Joystiq impressions: Uncharted (PS3)
If there's one thing everyone has been talking about with Uncharted, it's the complex animation system. Thousands of animations are blended together in real-time to create a visually complex world that feels alive. Drake responds to his surroundings: you'll see him look at points of interest, struggling to keep his footing, and more. In one heated gunfight, we had him take cover fire and could see the worried look on his face as he breathed heavily The animation system helps make Drake not only a more believable character, but one we can relate to.
Drake is supposed to be a normal guy in an extraordinary situation, and the platforming sequences deliver upon the feeling of overcoming overwhelming obstacles. Drake will have to climb along rocky ledges, or jump from a shaky pillar to the next. Seeing what Drake can interact with the environment is intuitive due to Drake's focus on where he must go next. By observing what Drake wants to do, players will be able to navigate tricky areas with relative ease. Swinging from a rope and jumping to a ledge feels intuitive and empowering. We love the feeling we get when exploring the environment.
Gallery: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
We have no qualms about the platforming aspects of the game. However, combat proved to be difficult, due to its rather cumbersome controls, and buggy performance. The game employs a cover system, not unlike that found in Gears of War. For example, Drake can hide behind a wall, peek out and fire a few rounds. Then, he can run forward and take cover behind a rock. However, we found ourselves having a lot of difficulty "sticking" to the appropriate cover, in the direction we wanted to. Gears of War features an elegant control mechanism, where all actions are performed through the context-sensitive A button. Uncharted uses multiple buttons on the controller for the same actions, which is certainly disorienting.
In addition, we found ourselves constantly clipping through walls and other objects. We tried to take cover behind a wall, and as we rolled out, we found ourselves stuck inside a barrel. Then, we had to fight the camera, which had also become fixated on the wall. We were lucky to have somehow escaped before an enemy threw a grenade in our direction.
The camera simply doesn't feel intelligent enough: we were struggling to keep it in check at all times. It's too bad that uncomfortable controls, glitches, and a finicky camera are getting in the way of a potentially excellent game. We were impressed by the enemy AI: they take cover, try to flank you, and perform melee attacks when close.
If any game needs to be delayed, it has to be Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. We're confident that the team at Naughty Dog can make a stellar game, and we doubt they'll rush Uncharted just to make its November release. Considering how many other high-profile games are arriving on PS3 (and other consoles) later this year, we'd love to see Naughty Dog take the time to really iron out the bugs and refine the controls -- if they do, Uncharted can easily be one of the best games on the platform.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony @ Jul 16th 2007 2:03PM
Game's looking good. IGN made it seem overly linear, though, which is somewhat of a disappointment I guess. ND usually makes some solid games though, so I'll be giving it a shot.
My only personal "issue" with it is that the main character is probably the most generic one I've seen in quite some time. All of the other stuff mentioned (clipping, etc) is obviously fixable... I mean, none of it's final.
3cubedminus3squared @ Jul 16th 2007 2:11PM
"Swinging from a rope and jumping to a ledge feels intuitive and empowering."
I don't quite understand this sentence right here. Did you shake the control, swing the analog or what. This needs some explaining. Everything else sounds good.
3cubedminus3squared @ Jul 16th 2007 2:30PM
Oh wait, its a game for the PS3 and its a review written by Andrew Yoon. Never mind.
Digi Smalls @ Jul 16th 2007 3:48PM
you mean PS3fanboy.com's Andrew Yoon.
lemme guess, too objective for ya?
.
KingOfGods @ Jul 16th 2007 2:17PM
A lot of Playstation games suffer from these camera issues. I think it has to do with the controller. IMO games like this need to have the control style of an FPS to really work. The right analog has to control your POV not just the camera.
IMO the Playstation controller really isn't comfortable for that kind of setup and the developers know this. We usually get a game with a camera that constantly fights you.
Manvir @ Jul 16th 2007 2:21PM
Crap man, i was expecting this game to be the game for me to dust off my ps3. i really hope that they fix these glitches before its released
Tadioku @ Jul 16th 2007 3:51PM
really just one game? wow you must really like not like shooters, racing, simulation, or any other types of games except for action/adventure ones but I guess you also have Ratchet & Clank to look forward to too.
