The public online multiplayer beta-testing of this fall’s upcoming video game “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” has come to a close, leaving behind a positive indication of the direction of this work-in-progress.
The beta has revealed that the multiplayer component of “Uncharted 3” played a solid role in the upcoming game with its strong customization options, intense action and unique gameplay.
The “Uncharted” franchise is a series of third person action games developed by Naughty Dog, Inc. and exclusive to the Playstation 3 The game follows the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he travels to lost civilizations in search of riches and thrills.
Along the way, Drake and his allies have competed with pirates and mercenaries before ultimately battling with forces that jeopardize the safety of the world, drawing comparisons to the “Indiana Jones” film franchise and fellow video game franchise “Tomb Raider.”
The main draw of the series has previously belonged to the decidedly story-driven, cinematic nature of the single player campaign and the beta revealed that the unique style of the campaign is being incorporated into the multiplayer.
An example from the beta is a match that included two teams fighting between a cargo plane barreling down a runway with jeeps chasing it down before ending the conflict on a base in the desert, drawing directly from a scenario that occurs in the single player portion of the game.
The beta also teased a cooperative multiplayer mode that draws on the single player experience.
“My favorite mode is co-op,” said Adrian Bruce, 24, a fan of the “Uncharted” franchise and sampler of the beta. “I’m not always a competitive player so its nice to be able to work together with other players to complete objectives. The co-op in the beta is highly updated compared to the last game.”
In maintaining the overall theme of the “Uncharted” franchise, treasure hunting was incorporated into the beta as players were offered chances to pickup treasure chests littered along the battlefields that yielded extra points and advantages.
“Uncharted” has toyed with concepts of the supernatural and the beta integrated this with player abilities that included transforming into a swarm of ravenous spiders or disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
The beta also teased ‘Power Plays’, one minute-intervals that occur sporadically and can turn the tide of a match–such as revealing the exact location of all the members of one team while cloaking the other.
Customization in the beta was highly improved in comparison to the previous game in the franchise, with multiple options for players to choose their gear and weaponry to take into each match along with a selection of clothes and artistic emblems for their character.
This also included the selection of ‘Boosters,’ which granted players a selection of enhancements to choose from before each match that, for example, could add speed boosts or increased health, similar to the ‘perks’ found in the “Call of Duty” franchise.
According to IGN.com, the beta—which was open to owners of internet ready Playstation 3 consoles—ran from June 28 through July 14 and players who reached the beta’s max limit will receive an in-game reward if they pick up the game, which releases on November.
While any of the elements found in the beta could be removed or changed prior to the game’s release those that were present indicate that Naughty Dog is attempting to provide a multiplayer experience intended to match the intensity and caliber of their award winning single player experiences.
