Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Official UK PlayStation Magazine (10 out of 10)

God only knows how this can ever be improved on. Then again, we said the same thing last time…

@Gamer ( )

Naughty Dog has taken the Uncharted series's cinematic gameplay to new heights in this third installment. So much fun!

Giant Bomb ( )

Nathan Drake's new adventure doesn't rewrite the book like his last one did, but damn if it's not a great action game anyway.

games xtreme (10 out of 10)

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the next iteration in the best selling PS3 only Uncharted franchise, and it is a rip-roaring adventure ride that smacks of all the best action movie cinematic moments and Indiana Jones white-knuckle edge of the seat elements that we can think of. Naughty Dog are no slouches when it comes to adding control, navigation and general improvements to their game, we saw the huge leap that Uncharted 2 was from Uncharted and whilst 3 isn't a dramatic leap, it doesn't need to be, since everything has been refined from 2 and given a shiny new lick of paint.

IGN (10 out of 10)

IGN defines a 10.0 -- a masterpiece -- as "the pinnacle of gaming, a masterpiece may not be flawless, but it is so exceptional that it is hard to imagine a game being better." That's Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. From start to finish, single player to multiplayer, this game sings. The characters, the graphics, the sound, the story – they’re all top notch. If you’re willing to skip Uncharted 3, be prepared to miss one of gaming’s finest moments.

Games.cz (10 out of 10)

Vizuálně dechberoucí, dějově fascinující a herně neutahatelná. Uncharted 3 jede kupředu jako lokomotiva, které někdo správně přehodil všechny výhybky, takže není třeba nikde brzdit. Očekávání byla veliká, ale Naughty Dog je dokázal naplnit a přidat i něco navíc ve formě živějšího a zběsilejšího multiplayeru. Trojka určitě stojí na zádech svých předchůdců, ale pro jistotu si ještě přinesla pořádný žebřík.

The Video Game Critic (A)

Uncharted 3 is highly cinematic and even though it leads you around by the nose it doesn't feel like you're being led around by the nose. Once you start getting tired of a location (like the shipyard), there's an unexpected turn of events which lands you in a completely fresh venue. The set pieces are massive as you survive collapsing ruins, sinking cruise ships, and crashing cargo planes. Even the ending lives up to its promise, bringing Uncharted 3 - and the trilogy - to a proper and satisfying conclusion.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

Naughty Dog has wrapped up the Uncharted trilogy in a nice box and bow, just in time for the holidays. The story has all of the off-the-wall antics of an Indiana Jones movie, with a group of characters who make the outlandishness of the plot easy to ignore. The visual presentation is spectacular, the pace is excellent (unless you take time out to go treasure hunting, which can add quite a bit of time to your playthrough if you’re not careful), and the music is good enough that you might want to buy the soundtrack. There are some annoying little problems; there’s no such thing as a perfect game, after all, and Uncharted 2 is a more satisfying total product for my money. But even with its faults, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is still a quality game that anyone with a PS3 should hope to see under the tree this Christmas.

Game Revolution (5 out of 5)

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception provides one of the most technically impressive adventures you can find, matched with a detailed and unique multiplayer, all while making it easy for a newcomer to pick up and enjoy. Drake's Deception is why most gamers play video games—experiences that keep us awed and engaged, and extra content to keep us coming back for more. It's definitely one of the most well-produced games you'll find available this year. It's hard to say whether it concretely surpasses its predecessor as an overall campaign, but with a much-improved multiplayer and more ambitious settings in its single-player, you'll be hard-pressed to find many games this generation that can match its scope and prowess.

Destructoid (10 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 is one of the best PlayStation 3 games to date ... and one helluva great ride.

GamePro (US) ( )

Overall, the combination of a robust multiplayer, a surprisingly compelling co-op adventure, and a thrilling ten-hour single-player campaign add up to a title that is, quite simply, a must-own. Fans are free to debate whether this tops Uncharted 2's blockbuster moments, but taken as a whole they'd be hard-pressed to find a more worthy sequel, or a more accolade-deserving experience. Uncharted 3 isn't merely as cinematic and fun as the best action films; it's better than that. You don't just witness the epic fights and bare-knuckle brawls; instead, you're smack dab in the middle of one of the best adventures depicted in entertainment media.

