[Zoibie]

PSP mostly got games like Uncharted NGP. Spin offs broken down into small chunks. Unlike PSP, console ports would actually work on NGP. If not ports, at the very least design NGP games as if they were on PS3. Who the hell wants this stupid "mission" crap?

I don't agree with that. Resistance, Syphon Filter, Jak, Daxter, GTA... they all felt like games that could just as easily have been late PS2/early PS3 games with a couple of control tweaks (in fact, some of them were.)

Killzone Liberation was definitely the best way of doing things: change it up to suit a portable console and make it easy to pick up and complete a level or two. You don't want to be watching tedious amounts of narrative and cut-scenes on a handheld (although with something as entertaining as Uncharted, I'll gladly give that a pass.) Don't get me wrong, those are perfectly good games, but the stand-outs for me were the games designed for PSP and portability.

[Dyno]

Since we know Drake gets Elena at the end of U2 this idea comes off a bit fannish. Do we really need to know every little detail of these imaginary people and their lives?

What if Elena left Drake because after U1 Sully and Nathan went on a coke n' whore bender in Shanghai with all that treasure! I'm a writer see, I know how all these things work out.

[Zoe]

Good to hear there's less gunfighting. The PS3 games are way too hard for me.

[Duffyside]

After all, they're together again now!

Are they though? Have you seen Elena in any Uncharted 3 media yet?

The way I figured it, they split after 1 because Nate still wanted to be his adventure-having, danger-loving, rule-breaking self, and Elena wasn't having it.

For all we know something similar happened before 3. Nate said he was going to settle down, but then Sully came along and needed his help, and Nate chose to go with his long-time friend rather than keep his word to Elena, and they're splitsville again.

If this is right, I'm going to be so mad. I love Elena... though I would welcome a new female character as well, much like Chloe.

Despite what the above may indicate, I am not gay.

[Greg]

I wonder if they actually mean exploration, or they mean more automated "platforming"

[JaseC]

Was I the only one annoyed that they never said what happened between them in U2?

Probably not. Really, the tension between them and the tone behind their banter implies more than enough to connect the dots; the game doesn't need to spoon-feed you the details, and I'm glad it didn't.

[The_Darkest_Red]

I wonder if they actually mean exploration, or they mean more automated "platforming"

I was wondering the same thing. I would love to see this game go in more of a "huge environmental puzzle" direction kind of like Tomb Raider.

[Hot Coldman]

Are they though? Have you seen Elena in any Uncharted 3 media yet? The way I figured it, they split after 1 because Nate still wanted to be his adventure-having, danger-loving, rule-breaking self, and Elena wasn't having it. For all we know something similar happened before 3. Nate said he was going to settle down, but then Sully came along and needed his help, and Nate chose to go with his long-time friend rather than keep his word to Elena, and they're splitsville again. If this is right, I'm going to be so mad. I love Elena... though I would welcome a new female character as well, much like Chloe. Despite what the above may indicate, I am not gay.

That would be some utter bullshit if they pulled the exact same trick. I'm going to assume that yes, they are still together, and Naughty Dog would never be so cheap. God I hope I'm right

For what it's worth, U3 appears to be much less of a voluntary scenario than usual for Nate. I'm predicting, mainly based on the scene we've seen featuring Marlowe, that Drake needs to do whatever he'll be doing in Africa for purposes beyond treasure hunting. The kind of thing Elena would be OK with, maybe. It's been implied that the events of U3 are not going to be good for Drake either way, so I doubt Elena's feelings will come into play there.

[Greg]

I was wondering the same thing. I would love to see this game go in more of a "huge environmental puzzle" direction kind of like Tomb Raider.

Yeah, this would be the perfect platform to experiment with some things that could find their way into future UC titles on consoles.

[Magicpaint]

I was wondering the same thing. I would love to see this game go in more of a "huge environmental puzzle" direction kind of like Tomb Raider.

I just want a better balance. Like mix up the shooting with proper environmental obstacles and real, as you say, environmental puzzles. I guess the closest thing I am asking for is the kind of direction Tom Raider went with Tomb Raider Legend.

[Hellion]

Why would anybody want that?

Easy, for the laughs.

[The_Darkest_Red]

I just want a better balance. Like mix up the shooting with proper environmental obstacles and real, as you say, environmental puzzles. I guess the closest thing I am asking for is the kind of direction Tom Raider went with Tomb Raider Legend.

Exactly. I've always felt like the only thing holding back modern Tomb Raider games is the weird combat. If you threw Uncharted level combat into modern Tomb Raider level design I think you would come out with a fantastic game.

[DoctorWho]

Was I the only one annoyed that they never said what happened between them in U2?

I honestly didn't really care.

Although, more Drake is always good.

[SolidSnakex]

Exactly. I've always felt like the only thing holding back modern Tomb Raider games is the weird combat. If you threw Uncharted level combat into modern Tomb Raider level design I think you would come out with a fantastic game.

