Double Cash Halloween Weekend!

(click blog entry title to link to blog post)

Happy Halloween!

Naughty Dog has released a download patch to tidy up some multiplayer things, such as punishing people who leave games early.

Also, this weekend will earn you double cash for standard game objective actions (not for medals), and Naughty Dog employees will be playing in droves as ¡SKELZOR! Look for the paw print next to their user names.

And so Draketober comes to a close.

Jackman as Drake?

(click blog to link to MOST DISTRESSING NEWS ARTICLE)

So Nolan North, in an interview with Official Playstation Magazine UK, hinted that producers are looking into getting Hugh Jackman to play Drake in the movie adaptation.

I try to refrain from editorializing a lot on the blog, but I'm sorry, this makes me really really nervous.

As North points out, the idea here is to get a big name to headline the movie, probably to draw in crowds that otherwise might not know the franchise. I understand the inclination to do this, but recent movie trends have shown that even A-list stars don't necessarily make a movie more of a success than anyone else would. Plus, I can't help but think that when people see "Uncharted, starring Hugh Jackman," they're going to get the wrong impression about the film. The average movie-goer is going to think "Huh, Hugh Jackman. Wolverine." Maybe they'll remember The Prestige, or Australia, or Van Helsing, or that he sings; maybe more if they're big Jackman fans. I don't think any of these associations will really be something Uncharted can benefit from. Jackman gets a lot of intense roles, and I'm worried that will give the impression of Uncharted being less light-hearted than it actually is, regardless of whether or not the movie delivers on that front.

I generally support casting lesser known actors for adaptation works; it brings far less baggage to a role that already demands a certain finesse in navigating it. While the internet favorite for Drake has been Nathan Fillion for a while, and while I see his appeal, he also wouldn't be my first choice.

Sorry to be such a nitpicky fan, but what it boils down to is that Hugh Jackman would have to absolutely blow me away for me to buy him as Drake.

Expect a poll on this topic next week :P

All the Behind-The-Scenes In One Place

Blog Talk Radio Interview

Click the link-- I had it embedded, but it autoplays, so I took that out.

One of my comments got mentioned! About how Uncharted has a large female fanbase! Around the 20 minute mark. I felt super cool, let me tell you.
Even though I was kind of like "what, because female gamers aren't hardcore gamers?" And then I felt bad because the mention of the TV commercial that was a little sexist kind of put Neil on the spot.
And I was a little miffed that the interviewers added a little bit on the end of my question that qualified it. As if female gamers only like Uncharted because of the hotness of Nathan Drake, and not because it's, for instance, a FANTASTIC GAME in all its other aspects (music, graphics, flow, pacing, cinematics, etc.-- you know, the stuff it's getting rave reviews on).
Not to get all soapbox on you here, but this attitude towards female gamers is (and has been) a big problem. The great thing about the Uncharted franchise is that it doesn't have that attitude that gaming is a boys club (except in that one TV commercial), but these radio bloggers kind of posited women on the outside-- boys like it cause it's a good game, girls because Nate has a fabulous ass.
Excuse me?

Anyway. Whatever. It wasn't really the right forum for that conversation.

"Thank God, It's Aliens."

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

These guys just missed Amy and Neil when they did their 100th episode a while back (which I actually remember). So they called back!

Notable news is that some DLC is coming out this year, as has been mentioned around, and there's going to be other DLC packages over time.

Please listen to this if you have the time (it's mad long). There's a LOT of cool behind-the-scenes stuff. For example: one of the concept designers early on suggested Thor's Hammer for a MacGuffin, which of course was what ended up being used in Tomb Raider: Underworld.

I'm still listening to the interview, so that's really it for me to say for now.

Also, just as a mention, you may have notice I've been posting a lot less. This is probably going to be the case for a while, since I am catching up on all my homework that got put off in the wake of the game's release. So if you're like "hey why didn't she post this thing and that other thing!" it's mostly because I'm busy, and because I don't have a compulsive need to post every teeny tiny thing like I did before when I was starved for Uncharted info.