1UP (A)

Uncharted 3 doesn't reinvent the wheel after 2009's superb game of the year, but manages to present its own set of unique moments and gameplay. The player-driven action sequences are memorable. The subtle layers of dialogue and character interactions are impressive. And ultimately, the eight-hour campaign experience provided plenty of harrowing escapes and charm. And after all that you've still got a competent multiplayer experience packed in too. Developer Naughty Dog continues to prove they are masters of their craft, and the third chapter of Uncharted is a fun and rewarding adventure that's easily one of the best games this year.

Push Square ( )

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is a polished, borderline genius tour de force. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does perfect the formula that Naughty Dog's been coveting since the release of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's more than just the best entry in an outstanding series though — it epitomises the very reason many of us play video games. And that's its greatest achievement.

Alternative Magazine Online (10 out of 10)

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is the quintessential PlayStation 3 game. It has it all: breathtaking graphics, glorious sound, stereoscopic 3D (if you have a TV that supports it), and rock solid gameplay that makes you feel like you are Nathan Drake. What’s more, it has real heart. There are some slight niggles but ultimately, lessons have been learnt: there are no annoying boss battles to be found and endlessly spawning enemies are ancient history. Naughty Dog have perfected the Uncharted formula with Drake’s Deception – the characters are so likeable and real that the player’s emotional investment immediately skyrockets. Without a shadow of a doubt this is the best mainstream game of 2011 – a phenomenal achievement.

OMGN: Online Multiplayer Games Network (9.5 out of 10)

A key plot element in the game is Nathan Drake’s ring which belonged to Sir Francis Drake. It’s inscribed with the motto “Greatness From Small Beginnings.” While it’s arguable whether Crash Bandicoot (Playstation), Naughty Dog’s first game, counts as a small beginning, they have certainly reached greatness. Said greatness doesn’t equal perfection, and Uncharted 3 isn’t an overall perfect game. It does, however, manage to be a perfect display of Naughty Dog's love for making video games and its drive to capture the true essence of adventure and excitement.

Game Informer Magazine (9.5 out of 10)

Uncharted 2 raised the stakes for this franchise. I’m happy to report that its successor does not disappoint.

GamingEvolution (9.5 out of 10)

We all knew this day was coming, however no one expected it to be so soon. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception concludes a long journey for our guys and gals over at Naughty Dog. What once started out as a simply single-player experience with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune has turned into an all encompassing experience that has and is shared by millions worldwide. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is the definitive experience for the PlayStation 3 enthusiast. Though often compared to previous installment Among Thieves, Drake’s Deception helped answer many looming questions, while at the same time left some unanswered for the future. From an enriched storyline, to engrossing environments and to a star-studded cast that help to convey the ideals of Naught Dog, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is the best way you can conclude a trilogy that’s not actually stopping with just three installments.

GamesCollection (9.5 out of 10)

Playstation 3 segna un pesante punto a suo favore con questo titolo che, come il predecessore, è uno dei pochi veramente in grado di spingere all’acquisto della console di Sony. Sia la storia bellissima e avvincente, sia il multiplayer, meno accessorio rispetto al precedente capitolo, rendono questo titolo godibilissimo da parte di tutti, sia dagli hardcore-gamer assetati di competizione online, sia agli avventurieri che vorranno vivere una magica avventura e godersi i panorami mozzafiato. Non siamo di certo di fronte ad una rivoluzione, ma siamo di fronte all’avventura della vostra vita: vorreste perdervela?!

COGConnected / Canadian Online Gamers Network (95 out of 100)

Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series has given me some of the most satisfying, immersive and challenging gaming I have ever experienced. As a result I had very high hopes for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Am I disappointed with this the third instalment? I feel compelled to answer no as Uncharted 3 is an immensely gratifying game. The story dovetails with the previous two chapters quite well. The insight into the relationship shared by Nate and Scully is enjoyable and offers a depth to the story that had been hinted at in the past. The enhanced multi-player and melee gameplay are welcome improvements too. As I sit here and reflect on my gameplay experience, the only thing lacking is the dominant WOW factor of Uncharted 2, but you have to remember that Uncharted 2 set the bar very, very high.

