plus, the enemy is easy to hate and you want to see them die in great fashion which happens in one cut scene so there is always that! I'm okay with most plot holes people are complaining about because they explained everything you needed to know about the quest Nate is currently on and the rest of them I think are left untold for future installments-Kinda like how 'Empire strikes back' ending the way it did
Graphics:
WOW, just WOW!!
Okay, I was only going to go with WOW, but I can't help but touch on this subject. You thought it couldn't get better than U2? You're wrong. U3 is more detailed and beautiful in almost every way. It's truly stunning at times. Developers need to start doing their homework to catch up to Naughty Dog..
Sound:
Best soundtrack yet. If you appreciate audio, visual experiences the way I do, you'll have goosebumps every few minutes during the campaign.
Multiplayer:
FUN FUN AND MORE FUN to be had online. More options, more perks, more reasons to kick some but around the world! Climbing around multiple levels brings a whole entire new thrill to multiplayer and co-op is fun and rewarding as well!
Overall Score: 10
U3 delivers in every category and it's the next step towards narrowing the margin between movies and games which is the ultimate goal. I was blown away by U2 and am even more blown away now. Enjoy punching, kicking, climbing, shooting and puzzle solving around the globe as our hero Nathan Drake in another epic adventure. an experience that may stick with you for life!