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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, part of the critically acclaimed Uncharted series by Naughty Dog, originally captivated PlayStation 3 players worldwide. With over 20 million copies sold and countless awards, it’s considered a landmark action-adventure title. Now, remastered as part of the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection for PS4, this classic returns with enhanced visuals and gameplay for a new generation. This review delves into what makes Uncharted 2: Among Thieves a must-play experience, even today.

Nathan Drake hanging from a train in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

A Thrilling Narrative and Compelling Characters

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves follows the charismatic treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he embarks on a quest to locate the legendary Cintamani Stone in the mythical city of Shambhala. Joined by his mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan, fellow treasure hunter Chloe Frazer, and journalist Elena Fisher, Drake faces perilous environments and cunning adversaries in his pursuit of the mythical artifact said to grant wishes. The primary antagonist, Zoran Lazarević, adds a layer of intensity with his ruthless ambition and disregard for human life.

The game’s narrative excels in its intricate storytelling, seamlessly weaving between past and present. The relationships between characters are explored with greater depth and complexity, adding emotional weight to the already exciting plot. The pacing is masterful, expertly building tension and delivering a satisfyingly impactful experience.

Refined Gameplay and Enhanced Action

Nathan Drake aiming a gun in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

While the core gameplay remains familiar to fans of the original Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves amplifies the action and intensity. The gunplay is more refined, the set pieces are even more spectacular, and the puzzles are more challenging. From clinging to a crumbling train to escaping a collapsing building under fire from a helicopter, the game offers a constant stream of exhilarating moments that rival even Naughty Dog’s later masterpiece, The Last of Us.

The level design is a significant improvement, offering larger, more open environments that encourage strategic combat and exploration. The AI is also smarter, utilizing flanking maneuvers and dynamic positioning to keep players on their toes. Stealth options are available for those who prefer a more calculated approach, allowing players to bypass enemies entirely or take them down silently.

The puzzles are cleverly integrated with the platforming and exploration elements. The difficulty progressively increases, requiring players to decipher clues found in Drake’s journal, accessible through the PS4’s touchpad.

Hidden Treasures and a Rewarding Exploration

Nathan Drake examining a clue in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves continues the tradition of rewarding exploration with hidden treasures scattered throughout the game world. However, these treasures are even more cleverly concealed than in the previous installment. They might be hidden high in trees, atop precarious structures, or even submerged underwater, requiring keen observation and a thorough exploration of the environment. Finding these hidden gems adds another layer of enjoyment to the gameplay.

Next-Gen Visuals and Immersive Audio

A scenic view in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Already a visual standout on the PS3, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves receives a significant upgrade on the PS4. BluePoint Games has meticulously enhanced the graphics, adding greater detail and reducing technical limitations of the original hardware. Jagged edges are virtually eliminated, textures are sharper, and lighting effects are dramatically improved. Cutscenes have been remastered with enhanced lighting and shadows, and character models have been refined, rivaling the visual fidelity of modern games. Players can also toggle motion blur effects and utilize the new Photo Mode to capture stunning in-game moments.

A scenic view of a snowy mountain in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

The game runs smoothly at a consistent 60 frames per second in full 1080p resolution, further enhancing the visual experience. The soundtrack, composed by Greg Edmonson, returns with its award-winning score, complemented by excellent voice acting and witty dialogue. The combination of stunning visuals and immersive audio creates an unforgettable gaming experience.

Conclusion

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves remains a landmark achievement in action-adventure gaming. The remastered version on PS4 elevates the experience with enhanced visuals, improved performance, and all the thrilling gameplay that made the original a classic. Whether you’re revisiting the adventure or experiencing it for the first time, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves offers an unforgettable journey filled with captivating characters, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling gameplay.