Uncharted games have a certain flow to them because the puzzles and platforming really won't hold you up. They're there to kind of give you a break from the gunfights. Tomb Raider has some puzzles and platforming sections that'll stop you dead in your tracks. It's something that could easily frustrate people that really aren't into puzzle/platforming games.

This game will give Sony Bend a chance to experiment with the gameplay so they could try something like that out. It'll also be a good way to separate the console and handheld Uncharted games in terms of gameplay.

[The_Darkest_Red]

Uncharted games have a certain flow to them because the puzzles and platforming really won't hold you up. They're there to kind of give you a break from the gunfights. Tomb Raider has some puzzles and platforming sections that'll stop you dead in your tracks. It's something that could easily frustrate people that really aren't into puzzle/platforming games. This game will give Sony Bend a chance to experiment with the gameplay so they could try something like that out. It'll also be a good way to separate the console and handheld Uncharted games in terms of gameplay.

It's true, Uncharted games have a much steadier flow than Tomb Raider games thanks to a lack of difficult platforming and puzzle sections. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to do something that could potentially disrupt that flow.

[outunderthestars]

It's true, Uncharted games have a much steadier flow than Tomb Raider games thanks to a lack of difficult platforming and puzzle sections. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to do something that could potentially disrupt that flow.

They could also view that change as a way to differentiate the console and portable versions, giving each their unique identity. I don't want to play a game that feels exactly the same as the console versions. I say let Bend put their stamp on the franchise in the portable realm and let them really have at it. :)

[NearRivers]

Less shooting and more exploration suits me just fine.

The shootouts were never my favourite parts of the games. I'd rather explore the environments and find treasures (might be in the minority here?).

So long as the story and atmosphere is loyal to the previous installments it's got the potential to be a great game.

[revolverjgw]

It's true, Uncharted games have a much steadier flow than Tomb Raider games thanks to a lack of difficult platforming and puzzle sections. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to do something that could potentially disrupt that flow.

They shouldn't do anything different than what they're currently doing. Let Uncharted be Uncharted, it's not Tomb Raider. Anything not involving shooting needs to be simple and painless, it must not hold the player up. I know this offends some people's sensibilities, but Naughty Dog know better than they do. This is an shooting game with pretty interludes to set a pulpy action/adventure mood and I'm sure that's the way it will stay.

The "adventure" segments are fun additions to a shooting game. Playing Uncharted with other people, I find these parts are total crowd pleasers, and as a player it's nice to get a break. I love the atmosphere and sights during them, and they don't take up enough time to make it an "interactive movie", the meat of the action gameplay easily holds up to any other TPS. If I want to solve a challenging logic puzzle or some irritating jumping puzzle, I'll play another game designed with that kind of thing in mind.

All I want is for them to add another 15-20 minutes of this adventure-lite content, something like that extended jaunt on the first island in UC1, or the village/ice caves of UC2. UC1 in particular felt like it needed a chapter like this later on, given how much of it there was early on.

[Ken Masters]

"It's the same category of game, but has more exploration and fewer gunfights, letting people breathe while playing. " Good news, I almost suffocated while playing Uncharted 2

true, too many gun fights, plus they never seemed to end

[The_Darkest_Red]

They shouldn't do anything different than what they're currently doing. Let Uncharted be Uncharted, it's not Tomb Raider. Anything not involving shooting needs to be simple and painless, it must not hold the player up. I know this offends some people's sensibilities, but Naughty Dog know better than they do. This is an shooting game with pretty interludes to set a pulpy action/adventure mood and I'm sure that's the way it will stay. The "adventure" segments are fun additions to a shooting game. Playing Uncharted with other people, I find these parts are total crowd pleasers, and as a player it's nice to get a break. I love the atmosphere and sights during them, and they don't take up enough time to make it an "interactive movie", the meat of the action gameplay easily holds up to any other TPS. If I want to solve a challenging logic puzzle or some irritating jumping puzzle, I'll play another game designed with that kind of thing in mind. All I want is for them to add another 15-20 minutes of this adventure-lite content, something like that extended jaunt on the first island in UC1, or the village/ice caves of UC2. UC1 in particular felt like it needed a chapter like this later on, given how much of it there was early on.

I won't be upset if they go the same direction as UC1 and 2, I love those games, it's just that I would like to see them try something slightly different.

Also, I don't think any games are designed with jumping puzzles that are striving to irritate.

[arne]

Bend Studio is really the best bet for any info related to the Uncharted NGP game, but I couldn't help but want to jump in and mention that the NGP storyline is set sometime before Drake's Fortune (and not a prequel). I'll leave the rest for the NGP/Uncharted NGP press campaign.

[TheExorzist]

And yet again a series is spread among different plattforms.... Am I the only one annoyed by this? I mean, I like the Uncharted series but I don't want to buy the NGP in order to get the full story.... I hate this.... Already had to buy the 3DS because of RE - and now this...

[funkystudent]

thats cool but I was hoping for a prequel with more Eddy Raja.