Christ Centered Gamer / Christ Centered Game Reviews (92 out of 100)

In closing, I'd like to point out that Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the ultimate game for fans of the Action Adventure and Third Person Shooter genre. Everything that is done, is done right, except Morality. It's downright upsetting that Naughty Dog went in this direction for the third game in the franchise. This isn't the type of game that I would recommend anyone to play and this isn't the type of game you'd want your children to see or hear. It surprises me that Uncharted 3 was rated T for Teen by the ESRB, considering the amount of swearing and violence that is presented in the game.

Fragland.net (92 out of 100)

If you judge Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception on its merits you see a total package: a singleplayer filled with excitement and with more heights than the average mountain area, and an immersive multiplayer with endless options, all drenched in a phnenomenal audiovisual presentation that's worked out up to the smallest details. Still I can't say Uncharted 3 is better than the previous one. The game in the end does little new, the tempo sometimes stalls and also the storyline doesn't manage to reach the same level as in the predecessor. But when that predecessor is Among Thieves, you can hardly count that as a downpoint. As make no mistake: Drake's Deception is one of the best games of 2011.

Gameplay (Benelux) (91 out of 100)

Uncharted 3 rijdt de kloof tussen games en films dicht met een perfect uitgewerkt filmisch singleplayeravontuur, en gooit er een uitgebreide multiplayer bovenop. Veel beter kunnen actiegames niet worden.

VentureBeat / Gamesbeat (91 out of 100)

The question becomes whether as a reviewer I should dock the game some points in my review score because of these annoyances, which if they go unmentioned will almost certainly wind up in Uncharted 4. I feel like I’ve collected a big bag of coins and have nowhere to put them. Yes, I’ve got to dock them. But we already rated Gears of War 3 at 92 and this game is a lot better than that one, in my opinion. So we’ll let Naughty Dog skate by with 91 out of 100. I honestly hope that the developers pay close attention and deal with some of the annoyances for Uncharted 4. Hopefully, by then, they’ll have some new Sony hardware to build it upon.

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 is at its best when being guided by Naughty Dog's meticulous hand. It's a genuine adventure; strap yourself into the single-player campaign and it's a white-knuckle ride with some of gaming's most engaging characters. Uncharted 3's trivial flaws are buried beneath a tidal wave of big-budget spectacle, and a genuine narrative warmth far beyond most blockbuster titles.

Splitkick (9 out of 10)

You were expecting greatness and Uncharted 3 definitely has that. It also has its own unique identity in relation to the rest of the franchise, and that might not be absolutely welcomed by all. For those that want to call Uncharted 3 Naughty Dog’s masterpiece, I won’t try to stop you, but we should all take a moment to mourn the passing of character depth, and narrative intelligence. Then we should all get chased by thousands of spiders! Then, we can all go jump between moving vehicles!

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20)

On retrouve dans Uncharted 3 : l'Illusion de Drake tous les éléments d'un excellent jeu d'action-aventure. Le titre de Naughty Dog respecte également toutes les conventions du genre, entre quêtes improbables, trahisons et retournements de situations. Aux commandes d'un Nathan Drake plus débrouillard que jamais, le joueur s'éclate à alterner phases de plates-formes, gunfights et énigmes, auxquelles a été greffé un excellent système de combat au corps-à-corps. Visuellement magnifique, incroyablement intense et varié, Uncharted 3 est un jeu d'exception qui se révèle être le digne successeur de son aîné. Un jeu que tout propriétaire de PS3 se doit de posséder.

GNT - Generation Nouvelles Technologies (9 out of 10)

En conclusion, Uncharted 3 révèle beaucoup de qualités, et même si une impression de "déjà vu" se fait sentir et si la durée de vie est courte, vous auriez tord de passer à côté de l'aventure solo.

