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If you had to pick one cliché way to describe a video game in a review it would undoubtedly be how cinematic that game is. Regardless of any progress we’ve made and regardless of the higher profit margins, we still don’t seem to have gotten the narrative at a par with a Hollywood blockbuster.

So instead of focusing on narrative, a lot of games, recently, have focused on the presentation. Trying to imitate that of a movie with orchestral soundtracks, expensive voice work and well-framed camera shots. Only a handful of games have truly achieved a blockbuster-esque quality with this kind of production. That’s why it’s a surprise that not only has Uncharted 2 nailed the production values but it has a pretty compelling narrative as well.

Not only has Uncharted 2 nailed blockbuster production but it’s got a compelling narrative

The protagonist, a cocky and charismatic adventurer known as Nathan Drake is naturally about to engage in a tale of betrayal, mystery and violence. Despite venturing on the cliché path for a film or video game, he is surprisingly likable. It’s entirely down to the excellent portrayal with witty retorts at every turn and an Indiana Jones aura.

However, what really makes Drake such a relatable character is that he isn’t always ‘in-charge’. A refreshingly strong handful of female characters often take charge of a situation or at least are on the same level as Drake. It’s just a change from the traditional protagonist who is only there to empower the player. In actual fact while commandeering Drake you’ll spend most of your time running away from someone or something.

Uncharted 2 doesn’t empower the player; it makes you sweat and wince at every barely-made jump or tense escape from collapsing ledges. Granted the platforming is more about timing and direction rather skill but Uncharted 2 keeps it simple with directional nudges rather than constant mashing on the jump button. It’s really just a shame that the platforming isn’t featured more as it’s the most cinematic and tense.

When you aren’t jumping across large gaps you’ll be, naturally, fending off enemies with a slim array of weaponry. Personally the shooting didn’t appeal despite being satisfying. It’s simply a looser and faster paced version of Gears of War, which although isn’t a bad thing, isn’t exactly anything special.

Nevertheless during the first few hours it often serves as a nice break from watching cutscenes and traversing large tombs, that is until these stages become tiresome. The shooting isn’t bad but in comparison to the rest of the game it becomes a chore, mundane even, to the point that you’ll dread the next encounter.

The shooting isn’t bad but in comparison it becomes a chore, mundane even

Luckily on the other side will be a cinematic set piece waiting to come out of nowhere and suck you in for another hour. Train crashes, crumbling buildings and helicopter chases all await with seamless integration into the core game. It’s this smoothness that lets each set piece feel more dynamic even though it’s incredibly scripted. Nevertheless it’s still impressive when mammoth chunks of a tomb fall apart at once.

Tombs that will shimmer with gold, glisten with dampness and most importantly look absolutely stunning. This time around Naughty Dog wasn’t afraid to throw everything at the game and haven’t failed in delivering a varied globetrotting tour for you to catch. From the grimy jungles of Borneo to the frozen tundra of Tibetan mountains, Uncharted 2’s plethora of locations and excellent visuals will keep you in awe throughout.

Nevertheless it’s the story that is the main draw and although it takes an inevitable and disappointing mythological turn during the latter parts of the game, it remains compelling throughout. While it will reward anyone who played the original with cameos and the odd reference to past events, newcomers won’t feel too left out of the loop when playing Among Thieves.

Newcomers really should feel welcome here, I did. I was a little sceptical given all the hype and praise that has bestowed Uncharted 2 but it deserves every little bit. Not only does it deliver one of the most intense cinematic thrill-rides of a campaign but it offers a pretty solid multiplayer mode as well.

Personally though the game’s main draw is its excellent cast and witty dialogue, it just helps that the game built around that is pretty breathtaking as well.