Review of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Platinum) - PS3
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2007. It was the first entry in the now-iconic Uncharted series, marking Nathan Drakes debut as he embarks on a perilous adventure to find the fabled El Dorado. The Platinum edition of the game doesnt differ in content from the original release but often includes additional bonuses or lower price points, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious players.
While Uncharted: Drakes Fortune may not be as polished as later entries in the series, it still holds a place as a thrilling, cinematic experience and an important milestone in the evolution of modern action-adventure games. Heres a breakdown of the games key elements:
Story and Setting
The story follows Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter and descendant of the legendary explorer Sir Francis Drake. The adventure begins when Drake discovers a clue leading to the mythical El Dorado, which he believes to be a golden statue hidden deep in the South American jungle. Along the way, he encounters dangerous mercenaries, uncovering ancient secrets while facing off against both human and environmental threats.
While the story in Drake's Fortune is relatively straightforward, it serves as an exciting vehicle for action. The games settingdense jungles, ancient temples, and hidden cavesadds a sense of adventure and mystery, drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones-style adventures. The environment feels alive, with lush vegetation, crumbling ruins, and treacherous terrain, which all contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere.
Though the plot doesn't feature the same depth or twists found in later Uncharted titles, Nathan's chemistry with his companions, particularly Elena Fisher (a journalist and romantic interest), is well-established, giving the narrative emotional stakes.
Gameplay
The core of Uncharted: Drakes Fortune is its blend of third-person shooting, platforming, and puzzle-solving. As players control Nathan Drake, they navigate lush environments, climb walls, leap across ravines, and engage in intense firefights.
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Shooting and Combat: The game offers solid shooting mechanics, with cover-based combat that was groundbreaking for its time. Players can hide behind walls and obstacles, taking cover while firing on enemies, which gives a strategic edge during gunfights. The weapon variety, including pistols, shotguns, and assault rifles, is decent, though not as expansive as in later titles. The combat feels satisfying, but it can become repetitive, as enemies are often aggressive and relentless, especially in the latter half of the game.
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Platforming and Exploration: Drakes Fortune incorporates climbing and platforming elements that are essential to progressing through the game. Nathans acrobatic skills allow him to scale walls, leap across ledges, and swing from ropes. The platforming is smooth but can occasionally feel a bit stiff, especially in later sections where the game demands more precision.
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Puzzles: Puzzles in Uncharted are relatively simple, often revolving around finding hidden items, moving objects, or activating switches in the right order. They offer a nice diversion from the action but are generally not too challenging, making the game more action-focused than puzzle-oriented.
Graphics and Sound
- Graphics: Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was a visually stunning game for its time, showcasing the PlayStation 3s early capabilities. The character models are well-detailed, and Nathan Drakes