GameAspect.com (9 out of 10)

Since I played Uncharted 2 I have loved this series, the graphics are some of the best on console. The story is movie worthy and reminds me of the Indiana Jones or the National Treasure stories. Uncharted 3 has improved on the already great story of Uncharted 2: Among thieves along with the multi-player I believe that Uncharted 3 is my game of the year for 2011.

Games TM (9 out of 10)

It admittedly holds few surprises during its campaign, yet Naughty Dog twists these familiar tropes into an invigorating rush of agile gameplay and seamless cinematic spectacle, proving once again that Nathan Drake is without equal.

GamezGeneration (9 out of 10)

Ich muss zugeben das Uncharted 3 mein erster Uncharted Teil war, da ich erst seit kurzem selbst PlayStation 3 Besitzer bin. Dennoch habe ich damals natürlich neidisch auf die Reviews des Vorgängers geschaut und bin froh, dass der dritte Teil der Reihe mir solch einen Einstieg beschert hat. Ich werde mich nun nachträglich an Teil 1 und 2 wagen, alle anderen kommen um Teil 3 nicht herum. Man muss es gespielt haben, allein der Inszenierung wegen. Wer jedoch nichts mit der konstanten Action anfangen kann, der lässt es dann doch lieber sein, denn Uncharted 3 ist ein konstanter und stetig wachsender Adrenalintrip, der einen in seinen Bann zieht.

4Players.de (90 out of 100)

Was für ein Abenteuer! Die punktgenaue Regie lässt einem keine Atempause: Aufgrund der wunderbaren Tempowechsel fühlen sich diese zehn Stunden wie 90 Minuten an – freut euch auf einen nahezu perfekten Mix aus Action und Erkundung, Akrobatik und Rätseln. Zwar ist vieles aus dem Vorgänger bekannt, aber hier fließen Ruhe und Sturm noch besser ineinander. Lediglich die überstrapazierten Nahkämpfe und so manches Trial&Error-Rennen nerven; außerdem hätten die toll designten Rätsel und Klettereien noch anspruchsvoller sein können. Ansonsten erlebt man eine furiose Kampagne mit spektakulären Kamerafahrten und halsbrecherischen Stunts sowie knackigen Schussgefechten ohne die Redundanz zu vieler Gegnerwellen.

Gry OnLine (9 out of 10)

Uncharted 3: Oszustwo Drake’a nie rewolucjonizuje przemysłu gier wideo, ale chyba nikt tego tak naprawdę nie oczekiwał. To świetna produkcja oferująca wciągającą kampanię dla jednego gracza i rozbudowany tryb multiplayer, pozwalający bawić się przy tym tytule przez długie miesiące. Nie oczekujcie jednak dużego skoku jakościowego w stosunku do drugiej części. Co więcej, w moim osobistym rankingu stawiam Uncharted 2: Among Thieves nieco wyżej od omawianej „trójeczki”. Czy to jednak znaczy, że mamy do czynienia ze złą grą? Zdecydowanie nie, bo jest to pozycja obowiązkowa dla każdego posiadacza PlayStation 3.

GamesRadar ( )

While it never quite reaches the highs of Uncharted 2, Uncharted 3’s slick, relentless action, beautiful visuals and beefed-up multiplayer ensure that it stands well enough on its own.

GameSpot (9 out of 10)

All of these different modes and gameplay types look phenomenal, thanks to impressive technology and strong artistic design. A stirring soundtrack beautifully complements your journey, drifting between hard-edged riffs and delicate acoustics, depending on the situation. Everything that Drake's Deception attempts, it pulls off with flying colors. This is a beautiful, cohesive, and, most importantly, fun adventure that cements the Uncharted franchise as one of the best around. More of a good thing is welcome here. You'll laugh with joy, yelp with excitement, and, above all else, be thankful that you're playing something as expertly crafted as Drake's Deception.