Jake @ Jul 16th 2007 2:29PM
When I first saw gameplay videos (which were primarily only on combat), I thought the camera seemed horrendous. Then people bit my head off here for stating my opinion.
If the game is stellar minus some broken combat controls, it needs to be delayed. This game has too much into it and too much going for it to let a bogus camera and a release date ruin it.
julio cesar @ Jul 16th 2007 2:35PM
If the Players know how to play its easy, if you don't know how to plays it's hard to say ehehehe
DBX00 @ Jul 16th 2007 2:36PM
It sounds like they could fix these problems with the time they have left remaining between now and launch. They've got months to tweak the camera mechanism and glitches. I'm expecting this game to be a solid addition to the Fall lineup but definitely not the standout performer of the bunch. It'll fill my action/adventure needs, but I have a feeling that this Fall will be all about the FPS and GTAIV for most people.
sheppy @ Jul 16th 2007 2:42PM
I've already done the count...
$180 for Microsoft
$200 for Nintendo
$700 for Sony
DAMN THEIR LINEUP!
3cubedminus3squared @ Jul 16th 2007 2:45PM
What games are you buying for PS3?, or are you planning on buying one this fall.
I'm hoping to add a Wii so I can play Galaxy and Brawl.
sheppy @ Jul 16th 2007 2:50PM
I suppose I should clarify before I get jumped
Microsoft
Mass Effect
Eterna Sonata
Halo 3
Nintendo
Trauma Center 2
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Sony
PSP Daxter Entertainment Pack
Rock Band (estimated currently at $200)
Ratchet & Clank
Heavenly Sword
Drake's Fortune
Warhawk
Socom
Wipeout HD
DBX00 @ Jul 16th 2007 2:55PM
My list:
Ratchet & Clank
Heavenly Sword
Drake's Fortune
Warhawk
Socom
Lair
Unreal III
Folklore
GTAIV
PSP Entertainment Pack (Trade-in current PSP)
Digi Smalls @ Jul 16th 2007 3:30PM
no Bioshock for you sheppy?
Victus @ Jul 16th 2007 2:45PM
There is no doubt in my mind that Naughty Dog will pull this one through. It will be a great game. Most Sony in house studios put out very good games and thus far, the PS3 (delaystation as it's known to us sometimes) games made by Sony are pushed back so that they meet all a criteria of excellence. Quality over quanitity, but damn they need to hussle it up a bit. :) That said, I hope they take the time necessary to ensure this game is as awesome as it looks. I doubt Sony will waste money by releasing it before it's ready.
Robert @ Jul 16th 2007 2:51PM
Could we please stop using the word "intuitive" to describe game controls?
Thanks.
sheppy @ Jul 16th 2007 2:52PM
Damn, forgot to mention Unreal TOurnament 3 for PS3 and PC.
Spongie @ Jul 16th 2007 2:56PM
Thats not good, but it is still early and they do have time to fix all the issues...
JonnyBoy2U @ Jul 16th 2007 3:02PM
Okay Joystiq keeps talking about how great this game is but what is it ABOUT?
What makes it SO great besides the millions of animations occuring at the same time? And so what it has a cover system like Gears? Thats NOT what made Gears the great game it is.
Last but not least whats with the obsession over seeing peoples expressions in games? Yeah its nice and all but is it really that big a deal? This is real life and those are videogames. They will NEVER be the same! So why does it matter how far or realistic Drake's frown is?
Vidikron @ Jul 16th 2007 4:12PM
Ummm... because people sometimes like realism in graphics? The main character isn't some super deformed approximation of a human (like Mario for example), he's supposed to be a normal human. So how could realistic expression and movement not add to the character? Why wouldn't a person want to see that? Perhaps you would prefer a simple :-) on is face instead?
