Quick Review: Uncharted 3 - Drake's Deception - Online Beta Comes to an End

I have been playing the online beta test version of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception for about two weeks now, and I can sum up my experience with these words, "I want it now!" Sony Computer Entertainment and Naughty Dog Software made the download of the beta version of the online portion of Drake's 3 available for free in the PlayStation Store through your PlayStation 3 system. If you are a fan of the Uncharted series, and you didn't download the beta version, you missed out because the beta test has ended. Here is a little bit of information on what to look forward to when the full game hits the shelves November 11, 2011.

New online matches in Uncharted 3

The test version is a work in progress, and Naughty Dog has been adding to the online content randomly adding levels and changing things about the online play. Up until a few days ago, only two levels were available and only a few modes like team death match, plunder, and co-op arena were available. Now there are new modes like 3 team death match, and two new co-op adventures. The online play and the look of the graphics are unbelievable for an online experience and I would venture to say unmatched. The landscapes in the Syria and Yemen levels are just gorgeous.

The developers included a similar format from Uncharted 2, like earning medals and being able to purchase upgrades. A new addition is a feature called "Kickbacks" which allow your online character to have a special ability. My favorite so far has been "Team Medic" because it allows me to heal my entire team from anywhere in the level. Talk about useful for team missions or in the co-op adventures.

Creative gameplay and a new way to play online

One of the newest levels, called "Airstrip" includes an interactive portion of the online level prior to entering the "level" part of the game. In team death match, the heroes and villains fight on a cargo airplane while it is on the runway trying to take off and being swarmed by army trucks! After the plane departs, the players are dropped into the online level to complete the death match. This is very creative and a fresh take on online game play.

There will be special items available for beta testers when the full game comes out, which will include a special avatar, and possibly early access to some weapons. The test was open to anyone who wanted to take the time to download it. I will soaked up as much as I could, but now that the beta test has ended, November 11, 2011 seems like a mirage in the desert. I give this game 4 out of 5 stars accross the board. Short of 5 stars, due to some glitches that still allow players to get inside the level. I'm sure this will be patched before the game is released.