With Tomb Raider: Legend and Anniversary dropping on shelves just before the turning of the Playstation 3, Lara missed an opportunity that could even explain why Underworld hasn’t been doing so well after. In her absence however, Naughty Dog unleashed their own hidden IP into the fray, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, soon to be followed by its sequel, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, later this year.

          Naughty Dog, most formerly known for Crash Bandicoot and then for the Jak and Daxter series, are now the proud developers of the Uncharted series,

already a Playstation classic amongst critics alongside games such as LittleBigPlanet and Metal Gear Solid 4. The game follows the adventure of young treasure hunter Nathan Drake, believed to be a descendant of the English sailor himself, Sir Francis Drake. The tale begins with Nathan finding the coffin of his ancestor, alongside his one-woman film crew, Elena Fisher, a small time reporter looking for the perfect story to get her into TV fame. However, all that is stored within the coffin is his journal, leading Nathan to a small island believed to harbour the ancient golden statue of El Dorado. All is well and good, before he is stalked by rival treasure hunters and also comes across those who had tried to uncover the treasure before them...

          The gameplay is very linear. A smooth balance between excellent and fast-paced platforming, with intense gun fights as the core of how the game runs. Some would argue that the gameplay is very generic given the genre and background of the game, and I would agree, if it were not so brilliantly delivered to split it apart from its rivals. A duck and cover system make the shooting much more tactical rather than the strafe ‘n shoot of Tomb Raider: Legend. Puzzles also come in many shapes and sizes, all playing a vital role in the game, and some evening unfolding into some of the game's set-pieces.

          Nathan Drake is the kind of protagonist that can grow on you, just as Lara Croft has dug her way into the hearts of so many Playstation One fans. He’s young, cool, and even a bit of a lady’s man, much more like a modern Indiana Jones, for those trying to picture him in their head. Other characters like Elena and Sully also make the game flow out naturally, leading up to the killer plot twist nearer to the end of the game.

          In terms of presentation, the graphics are great, from

the water physics to the view from the Cliffside fort, each moment is one to behold, with character design staying loyal to the setting. The main theme track for Uncharted also adds to the presence of a defined action game, and the voice casting is unbelievably fitting to the game’s characters.

          Overall, Uncharted was one of the very first Playstation 3 games out there, and though it might not have leapt into the spotlight at that time, since the trophy patch, gamers have had two reasons to play it, and enjoy it. Among Thieves is also due later on this year as well, as Nathan Drake dances over Lara's grave again.