EDIT: OMG I love Amy Hennig so very much. Why? Because she clearly had some issues with the commercial that I've complained about. It gets briefly mentioned about 5/8ths of the way through (no time mark, sadly).

McConaughey Was Just a Rumor

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

I really liked this interview, and in no small part because Amy Hennig was like "yeah I have no idea why anyone thought McConaughey was in the running for the movie." THANK GOD FOR THAT.

Also, she's totally possessive of Nolan North being his roguish charming self for them and how like every game company and their brother-in-law is trying to cash in on that now. I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND, AMY. I'd be possessive of Nolan North too.

The Closest I'll Ever Get

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Fortune Hunter Edition) at IGN.com

Check out this video if you want to be envious.

Watch Eye of Indra Episode 1 Here!

(try clicking the link if video doesn't load or whatever)

Hahaaaa check it out.

Some Behind the Scenes Videos

Here are a couple of behind the scenes videos, courtesy of Anonymous. There's a whole mess of them on Youtube, so you can check some other ones out there.

First Episode of "Eye of Indra" Out Today

(click blog entry title to link to Playstation Blog)

So, as the title says, the first episode of Eye of Indra was released today on Playstation Home (for free, btw).

It's pretty neat, as long as you completely ignore the Toyota advertisement in the middle, which is really kind of pathetic. Rika seems pretty cool, I gotta say. She has a sweet shoulder tattoo and huge hoop earrings!

Anyway, check it out.

EDIT:
For a test, they did a motion comic version of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Here it is!


Part 1


Part 2

Naughty Dog on Coin-Op TV

Coin-Op TV Live - Uncharted 2 & Operation Flashpoint

Watch This Episode on www.theStream.tv

The Uncharted 2 section starts at around 28 minutes in.

Video Games Are Harder to Make Than Movies

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

Amy Hennig chats about how long it took to make the train level, reassures us about the movie with Columbia, and subtly digs at Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.

Some Amusement For You

(click image or blog title to see whole comic)

Freezing Problems

(click blog entry title to link to article)

It appears that Uncharted 2 is freezing for not an insignificant number of people. Exactly when the freeze happens varies, but it's usually the very start or very end of the game. It's likely not a console problem.

Sadly, this totally happened to me too. It happened on my friend's PS3, and then in literally the exact same spot on my PS3 at home. Luckily I had reached a checkpoint and picked it up without losing anything, but it was most distressing and interruptive. Hopefully there will be a patch soon.

Uncharted 2 is Third Fastest Selling PS3 Title In America

With the Japan and Europe numbers roughly guesstimated, they're projecting maybe a million copies sold by the end of the week, which is completely tubular. Yes, I just used the word tubular.

Aw, Evan Wells Again.

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

Evan Wells took a break from his break to do a little interview with these guys over here. He is still a totally diplomatic guy when people ask him about why the Xbox 360 couldn't handle Uncharted :P

Motion Comic Prequel!

(click blog entry title to link to news)

Sooo it looks like Naughty Dog will be making a motion comic prequel about Nathan Drake, giving us a little backstory, using voice actors from the games. It's called Uncharted: Eye of Indra, I'm guessing Sully will be in it, and there's some new girl named Rika. No word on whether or not it's something you have to pay for or what, but uh, I totally want it.

New Commercial Spot

Ok, I've caught up on my life, so I can get back to posting crap. Here's a short and intense little TV spot. Totally looks like a movie ad.

Charted!

Finished the game on Normal this morning at about 7:30am. One sitting, 11 hours and 15 minutes. Fell asleep immediately afterward :P


All posts for the next two weeks or so will have appropriate spoiler warnings. I ask for your cooperation in this as well-- if you comment on something, please also make sure to post spoiler warnings too.

Live Chat With Naughty Dog!

(click blog entry title to link to chat)

There was a live chat with two of the ND team today for the release!
I didn't watch it yet, so I don't know if there be spoilers. I'm literally about to sit down and play so I don't really have time to sum it up for you :P
Anyway you should be playing too! So watch this some other time!

History Is Yours For the Taking

That would be the U2:AT television advert in Europe. Exciting, no?

