Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Essentials) - PS3 is the first entry in the Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog and originally released in 2007. It was later re-released as part of the PlayStation 3 Essentials collection, offering the game at a more affordable price. The game introduced players to Nathan Drake, an adventurous treasure hunter, and laid the foundation for one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises. Here's a detailed review of Uncharted: Drakes Fortune as part of the Essentials collection:
1. Gameplay
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune combines third-person shooting, platforming, and puzzle-solving elements to create an action-adventure experience. It blends these mechanics seamlessly, allowing players to navigate lush environments, fight enemies, and uncover hidden treasures.
2. Graphics & Presentation
For a game released in 2007, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was a graphical powerhouse on the PS3, and it holds up reasonably well in the Essentials version.
- Environment Design: The games tropical jungle environments are lush and detailed, with impressive water effects and dynamic lighting. The environments give the feeling of being in a real, living world, with plenty of varied locations such as caves, beaches, and ruins.
- Character Models: While the character models are a bit dated by todays standards, they were impressive at the time. Nathan Drakes design and facial animations are well-done, conveying his emotions and personality effectively. The supporting characters are less fleshed-out, but they serve their purpose in the story.
- Animations: The animations are fluid, particularly in the climbing and jumping sequences. The character movements are smooth, and the cutscenes are well-done, using in-engine models and dynamic camera angles to deliver the narrative.
3. Story and Characters
The story of Uncharted: Drakes Fortune revolves around Nathan Drakes quest to find the legendary El Dorado, the mythical city of gold. He is joined by reporter Elena Fisher and pursued by a group of mercenaries. The plot is fairly straightforward, with a few twists and turns along the way.
- Nathan Drake: Nathan is charismatic and witty, with a clear sense of humor. His character is a mix of rugged adventurer and everyman, making him relatable and likable. The chemistry between Nathan and Elena is one of the highlights of the story, adding a human element to the otherwise action-packed narrative.
- Supporting Cast: Elena Fisher, the journalist, provides an interesting counterpoint to Nathans more daring personality. The mercenaries, led by the villainous Gabriel Roman, are mostly one-dimensional but serve their purpose as antagonists.
- Plot and Pacing: The plot is engaging enough to keep players invested, with a few thrilling setpieces and mystery elements. However, it doesnt delve too deep into complex character development or emotional storytelling. The pacing is quick, with lots of action and exploration, ensuring that the game never feels slow or drawn out.
4. Sound & Music
The sound design in Uncharted: Drakes Fortune is excellent, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
- Voice Acting: The voice acting is top-notch, particularly Nolan Norths performance as Nathan Drake. North brings a lot of charm and h