Edge (9 out of 10)

That adventure remains the jewel in Uncharted 3’s crown. Every time the game confronts you with another gilded, millennia-old piece of architecture, the same thought occurs: how could a primitive civilisation build something so immense, so confoundingly ornate? The present console cycle is expected to last nearly a decade, and there will inevitably be developers advocating the need for more sophisticated tools. But just like Machu Picchu, the Pyramids and every other engineering marvel of antiquity, Uncharted 3 will stand as a reminder to future generations of gamers that enough problem-solving imagination can turn any old trowel into a magic wand.

Computer Bild Spiele (1.5 out of 6)

„Uncharted 3“ ist eines jener Spiele, die Spaß und Zeitvertreib mit einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis kombinieren. Unterhaltsame Story und abwechslungsreiche Kapitel verdichten sich zu einem grandios inszenierten Gesamtpaket. Der Mehrspieler-Modus lässt keine Wünsche offen – er bietet viel und läuft stabil.

Famitsu (35 out of 40)

高水準のグラフィックに息もつかせぬ展開の物語＆演出、魅力的な登場人物と、映画を観ているような感覚で楽しめる。アクション部分も爽快。難易度変更が可能で、高所から落ちても直前からすぐ復活できていい。ライトユーザーでもクリアーまで十分に進めるはず。オンラインも充実。

Games Finder (8.5 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 lives up to the Uncharted name offering the same level of detail that you’ve come to expect from the franchise. The games emphasis has shifted dramatically from the first game though to be less about the puzzles but it’s still an overall enjoyable experience.

Hooked Gamers (8.5 out of 10)

Let's be honest, when you use a supply drop as a means to escape a crashing cargo plane and land in the middle of a beautiful desert, are you going to be thinking about receptiveness? No, you'll be thinking about how the hell you are going to escape the desert and how great Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is.

Gamegravy (8.5 out of 10)

Stunning set pieces, sand that behaves realistically, gorgeous water, perfect sound, and maddeningly linear. It’s a brilliant adventure that Nate gets to go on – he just never lets you think you’re there with him. Even when you buy a Samsung and a Bose system, stand in line at a Houston Gamestop at 11pm on a Monday, and buy all the DLC, Nate doesn’t want you anywhere near him. He’s like the awesome older brother with a motorcycle and a hot girlfriend. And you’re just you – sitting on the couch with your video games. For as great as this game is, it’s a damn shame it’s not more immersive.

Absolute Games (AG.ru) (85 out of 100)

Создавая Uncharted 2, студия Naughty Dog, подобно герою игры Натану Дрейку, сиганула через пропасть, отделявшую приличный акробатический шутер от отличного боевика. Переход же к третьей части скорее напоминает осторожное топтание на узком карнизе. Формула успеха найдена, технологии обкатаны, Лара Крофт окончательно свергнута с трона. Доказывать больше нечего. Остается сетовать на то, как трудно сделать виртуальный песок и подсчитывать кассу.

Gamekult (8 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 : L'illusion de Drake n'a pas usurpé son statut de blockbuster en puissance de la PS3 pour cette fin d'année. Avec sa réalisation magistrale, il nous prouve une nouvelle fois la compétence technique de Naughty Dog qui signe tout simplement le jeu le plus impressionnant à ce jour sur les consoles HD. Si la surenchère visuelle est une chose, le titre se montre par contre un poil moins marquant qu'Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves en son temps dans son gameplay, avec des innovations au compte-gouttes et des situations qui surprennent moins, à force. Néanmoins le spectacle quasi permanent offert par les aventures de Nathan finit bien par tout emporter sur son passage, avec des séquences d'action absolument démentes et la découverte d'une autre facette d'un héros plus incontournable après chaque épisode.

D+PAD Magazine ( )

With a gripping storyline and entertaining multiplayer modes, Uncharted 3 admirably fulfils its duty in completing the series’ meteoric rise from plucky IP upstart to bona fide videogame icon. The attention to detail and polish that has been lavished on every aspect of the game is hugely impressive and you will genuinely struggle to find a better looking game on this generation of hardware – Naughty Dog really do know how to make the PlayStation 3 sing. Despite its unquestionable quality however, the praise we can lavish on Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is tempered slightly by a sense that the template might be reaching its breaking point, and that a little more diversity to accompany the astonishing moments of technical and cinematic wizardry would be a treasure worth seeking.