Jake @ Jul 16th 2007 3:02PM
Sheppy, how much you wanna bet you get jumped anyways? ;)
No GTAIV, Killzone2, Bioshock, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, PGR4, UT3, Haze, Metroid Prime 3, Guitar Hero III, Virtua Fighter online, Folklore, COD4, Bomberman, FF remakes, Two Worlds, Banjo, Naruto, the plethora of multiconsole and PC/360 games, or MADDEN!!11!1!
I'm not actually trying to flame you, but rather freak you out about how much you are missing out on despite spending $1000. Best Fall for gaming evar. One word -www.gamefly.com
sheppy @ Jul 16th 2007 3:17PM
Allow me to respond.
GTAIV, gotta play it first. To date, I've yet to complete a GTA game. Beat Saint's Row though.
Killzone 2 isn't this fall.
Bioshock? Maybe... after hype has died down and real opinions come through.
Lost Odyssey. When it comes to the Microsoft Retail Training program (haven't worked retail for years, but who can say no to a $9 Gears Of War?), I'll snag it right along with Blue Dragon.
PGR4.. racing... pass
UT3, buying both PS3 and PC versions
Haze, based upon available income, possibly this too
Metroid Prime 3, if they can cut the Artifact horseshit, I'm on board. If not, I'll buy it when it's $10.
Guitar Hero III, art style just pisses me off. Judy Nails went from being punk rock to Courtney Love, anerexia crack whore and boss battles... hopefully nuff said.
Virtua Fighter 5 on 360, got it on PS3. So I'll wait for the 360 fanboys to completely ignore it and snag a copy on the cheap.
Folklore, on the fence about this one
COD4... PASS!
Bomberman, got the points ready and waiting
FF remakes, have the only one I want
Two Worlds, hated Oblivion... why would I buy it's unloved offspring?
Banjo.. 2008
Naruto, I'll buy on the cheap
Madden.... he heheh hehehe hehehhehhehehehe *cue Beautrix LeStrange laugh* Pass.
KiraXD @ Jul 16th 2007 3:12PM
so a demo that has bugs in it... *GASP!
no doubt stuff that will be worked out in the final version.. i got no worries.. its all relatively small and barely worth the mention in this article.
OGHowie @ Jul 16th 2007 3:44PM
Camera problems are a big deal and take time to fix.
MGS3 and Ninja Gaiden were both AAA titles (off the top of my head) that redid their camera controls based on feedback from gamers.
Jinfash @ Jul 16th 2007 3:16PM
wow first R&C and now Uncharted? Joystiq WTH are you doing?
Evan @ Jul 16th 2007 3:18PM
After watching the videos on gametrailers.com, I'm surprised to read Joystiq gush over the character animation. The upper body animations look fluid and realistic, but it all breaks down below the waist. He does not bend his legs to jump, he defies physics and launches. His feet slide when turning. These are common problems in video games, but are less forgivable in a realistic character then in Naughty Dog's cartoony Jak.
Matthew @ Jul 16th 2007 3:22PM
Seems like Joystiq doesn't have anything nice to say about any PS3 games. Or is it just me?
Evan @ Jul 16th 2007 3:32PM
Perhaps the games are not living up to the hype surrounding the PS3. The Cell processor was hyped for its potential to create realistic physics and never before possible gameplay, but like the 360, the PS3 games are pretty much just PS2 gameplay with more pixels on the screen.
samfish @ Jul 16th 2007 3:24PM
Ha- I don't think Andrew Yoon really likes anything.
...although his complaints about this game have been popping up for a couple months, now, admittedly.
I've said it before and I'll say it again – how hard is it to just rip off Zelda's camera system? I mean, it's PERFECT.
Is there some sort of pride issue getting in the way of these developers or something?!
mccomber @ Jul 16th 2007 3:28PM
I think he's just afraid that if he is overtly positive, it will get chalked up to his PS Fanboy status. Glad he couldn't find Lair to review it...
Nick @ Jul 16th 2007 3:31PM
I find it weird that the camera has issues since Naughty Dog hired the camera designer from Prince of Persia. Perhaps the game is being rushed for the holiday season.
