Gameplay is King: Story is Distant Second

I only recently got around to playing 2009’s  most critically acclaimed game title: Uncharted 2 for the PS3.  Personally as a player, this isn’t exactly my kind of game; I’m not a huge shooter fan and, like Avatar, the story and premise seemed a bit simple.  However, as a game designer, I can’t excuse myself from a game so highly regarded among players and developers alike.  Even if it didn’t interest me in the name of my own entertainment, it certainly interested me in the name of my design education.

After sinking a good number of hours into it, I can definitely say that it is worth the ride.  The game has a captivating story and interesting characters, but that’s not why it’s a great game.  It is a great game because of the only thing that can make a great game: great gameplay.  Let’s step through two of the best points of this game’s design and execution.

Don’t Tell Me About It; Let me Do It

Let’s start with Uncharted 2’s biggest selling point: you get to play everything you want to play.  You do everything you want to do.  Action?  You do it.  Talking?  It’s just a cutscene.  This may seem obvious, but it’s more difficult than it sounds. WAIT! There is more to read… read on »