Uncharted 3 – Drake’s Deception: Defining the modern “hero”

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One of the key elements that made the post-1962 Marvel Comics line of superheroes stand head and shoulders above the DC comics line of heroes of that same era is their intrinsic lack of perfection. The problem with perfect heroes is that it is very hard to identify with them. Perfection is a realm best left for divine beings.

Modern humans need someone they can identify with. Someone they can view as a mirror of their own insecurities, fumbling awkwardness, and, ultimately, sense of mortality. Peter Parker (Spiderman) embodies this. Geeky? Check. Unsure of himself? Check. Conflicted? Check. Awesome? Absolutely. The same analysis can apply to the protagonist of Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series, Nathan Drake. He is the “everyman” of action video games. This is the appeal that helps explain the large fan anticipation for Uncharted 3 – Drake’s Deception.

Unlike the stolid, unflinching, almost mechanical personas of the generic heroes of Star Craft and Halo, Drake is an obviously flawed character. He is believable. His awkwardness reflects our own innate sense that we are also imperfect. However, Uncharted 3 – Drake’s Deception could stand to put more polish on Drake’s character. While his personality is believable, his aptitude gives the series an unrealistic tinge. One moment, you’re fumbling around. The next moment, you’re an expert marksman? While obviously not perfect, the Uncharted series’ character development could use more polish so there are less leaps of faith in the characters’ actions. [SOURCE]

Uncharted 3 Collector's Edition Has a Belt Buckle and Statue

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Priced at $99.99, it's not quite as extravagant as some other CEs.

The contents of the inevitable collector's edition for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception have been revealed today, and as with many others, its big feature is a statue. The CE is collected within a recreation of a classic traveling chest, complete with magnets to keep the door from swinging open when you don't want it to. Inside, you'll find a 8.5-inch tall statue of Nathan Drake made by Sideshow Collectibles. There's also a wearable belt buckle, modeled after the one Nathan Drake wears in Uncharted 3, and the necklace he has with Sir Francis Drake's ring attached. The final component is a Steelbook case that Naughty Dog says is a first for SCEA; it holds both the game and some exclusive artwork.

It's not the most mind-blowing of collector's editions, but it's also not priced as highly as some of the other high-end limited editions out there (like Skyrim's $150 CE). It'll be released on November 1 along with the standard edition of the game for $99.99. That makes it a $40 premium over going for the vanilla version of Uncharted 3. For what you're getting, is that still too much? Let us know which version you'll be getting in the comments below. [SOURCE]

Will Uncharted 3 Stand the Test of Time?

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Uncharted 3 captivates with its characters, story and action. Building on strong foundations, for me, this is the pinnacle of how far videogames have come. But, for all its wonderful achievements it still has a long way to go before matching the maturity and self-assuredness found in film, books and even board games.

Quite a claim, I know, but it’s based on a simple premise: Uncharted would be more engaging, convincing and exciting if it depended more on game-play and less on cut-scenes for emotion. The jarring back and forth of action and cinematics is an understandable approach, but will one day seem unnecessary. While it will be applauded for its almost cinematic aesthetics and filmic storytelling, I worry that for a new medium to define its progress by how close it is to something previous is actually a lack of confidence and maturity.

On first hearing, I know this sounds a little ludicrous. But just because videogame technology is developing fast doesn’t equate to adulthood. Like an unruly teenager fired up with a rush of hormones it may be some time before gaming really matures and learns to make the most of its individuality — not just its raw horsepower.

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Really? A 'Uncharted' Reality Show?

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One of the best series on PlayStation, we can’t get enough of Uncharted here at PlayStation LifeStyle, which is why we’re happy to report that Spike TV are recruiting for an Uncharted reality show. Similar to the God of War show Spike TV produced, the network announced on GTTV that they are are teaming up with SCEA to create Uncharted: Race to the Ring:

Do you play UNCHARTED™ and think you could be an even better adventurer than Nathan Drake? Now you have a chance to prove it! Naughty Dog, Sony Computer Entertainment America, and Spike TV are teaming up to celebrate the breathtaking cinematic action in UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception with a blockbuster special that brings the game to life! The folks behind the upcoming special are looking for fans of adventure, video game enthusiasts, puzzle solvers and risk takers.

If you are interested in applying, you can download and fill out the necessary documents here before sending them back to spikecasting@spike.com along with a link to a video, picture or paragraph explaining why you are the ultimate UNCHARTED fan who deserves to be featured on the show.

Oh, and you must be available the week of Oct 3rd and ready to travel. So, prepare to channel Nathan Drake, live for adventure, and throw caution to the wind…The treasure just might be yours!

Unfortunately, not everyone can apply – you have to be able to be able to work in the US and be 21 or older. Will you take part in the reality show? Let us know in the comments below – but be warned, you will have to tell them “one odd ‘secret’ about you.” Good luck!

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‘Uncharted 3′ Multiplayer Map Features Dynamic Sandstorm

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Better break out your sandstorm goggles for this new ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’ multiplayer footage because it’s going to get a bit dusty.



Some new Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception footage has popped up online that focuses on one of the new multiplayer levels that boasts a dynamic weather system to break up the monotony of play. Taken off-screen from what we’re guessing was Gamescom 2011, this Uncharted 3 multiplayer footage has us very excited to play more than just the beta levels of the game.

Unfortunately the real bummer is that the footage is narrated in German and features German subtitles – preventing any new details from being anything but gleaned. There aren’t any instances, besides the weather effect, that look too distinct from previous Uncharted maps, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

I don’t know if it’s because the footage is filmed off a television, or it’s been so long since I’ve seen some Uncharted 3 footage, but this multiplayer gameplay looks pretty stunning. The textures on the crumbled walls and players are particularly impressive.

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Uncharted Bundle Features Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves For Only $39.99

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Sony has just announced the Uncharted Greatest Hits Dual Pack, a bundle that will feature both of the critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 exclusives Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves together for the first time for just $39.99. The dual pack will launch in North America on September 6.

Not only does the Dual Pack come with both games, but it also comes with bonus content including a “Super Voucher” for all of the DLC content from the Uncharted 2 Game of the Year Edition, as well as two DLC items from Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, including the Announcement Nathan Drake PSN Avatar and the Uncharted 3 Announcement Dynamic Theme. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception comes out 11.1.11 exclusively for the PlayStation 3. In the meantime, will you be picking up this bundle? [SOURCE]