Gamereactor (Denmark) (8 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 er et spil af meget høj kvalitet og absolut anbefalelsesværdigt, men det er ikke nødvendigvis den spilmæssige åbenbaring, som mange havde håbet på.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10)

Back in the main campaign and, as a slice of one-view entertainment, Uncharted 3 is peerless. The execution exhibits a kind of workmanship and polish way beyond the ambition of most other developers, let alone their abilities or budgets. As an expression of all that a video game could be, however, Uncharted 3 is narrow, focused and ultimately shallow. It is a majestic tribute to cinema, a movie game in the literal sense, and your enjoyment will be in precise step with your appreciation of that objective - and whether or not you believe it to be Drake's great deception, or Drake's great delight.

TotalPlayStation (8 out of 10)

Were Uncharted 3 any other game, if it didn't hit with dizzying highs to offset the abysmal lows, it would be infinitely skippable. Instead, compelling (but difficult) multiplayer and enough "wow" moments mean it's worth seeing, but not owning.

TheSixthAxis (8 out of 10)

For Uncharted die-hards it’s a no-brainer. Yes, these are maps you’ve likely inhabited for hours on end but they’re so well put together that you can’t really fault Naughty Dog for extending their lifespan. At £6.49 you can certainly do a lot worse, especially if you’re enlisted in the Fortune Hunter’s Club; the Uncharted 2 map packs may have been almost half price but it’s worth pointing out that these only came bundled with two and not four.

Lens of Truth (8 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 is not a bad game, but it most certainly falls short on everyone’s expectations. The story wasn’t bad, and actually had a lot of potential. The problem is that the single player aspect of the game just felt to rushed to tell it in the best way possible. The multiplayer side of it however was very well done, and does make up for the single player part a bit. However Uncharted started out as a single player game and was taken even further with the second game. It is a shame to see the core of the series fall under Call of Duty syndrome and take a back seat to multiplayer. While the campaign is indeed still better than some of the other ones out there, it just falls too short by Uncharted standards.

Wired ( )

Then there’s the desert. Playing this scene, I was convinced that Uncharted 3 had the most technically adept graphics of any game on any platform. This desert was seriously huge — endless, it seemed. And beautiful: The sand itself was sharp and richly detailed, bits of it dropping from Nathan Drake’s shoes as he walked. All I wanted to do was explore this vast wasteland. But I couldn’t. The desert was just for show. If you moved any direction but forward, it just looped endlessly. There was nothing out there to find. So I trudged in a straight line and watched the cutscenes, and then I was out of the desert.

Game Critics (7.5 out of 10)

Following the hyper-approachable formula used by Apple in the electronics industry, Naughty Dog has crafted another Uncharted game that a majority of players will feel is a welcoming and praiseworthy achievement. However, in comparison to many of its contemporaries, the gameplay ultimately feels stale and doesn't emphasize the more unique and rewarding qualities that separate video games from other media. Uncharted 3 represents the pinnacle of Hollywood mimicry, but I can't help but wonder if we're starting to see diminishing returns in that endeavor. Perhaps games as a whole would be better served to define their sense of value on their own terms.

GameWatcher / Strategy Informer (7.5 out of 10)

Uncharted 3 may have its problems, but it's still an enticing roller-coaster ride throughout. The title never lives up to the verve of its middle brother, often clouding the boundary between engaging cinematic visuals and frustrating gameplay a little too far. It seems the comparison to Lara Croft isn't a weightless one, as her series also eventually suffered after some poor design choices. It's not his best showing, but Drake's third release is certainly a worthwhile addition to the series, even if it's just to witness the set-pieces alone.

The A.V. Club (C)

Uncharted 3 shows more people and more places, but tells players less. Gamers felt like they knew Nathan Drake at the end of Uncharted 2, at least a little. But by the closing moments of Uncharted 3, after spending 12 or so hours in his shoes, players somehow wind up knowing even less about him than they did at the game’s beginning.