Also the narrator's voice is kind of hot ^_^

Special Edition Podcast

(click blog entry title to link to podcast, or click link below)

Maybe that video review wasn't enough...maybe you want to listen to GameInformer's fanboyish praising podcast! (Probably Spoilers Within!)

Here's their review of the game too; they gave two perfect scores.

Video Review to Get You Pumped!

Here's one last little video review for all of y'alls. From what we've been seeing, nobody likes the early forced stealth level, but they got over it pretty quickly.

With thanks to d20 Sapphire who sent this my way and made me SUPER SUPER PUMPED.
HOLY CRAP MIDNIGHT LAUNCH IN LIKE 10 HOURS. GET EXCITED, GUYS. GET EXCITED.

Fortune Hunter Edition on Multiplayer!

(click blog entry title to link to PS Blog)

Didn't see this until today, but THIS WEEKEND playing the multiplayer could win you a Fortune Hunter's Edition! 10 people will be randomly selected each day to win it, starting today and going until launch.

Now go play! You don't even have to be good! You just have to be online playing!

Long-Ass Q & A

(click blog entry title to link to Q&A)

Best Buy hosted an online Q&A with Neil Druckmann and Travis Mcintosh last night. It is crazy super long. But chock full of information! I haven't read the whole thing yet, but it's cool.

First Walkthrough Up!

(click blog entry title to link to walkthrough)

Here it is. The first walkthrough/guide (that I could find, anyway).
They don't have a complete guide for all the treasures yet, but the whole game looks like it's up. I REFUSE TO READ IT. So if you want to check it out and find out if it's any good, do so at your own peril. I guarantee there are spoilers up in there.

Uncharted Ads Increase in UK

(click blog entry title to link to article)

This article is pretty self-explanatory--there's going to be a LOT of advertising for U2:AT, at least in the UK, starting next week, including an HD ad to run during the England World Cup qualifiers. It's unclear as to whether or not the ad to run in conjunction with the Discovery Channel programming is also in the US (I don' think it is though). In any event, advertising is good, since a big critique of a lot of PS3 exclusives is that they don't really get a lot of advertising.

More to Come in Multiplayer

(click blog entry title to link to article)

In response to the queries of thousands of multiplayer demo players, Naughty Dog clarified what additional stuff will be available when the multiplayer goes officially and properly live on the game's release date:

# Three more maps
# The full set of Co-op objective levels
# Three more game modes – Turf War, King of the Hill and Co-op Survival
# More skins, boosters and taunts in the ingame Store

Also, Naughty Dog has confirmed downloadable content for competitive multiplayer at least (things like new maps, modes, etc.). Co-op DLC is unlikely at this point.

A Guest Entry!

So I managed to obtain a pair of reservations and convince an acquaintance of mine from Chicago to go to the Chicago cinema event on Monday! And he wrote a little piece for the blog for me!

It's more a review of the game than coverage of the event, and it's definitely an unbiased opinion, which is probably a good thing to have on this blog every now and then :P


Even though this article constitutes impressions of a game that many people are no doubt eagerly anticipating, I should warn you that some fanboys reading this might not like some things I have to say. I am not a Sony fanboy, in fact I have only owned a PS2 and PSP for a combined total of about a year, I stick mainly to PC now.

Still, being an avid gamer with an open mind I can admit that even though I don't own a PS3 there are many games I wouldn't mind trying on the system when it gets to a price I can afford. Somewhere in my mind, between Killzone 2 and Little Big Planet, is Uncharted, a game that looked amazing when it was released earlier in the console's life cycle. It's sequel, Uncharted 2, is being released October 13th. There was an event held in Chicago and I attended eager to try the title, and finally get to see a PS3 outside of a store kiosk (none of my friends own one).

I took a guest with me to the event, he's a friend who didn't mind the PS style controller (I don't like how the analog sticks are placed on PS controllers, preferring Gamecube or 360 style layouts), and who also is an avid gamer completing more action titles than my exploration/puzzle/RTS playing self could ever hope to complete.

