Out of all of the titles released in 2011, there is only one that stands out above them all; Uncharted 3.

The interactive cinematic master piece is back, turning the duology into a trilogy of must have games for any Playstation equipped gamer.

Like a family reunion, Nathan is teamed up with his mentor Victor. Eventually you will be a part of a larger team encompassing Chloe and the welcome return of Journalist, Elena Fisher.

After an artefact exchange deal goes wrong and our two main characters are gunned down in an alleyway not too far from the old style English pub.

Flasback time.

Uncharted 3 details more about Nathan (Nate) and Sully’s decade’s long relationship.

It is during this flashback phase where you control a pre-teen Drake that the pair’s history is revealed.

From present to past to present again, you will not only play through the character’s histories but also around the world to places such as the Rub’ al Khali desert, Yemen and more in search of the lost, legendary city: the Iram of the Pillars.

The artefact in question that was about to be exchanged for cash in the pub was a ring, Sir Francis’ Drakes ring.

But this item is actually a part of a bigger artefact, which an old associate of Sully’s is after, for egotistical and megalomaniacal reason. She wants power and needs the ring to complete her plan.

For almost the entirety of the title you will be cutting down her black suited henchmen, lead by an equally maniacal new character known as Talbot.

A further additional character is introduced into the series; Charlie Cutter.

First it appears as though he is against you, but further into play, the truth comes out about where his allegiances lie.

From puzzle solving through to melee and gun running combat, you will work your way through third world markets, rough English streets and alleys, deep below ground, high above ground, while defying death with every step you take.

Weaponry appears to be stock standard from the previous title, and you still collect your weapons and ammo top ups from the fallen enemies.

The same theme and flavour has (thankfully) carried over from the other two titles, making the entire set consistent.

And again, as with the other two, the narrative will trap you into gameplay. Before you know it, 6 hours has passed, when you decided to have a ‘quick couple of hours’.

There are a few mini-games that are within the main structure of gameplay and the uniformed treasure collecting.

As with the second Uncharted, there is Network play Multiplayer, which among other options includes a Buddy system. This is co-op play with various bragging rights and so forth.

An interactive movie, a game that you cannot, not complete.

This explains not just Uncharted 3 but the entire series.

An undisputed Game of the year for 2011 in my opinion.

Uncharted 3 – Drake’s Deception

PS3

5 out of 5