[The_Darkest_Red]

Bend Studio is really the best bet for any info related to the Uncharted NGP game, but I couldn't help but want to jump in and mention that the NGP storyline is set sometime before Drake's Fortune (and not a prequel). I'll leave the rest for the NGP/Uncharted NGP press campaign.

I find this very confusing...

[arne]

I find this very confusing...

why?

[The_Darkest_Red]

why?

I guess I thought it would have to be a prequel by default if it took place before Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and was about many of the same characters. Is there some nuance to the word prequel that I don't understand? Is it not considered a prequel if the story is mostly self-contained or something?

[FunkyPajamas]

I guess it means it doesn't have a connection to the story in Drake's Fortune (i.e. El Dorado).

[The_Darkest_Red]

I guess it means it doesn't have a connection to the story in Drake's Fortune (i.e. El Dorado).

Here's what I think of when I see "prequel":

prequel n. A literary, dramatic, or cinematic work whose narrative takes place before that of a preexisting work or a sequel.

So if it takes place before DF than it's a prequel under that definition, right?

[flyinpiranha]

Love the premise of less gunfights. Hate the fact it's an "in between".

[arne]

I guess I thought it would have to be a prequel by default if it took place before Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and was about many of the same characters. Is there some nuance to the word prequel that I don't understand? Is it not considered a prequel if the story is mostly self-contained or something?

Reason we're making the distinction is that it's not a direct lead-in to the story of Drake's Fortune, which many people would expect if you said "prequel"

[The_Darkest_Red]

Reason we're making the distinction is that it's not a direct lead-in to the story of Drake's Fortune, which many people would expect if you said "prequel"

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification.

EDIT: So I guess this thread title needs to be updated.

[Trick_GSF]

So, no Elena, but more Eddie? I can live with that.

[ReturnOfTheRAT]

Any addition to Uncharted story is cool for me. I forgot about us getting some new NGP info at E3.

It should all be interesting.

[FunkyPajamas]

Arne, does it take place entirely before Drake's Fortune, or does it have some events before and some after?

[graywolf323]

It doesn't, I did say probably :/ (Setting the game between U1 and U2 is a good excuse to not include Elena, and cut down on acting costs, maybe?)

personally I hope they can keep Emily Rose around (even if she does have a TV show now)

[ToyBroker]

More focus on exploration = a big HELLS YEAH from most of the fans, including me.

[KAL2006]

WTF, so is that French interview completely wrong, what Arne is saying is that it takes place before U1, the french interview says it is between U1 and U2

[hosannainexcelsis]

more exploration and fewer gunfights

That sounds good. Gunfights are why I've never been able to get into Uncharted.

[Galvanise_]

WTF, so is that French interview completely wrong, what Arne is saying is that it takes place before U1, the french interview says it is between U1 and U2

Yeah, I'm confused too.

[Appollowexx]

It sounds as though they are developing it with portable gaming in mind. This will no doubt work wonders for how the game translates over from console.

As Naughty Dog aren't directly involved in the story process I don't care all that much about RAD's fill in the blanks concept, but I like the characters and world, enough to give it a whirl anyway.

[Jomjom]

So Naughty Dog is basically going the GoW console and portable strategy where the portable entries fall in between the numbered console series?

[Dedication Through Light]

So, no Elena, but more Eddie? I can live with that.

Where did you get that? If the game has elements before and after UC1, then Elena would need to be mentioned and in game. I do not see where "no Elena" was mentioned.

[Ratrat]

So I see the NGP will continue the trend of watered down handheld games meant to be played in "short bursts". Do these devs not know about the instant suspend feature?

Peace Walker and BBS had more gameplay than their console counterparts.

[TripOpt55]

Where did you get that? If the game has elements before and after UC1, then Elena would need to be mentioned and in game. I do not see where "no Elena" was mentioned.

Wait does it have elements before and after UC1? I thought it was just before now based on what Arne said. So that would mean no Elena.

[Suairyu]

That sounds good. Gunfights are why I've never been able to get into Uncharted.

Well, it certainly couldn't have been for the exploration. It doesn't exist in Uncharted. Gunfighting is what you do 90% of the time. I'm not entirely sure what the pull would be gameplay-wise if not the shooting.

[Gameboy]

It's the same category of game, but has more exploration and fewer gunfights, letting people breathe while playing.

Yes! Finally.

[alr1ght]

Well, it certainly couldn't have been for the exploration. It doesn't exist in Uncharted. Gunfighting is what you do 90% of the time. I'm not entirely sure what the pull would be gameplay-wise if not the shooting.

Probably because it's a shooter first. People just compare it to Tomb Raider-esque exploration due to both playing on similar themes.

[MoonsaultSlayer]

What if each "mission" was it's own seperate episode of Elena's show where she enlists Drake's help tracking down an artifact, tomb, legendary area or whatever? Would be awesome.

Or not. Thanks Arne haha.

[Kenak]

If available at launch, this will be the first game I get on the PSP2. =D

EDIT: More exploration, less gunfights is a good thing. I wonder how they'll handle it considering the gunfights were the meat of the game in UC1 and 2.

[yencid]

uncharted begins