Uncharted 3 Beta Impressions

“Uncharted 3 Beta“

Oh Snap! The Beta for Uncharted 3 has finally dropped. We offer our first impressions of this little gem. The third iteration of Uncharted looks draw dropping as ever. In what is without doubt one of the best video game series of our generation, Uncharted revolutions fun action, heart pounding danger and unbelievable graphics. If you played the multiplayer to Uncharted 2, then this game will have you feeling right at home in no time. The run, gun, roll, gun, climb wall, repeat gameplay returns in full force. This time around it feels smoother, looks better and offers up some new tricks.

The first noticeable difference this beta has over U:2 is a much higher level of customization. You can choose your player, change their wardrobe and make a custom symbol ala Call of Duty. Unfortunately the beta holds back a lot of variety so most everyone looks the same. The bad guys only have one character model to choose from. You can unlock some customization accessories by collecting treasures. In each level are treasure chests located throughout, at seemingly random times, one chest will open and it’s a mad dash to get to it before anyone else. Collect enough of each set and you can upgrade your accessories and emblem. I should also note that your emblem can show up at certain points in the level.

The customization goes into your weapon choices too, again just like Call of Duty. The array of weapons allowed in the beta is minimal and given that most of the levels are fairly cramped, you’ll want to stick with the AK-47. Of course you can always find more powerful weapons hidden around, such as the amazing Pistole or Shotgun. As you level up you’ll be able to assign perks to your weapons, like increased clip size or improved accuracy. Beyond the weapon customization are “boosters”, in-game abilities that will give you a slight edge in combat. You can equip a rocket launcher or give your bullets increased stopping power. These are gained by the same medal system we saw in the last Uncharted.

Some other additions that I love is the life changing “mute all” button. Finally I can shut those brats up with ease. As well as the new “buddy system”, at the start of the game you are assigned a buddy and can spawn on them at any time, assuming they’re alive. If you stick with your buddy you earn extra money and can perform fist bumps over the corpses of your enemies. Always funny to watch. The beta also allows for a hardcore mode where all boosters and perks are turned off. This is the mode that real champions play. I love it. There’s also team deathmatch, three-team deathmatch, free for all, and co-op arena. The arena is simply a test of skill to see how long you and a friend can hold of a horde of enemies or to see if you can retrieve an artifact in time.

I should also point out that the in game menu has what’s called Naughty Dog TV in the bottom right hand corner. Currently it steams lots of behind the scenes footage that you can watch without ever leaving the multiplayer menu. It’s a really great idea and it provides for some good entertainment. Let’s just hope they don’t start using it to show advertisements. Have you noticed that’s what they’re doing with Blu-ray movies now? It drives me nuts.

There are two levels to choose from. The more popular one called Airstrip starts off with the good guys inside an airplane while it’s trying to take off. The opposing team is in a caravan on either side trying to high jack it, but be careful not to fall off or you’re dead. It’s a really unique concept and it ends in just the right amount of time before the plane takes off and everyone finds themselves in an airplane hangar where the majority of the fight takes place. At certain times you’ll hear air sirens going off and planes will come in and shoot at anyone in their sites. Incoming! The second level is Chateau, a gorgeous ancient fort with plenty of broken walls to poke around. Airstrip is fun a few times but Chateau is where the money is. Both levels have parts that can be destroyed, so be careful.

I can already say U:3 has the best third person multiplayer I’ve ever tried. The controllers didn’t feel as tight as U:2, I was able to round corners with ease, take and leave cover at exactly the right time and aim my grenades better than before. After installing the patch (yes, there’s a patch already) I have had no network errors or lag of any kind. Sometimes it can take a while before it finds a game for you and your buddies, but nothing too excruciating. Get your hands on this beta while it’s still fresh.

If you need a beta code, try out any of the ones below. Act fast, they’re one time use!

AC4H-8CNF-932A

ERA5-3GNP-5LMF

AKP-95NC-EH78

28RR-TTNB-NK6K

3F8L-AJNT-H9P5

H4AC-22NN-ACMA

K79H-B2N3-N7KA

Play my outro….
- Jon Duryea (Follow @Artifact911 on Twitter)