Seeing as how this is an Uncharted 2 blog I assume all of you are familiar with the storyline and gameplay of the first game. My friend and I have no experience with the PS3 really, nor did we know the original Uncharted's storyline or gameplay style. What follows is our impressions of Uncharted 2 from our short time with it.

I'll start with the bad, as my friend put it, the game does nothing new, but everything it does do it does very very well. From shooting to maneuvering around the environment the controls were very responsive, and he never had any problems doing what he wanted. We did see other people having issues with getting off of a ladder (they would drop off the ladder and then start climbing before dropping off again and finally walking past the ladder like they wanted), and having issues with object interaction (i.e. trying to interact with an object and then getting into a cover position instead against the object), but these happen in any game so I can't find fault with Uncharted 2 specifically in this regard, for all intents and purposes the game plays amazingly well.

From a technical standpoint the game is gorgeous and utilizes many nice buzzwords like HDR lighting, realtime shadows (these are all affected by dynamic lights like the ones on Nate's belt), and ambient occlusion. From an artistic viewpoint the water and snow are absolutely jaw dropping, though water still is a little too thin (I have no idea how else to describe it, it's almost like the water reacts too much in some cases, but that is coming from someone who is picky about everything). However, don't believe anyone telling you this game is photo-realistic. It is amazingly detailed and looks great in motion, but it is stylized and it's not going to look real. However it is very easy to just fall into the games visuals and be immersed, perhaps more so than Mass Effect, the last game I found myself so drawn into visually. Everything from a setting sun to bullets ricocheting around to items toppling off a table all help suspend disbelief and make the world seem more real that anyone would have dreamed possible only a couple years ago.

We got to only play one area sadly, and couldn't really hear the character voices or music so I can't comment on that aspect of the game, but in general from what we heard from tvs while wandering around the event the acting is some of the best in recent memory, perhaps only being beaten out by Halo3:ODST (though it's a tough call for us and if we had a better environment to play in it is possibly Uncharted 2 might just win that category)

The area we played in was a jungle setting, we tried to not pay attention to the storyline much, as we both still want to play the first game and don't want many spoilers, but the exploration to me seemed limited, almost as if the game held your hand by making your path obvious. As someone who plays Fallout 3 and Elder Scrolls 4 for the open ended exploration aspects I found this to be a big issue, but my friend, a more seasoned vet of more scripted games like Call of Duty found no issues with the limitation. He was more accepting of the tightly crafted action sequences to the open ended exploration I was hoping for and he also pointed out the major benefit of this limitation is the pacing of the game is amazingly well done, never really making you frustrated but also never leaving you bored.

Overall, the game seems derivative in gameplay, and the fact that some people are giving it more than 100% in ratings (one french magazine has given is 21/20) shows how easily people are being led by graphics and it being a admittedly awesome game. Is it the best game ever? No, there is no such thing, but it will be an amazing game and one that a vast majority of gamers should experience if they can. Sony fans can justifiably hold this game up as the one of the greatest achievements this generation just based on how well the game plays and looks, not even taking into account the storyline. I do believe that as soon as I have the disposable income I will be buying a PS3, and this game has helped me with that decision.

--The author would like to remain anonymous, but you can check out his blog here.

Interview with Claudia Black

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

Here's a nice little interview with Claudia Black. I think she's got a lot of really good insights into gaming and where it's going, as well as acting and playing a tough but believable, likable female character, which Chloe definitely is.

How To Kick Ass at Multiplayer

(click blog entry title to link to guide)

Here's a cool little strategy guide for how to maximize your skills at deathmatch multiplayer. Take notes everyone!

Cinema Event Day One

(click blog entry title to link to blog)

So last night was the VIP Cinema event, and tonight's the one open to the public, if you happen to be lucky enough to live anywhere other than the East Coast (I'm not bitter or anything :P )

There's some coverage following the link, and here's a video interview with Amy Hennig about the fact that they gave away copies of the game. EARLY.
JEALOUSSSSS.

Dougnut Drake and Sir Francis Drake Skins

(click blog entry title to link to news)

MTV Shows

LOL

About the Poll Again

Wow! Last week's poll had more responses than any other poll-- 50 in total (for those who missed it, Chloe got 13 votes and Elena got 37).

