Uncharted 2: Drake’s Fortune offers a unique action/adventure gaming experience that is unrivaled and unparalleled to any other game on the market. The storyline, graphics, characters and gameplay, make this game at the top of anyone’s gaming list, and probably a top 5 game of the year. Almost every gamer on every level will enjoy the experience Uncharted 2 bestows, and it is a must-buy/must-rent game that is sure to busy up your weekend.

The adventure experience in Uncharted 2 is like no other video game in comparison. You truly feel like you are either on a real treasure hunt around the world, or you are watching some kind of movie starring Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. The elements are real, the characters are real, and although the gameplay may feel unrealistic at times, the experience endured will never be forgettable. The story told by Drake, the antihero of the video game truly engrosses you in the gameplay. His combat moves and actions skills are nothing but superior, as Drake can easily climb pipes, rock ledges, walls, stars, street signs, wires, and anything else you can imagine. Besides the gunfights, the true adventure within Uncharted 2 lies within Drake’s ability to climb all this interactive elements within the game, truly leaving you feeling once again completely engrossed in the gameplay.

If you’ve seen the commercial for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, you should know what we’re talking about. Almost movie-like, Uncharted 2 may actually feel like you’re watching a movie at times. Yes there are plenty of cut-scenes, but at least they are nowhere in the vicinity of Metal Gear Solids’, as they are truly enjoyable and watchable. Even more so, the game also offers many chapters that do not involve combat, but rather the exploration of new areas, villages, storyline and character play.

The treasure hunting side quests in this game also offer cool extras which allow you to earn cash within the game, and trophies within Playstation’s online support. There are 100 treasures in total spread pretty evenly throughout the game, many will be extremely difficult to find. Without prolonged hours of play or the viewing of a walkthrough or some YouTube videos, chances are you will miss many of them. They are not necessary at all to complete the game, but they do offer rewards that will unlock several features, items, trailers and other cool extras within the game. You may also encounter several cool easter eggs throughout the game. One notable one was in Chapter 6, as you’re swinging from rooftop to rooftop, you will at point land on a beautiful hotel rooftop with a pool. By jumping in the pool, Drake will exclaim “Marco” and then “Polo”, netting you $5,000 each.

In all fairness, we found the game extremely linear and pretty easy in comparison to other games in the market. Don’t get us wrong, the blazing gunfights and adventure you experience will truly leave you at awe. Nonetheless you are probably more apt to dying from missing a ledge or step during your treacherous monkey-antics than dying in a gun battle. Most stages in the game are pretty linear, and if you miss something, you are bound to come back around to catch it again. This is of course an exception to the treasures in the game. Many are in obscure locations that are seemingly impossible to find or get to at points in game. Additionally, if you advance without picking them up, they will be missed in this run of the game.

Graphically and visually, Uncharted 2 offers nothing but a pleasant experience, from breathtaking city, ocean, jungle and cliff views, to mouth-watering waterfalls, churches and temples. You will truly travel around the world to experience ancient civilization culture like no other. The graphics engine provides a very impressive experience as you immerse yourself in the massive environments, from enormous ancient cities to the abstract wilderness.

Uncharted 2 also offers a lengthy playing experience. With a campaign lasting around 10 hours of gameplay, Uncharted 2 clearly makes itself well worth the $60 it costs. You will undoubtedly be happy from the campaign experience, while the game also offers a multi-player experience. Although the multi-player isn’t overly impressive, it still offers fun combat with friends via Playstation Network and is definitely another portal for some action and the fun. The bread and butter of this game is obviously the campaign, with its twists and turns and tricks, it will surely leave you asking for more, and wanting to know when Uncharted 3 is scheduled for release. Overall we recommend this game with two thumbs up to every gamer out there, and we truly hope you have had the chance to play this epic experience from front to end.