Uncharted: Golden Abyss Review

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MY Thoughts on Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PlayStation Vita)

Developer: Sony Bend Studios

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Released: February 22, 2012

Cost: $49.99

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For me, I was a little sceptical at first about the game. All I had seen was videos, and images, it looked nice, but how would it play? This was the very first game I played on my new PS Vita, and it was awesome. All of my worries dissapeared within the first 10-20 minutes of seeing that game on that beautiful 5' OLED screen of the Vita. Screenshots and videos don't do justice, pick this game up! The story is great, (Don't want to say much about it, hate spoiling stuff for people) a lot of twists you don't see coming, and the characters are pretty well rounded. The voice acting is great, everything you've come to expect from the earlier games on the PS3. You still get to listen along, and laugh, at Nate's jokes.

SONY was very wise to make this a launch title, as it showcases the PSVita PERFECTLY. These new controls are OPTIONAL, for those gamers that want a more classic experience, but I'd reccomend keeping them on. The front touchscreen and back touchpad are used quite a bit throughout the story. Basic things that you need to do such as picking up weapons, and reloading can be done with a simple touch of the screen. One of the cooler things that the touchscreen is used for is, throwing grenades. It's a lot of fun to simply flick on the screen and see a grenade go sailing through the air, killing your enemies. You can also use the touchscreen to cut things such as bamboo, or cloth just by doing what pops up on the screen. Also, one of the cooler things that you can do, is focusing your sniper rifle by using the backtouch pad OR the touchscreen. But, in my opinion, the best thing for the touchscreen, is the fist fighting. You can have cinematic fist fights by swiping your finger along the screen, to attack, and to dodge. Enough of the fighting, you can even use it to explore. When climbing up a rock face, you can either jump using the buttons, or simply create a path up the rocks using your touchscreen. It's your choice, but once you start getting used to it, you're really going to love it.

One of my favourite additions to Uncharted: Golden Abyss is the motion controlled aiming assist. How sweet is that? It's just like when I was a kid again, if I was playing a racing game, I would sway with my controller dodging the other cars, getting completely immersed into the experience. But now, it actually helps! You still use the analog stick to do the main aiming, but if you want, you can tilt your Vita back and forth fine tuning your aiming to hit your target with precision. Hopefully, you can fall in love with this feature, just like I did.

The only thing that is NOT optional, that includes your Vita's touchscreen is in the actual in-game cutscenes. I don't want to spoil anything, but there are some pretty sweet fights that'll be happening. Let's just say, that you'll be swiping from side to side like crazy, panicking every time you miss one.

There may be a lot of new things in here, but for the Uncharted fans, it is by NO means a gimmick. It continues the Uncharted legacy beautifully. For an Uncharted player, you'll feel right at home, classic gunfights, climbing ropes an such. Bend studios was spot on with this game for the classic Uncharted fans. Not only that, but the dual analog sticks is a real boost for the PS3 gamers, it immerses them just like the console counterpart. Just like the console versions, you'll be doing a lot of puzzles. While they are enjoyable, it does feel a little bit repetitive at times. You're hands will always be kept busy, either doing charcoal rubbings, or even rubbing dirt off of artifacts.

And, if you're a fan of collectibles, you'll be ecstatic. It's crazy how many things you can collect throughout the game. You can bring up Drake's journal, and there will be empty slots to where you can collect things, and I will admit, it's pretty intimidating at times thinking that you need to find all those things. Drake is also able to bring up his camera at any time to take pictures of the beautiful scenery that you can find throughout the story. And when I say beautiful, I mean it. I totally forgot I was playing a portable game at times, it looks amazing, almost console level gaming in the palm of your hands. You'll find yourself just sitting and staring at times, from the beautiful water, lush green trees or just looking at the mountains in the distance.

Final Thoughts : Pick this game up, you won't regret it at all. The single player experience, along with the graphics and the sheer amount of game time you can put into this thing, just makes it a must have.

Rating - 9/10

(This is a repost from a while back. Just noticed the review section and thought it belonged here. Hope you enjoy!)

ok cool, still havent played but i will soon

Not real big on Single player only games.. but after playing gravity rush and reading this review I plan to get this game next.. Thx!

Glad I could be of some assistance man! I personally loved the game, as you can see from the review

A can add that Uncharted on PS Vita has perfect length - not too long but also not too short If we talking about levels of difficulty (puzzles and riddles).. Well, it's not to high, but instead of this Uncharted has great balance between shooting, solving puzzles and action moments.

I think its harder to aim in it than other shooters

Agreed, but then again it was right off launch and the games will only get better.

Yeah, but it was a nice draw Sony did with Uncharted for vita launch, because without Uncharted, Many people shouldn't get a vita, like me .

I would have gotten a Vita regardless, it was just nice to have a great title like Uncharted right off launch. Pretty sure having it off launch helped a lot of people make up their mind about picking up a Vita.

First game I bought for my vita, also the first Uncharted game I ever played, It look wonderful and played very well IMO.
Not to much replay value tho

I think they lied to us about multiplayer

I played it, completed it and sort of forgot about how great it was, especially for a handheld. It might get another run out when I finish Gravity Rush.

yeah.. thats true

I had a awesome experience on the playthrough.

It won't disappoint any Drake fan. But yeah....about the replay value...forget about. Black Market sucks. Let's just face it.

Just finished playing Uncharted: GA. One of the BEST games I have ever played. The best game on vita so far. I wonder why this game does not get mentioned when people talk about vita. Was very disappointed that the game was not mentioned in "best of 2012 articles".

Strong +s : 1) EXTREMELY interactive environment. Lots to explore. Best use of touch controls I have ever seen. Far far better than most other latest games on vita.
2) Music and gameplay sounds. They are phenomenal! Kudos Devs! You nailed it.
3) Gameplay and action - can't get any better. Everything once can expect from an Uncharted!!!
- Ves : According to me, NONE! Seriously.

I strongly feel that this game, for some strange reason is being ignored by the mainstream media. I saw one reviewer gave 7.5 / 10 score to this one. (on same scale other not-so-good games got 8-8.5) In my view, this game deserves 9/10 and I'd add another 0.5 points just for sound effects. My verdict = 9.5/10. Can't wait for sequel!