The current poll question is about the blog in general: I'd like to know what all of you thought of it. Ultimately it was a project that I did for myself more than anything else, but I know there have been at least a few people who got something out of it, and I'd like to hear your opinions on it.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to say that yes, this blog will continue after the game is released. Some of the stuff I'll be collecting will be reviews, fan-works, videos and screenshots, multiplayer news, and any information we get on possible sequels or the movie.

If you want to leave your thoughts, opinions, critiques, suggestions for improvement, or whatever, feel free to do so in the comments, or shoot me an email at redflame8839@aol.com.

Thanks for sticking with me! ONE WEEK LEFT TO GOOOOO!!!
=D

Sweet Screenshots, ¡en Español!

(click blog entry title to link to screenshots)

Here's just a bunch of screenshots, many of which are some nice close-ups of characters that we haven't really gotten to see much of, like Jeff the Cameraman!

Game Trailers Video Review-- NOT Spoiler Free

Holy crap you guys, I'm gone for a day and all this news drops. Oh wait maybe it's because the game comes out in little more than a week!?

Here's the Game Trailers video review, courtesy of d20 sapphire. They gave the game
story: 9.2
design: 8.9
gameplay: 9.3
presentation: 9.8
overall: 9.3

Their biggest issue was that the gameplay is completely unoriginal, just done very very well. Also they didn't seem to favor the linear level progression. Everything else was pretty excellent, though.

There are tiny clips in here that do actually spoil some things, so approach with caution.

Video Games | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Review

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Behind the Scenes Videos: Now Spoiler Free!

(click blog entry title to link to videos)

There were too many videos to embed here, so I just linked to them all above. Haven't watched them yet, but they are said to be spoiler free. The article even says so right there on the top! Dive right in!

U:DF Trophies = $$$

(click blog entry title to link to blurb)

For those of you who slaved and sweated to get that Platinum trophy in U:DF, your efforts will not go unrewarded. According to Playstation Lifestyle, having trophies saved on your account yields you cash monies to spend in the Uncharted 2 store thing, for stuff like multiplayer boosters, skins, behind-the-scenes videos, etc.

Character Bios

(click blog entry title to link to bios)

Thanks to Anonymous, who hooked me up with this link to some brief character bios. Much of this can be found on the official Uncharted website, which you can link to from the toolbar on the right there.

Uncharted 2 Helping to Push PS3 Slim

(click blog entry title to link to news)

The PS3 Slim marketing campaign is being co-promoted with Uncharted 2, as you can see in the commercial below.



I guess it's an okay ad, the only thing is that I'm a bit irked at the gender aspect. The article says that "the campaign should help promote these products to a variety of demographics." Except, apparently, the whole "dumb girlfriend who can't figure out that Uncharted 2 is a video game" demographic. The graphics and storyline are as good as a movie but, you know, no way she'd want to play it herself or anything :/

I wouldn't mind so much if I could see a parallel ad that pushes the game to girls based on the fact that Nathan Drake is a total hottie. I think that would make up for it, and acknowledge the fact that not all girls who are interested in Uncharted 2 are dumb girlfriends, and us lady gamers are indeed 50% of the market.

Chatting With Wells Some More

(click blog entry title to link to interview)

Nice little interview with Evan Wells, which amusingly mentions that Naughty Dog "would love to see Uncharted grow beyond the PS3" aka go on the PSP, which is pretty much in direct opposition to what was said a couple months ago. But hey, whatever!

First 10 Minutes Leaked

(click blog entry title to link to video...IF YOU DARE)

Some Dutch website posted some (excellent quality) footage of the first 10 minutes of the game, much of which is cutscene. But uh, it goes without saying: SPOILER ALERT.

I watched it. I am weak.

Awards For Draketober!

(click blog entry title to link to review)

Reviews are trickling in, and so far U2:AT is pulling a 97 at metacritic, a website that compiles most official reviews. Not bad!

Also. I'm totally calling it Draketober (a name that a very wonderful friend of mine came up with). She made a list of ways to celebrate Draketober, which you can find (along with a most handsome holiday banner) here. So get excited!