Digi Smalls @ Jul 16th 2007 3:39PM
Glitches this late is worrying.
Sony makes great games no doubt, but they haven't put out a bigtime PS3 1st party game on time yet (Motorstorm Lair, Heavenly...).
Ratchet may make it on time because it's a sequel, but Uncharted being a new IP, I fully expect this one to slip too.
.
Figboy @ Jul 16th 2007 4:07PM
my two cents:
i've worked in the gaming industry for about 3 years.
i've seen games go from unplayable bugfests, to completely playable titles.
my time with Obsidian Entertainment (among other developers and publishers), showed me that, in the last three to four months before a game releases, it can change drastically.
all of the things joystiq (which should really change their name to "bitchstiq", as that's all they ever do on this site), can, and probably will, be ironed out during the four months it's going to be until release.
remember when Too Human was a ridiculously anticipated game, then a weak E3 showing hurt it, but now it's looking back up to snuff? yeah, that's what development time does for you.
Naughty Dog had their priorites in order according to the goals of their design document: make a fluidly moving and animating character, with lifelike facial expressions to really endear the player to the character, and create a lush, believable environment and compelling story.
mission accomplished there.
*NOW, they're working on tweaking the actual gameplay, since the founding elements are already in place.
i imagine they've spent the last two years just getting the animation system to respond correctly. it's fine-tuning time now.
Naughty Dog has an excellent track record. i don't think they'll let the Cell Processor beat them this time.
Digi Smalls @ Jul 16th 2007 4:52PM
figboy, Too Human was shown last year and it still isn't out.
OGHowie @ Jul 16th 2007 5:24PM
The new Too Human trailer at this years E3 was pretty laughable, because the cutscene was trying way too hard to be cool and just failed. Hopefully the gameplay is better now.
Jake @ Jul 16th 2007 5:38PM
Yeah, Too Human was shown very buggy over a year ago, and it still has 6 months minimum to launch. That is much more than Drake's 3 remaining months before the game has to be pressed. Everything I've heard about it say it looks beautiful and half of it plays beautiful. The other half, including combat, does not play that impressively.
And for the record, the Too Human trailer was generated as an in-engine cutscene and looked pretty cool, imo. All of the cutscenes for the game they have shown look that quality.
Jake @ Jul 16th 2007 4:24PM
It just dawned on me how different the three platforms are this fall. Each has their best lineup's yet hitting in one of the best fall's in the history of gaming. But each is very unique.
Wii - Local multiplayer and casual stuff with a sprinkle of the "hardcore". More of a casual appeal.
PS3 - Lotsa action/adventure games and shooters. No RPG's. No Racers. No RTS. Just action, sports, and shooters. More of a half casual, half hardcore appeal. Much lighter, though, than the 360's offering.
360 - Pretty diverse spread, but little or no action/adventure games. RPG's galore, shooters, racers, and RTS. But most of its big hitters are all complicated hardcore games. Very heavy and deep stuff.
maylon @ Jul 16th 2007 4:36PM
Wow, I must admit this game makes me want a Ps3.
perfectchaos @ Jul 16th 2007 4:49PM
sheppy, does that $700 for sony include the price of a ps3 as well?
loungemonkey @ Jul 16th 2007 5:35PM
Someone didnt read the responses after sheppy's comment.
Rootbeer @ Jul 16th 2007 5:23PM
"By observing what Drake wants to do, players will be able to navigate tricky areas with relative ease."
Wait. Who's playing this game -- Drake, or me?
The player should be telling the character what to do, not the other way around.
loungemonkey @ Jul 16th 2007 5:30PM
Rootbeer, you better stop playing a bunch of games then. Alot of them have the characters look towards something important all the time....i.e. RE4.
scole @ Jul 17th 2007 7:05PM
I honestly think few publishers would let a camera glitch get through their testers even if they are trying to meet a deadline. If you rush and make the deadline with some issues with the game chances are you'll sell less. It's worth the delay in almost every case because you'll get better reviews and little bad press.