Uncharted: Golden Abyss
- December 17, 2011
- SCE Bend Studio
Consistently brilliant and highly produced, Uncharted: Golden Abyss sets a benchmark for adventure games on PlayStation Vita.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a shooter game with stunning visuals, offering a single-player experience. Players control Nathan Drake, uncovering the secret behind a 400-year-old massacre while seeking a lost city in Central America. Caught in a rivalry, Drake must navigate treacherous terrains and solve puzzles, pushing him to the edge of the Golden Abyss.
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Reviews
- Stunning graphics that rival early PS3 titles, showcasing the capabilities of the PS Vita.
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of action, puzzles, and exploration, enhanced by innovative touch controls.
- Strong storytelling and character development, maintaining the classic Uncharted feel.
- Some puzzles can be overly time-consuming, leading to frustration and potential boredom.
- The game runs at 30FPS, which some players feel could be improved for a smoother experience.
- Lack of a multiplayer component and some simplified gameplay mechanics may disappoint fans looking for more depth.
- graphics15 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised as exceptional for a handheld device, often compared favorably to early PS3 and Xbox 360 titles. Reviewers highlight the stunning visuals, detailed backgrounds, and realistic character movements, making it one of the best-looking games on the Vita. Overall, the graphics significantly enhance the immersive gameplay experience, contributing to the game's high acclaim.
“The graphics and backgrounds are some of the best I have seen on any handheld, and the gameplay is also really fun.”
“Graphics: the graphics are quite unbelievable for a handheld and even match some current-gen consoles.”
“I really enjoyed playing this game; great graphics, great cinematics, and very enjoyable.”
“Graphics: the graphics are quite unbelievable for a handheld and even match some current gen consoles.”
“However, compared to similar style games I have played on the iPhone/iPad such as 9mm/backstab and the like, the graphics on the Vita are mind-blowing.”
“We'll... I love it, the graphics are all similar to Uncharted: Drake's Fortune on PlayStation 3, but for a portable device like that, it's really great.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its smooth mechanics, engaging story, and impressive graphics, making it a standout experience on handheld devices. Players appreciate the variety of control options, including touch screen functionality, though some note that the aiming can be challenging to master and the absence of multiplayer is a drawback. Overall, it captures the essence of the Uncharted series while offering a fun and enjoyable experience.
“In terms of gameplay and enjoyability, Uncharted wins hands down here.”
“Gameplay is very smooth, with the touch screen coming into its own when climbing or attacking NPCs. There are multiple control options which allow you to either use the touch screen or the more traditional buttons.”
“Gameplay: amazing is a word that springs to mind. The shooting is good, and the climbing is breathtaking when you are 100 feet high looking at the sun setting.”
“It contains all the gameplay you would expect from its older siblings, minus the big cinematic experience.”
“[The aiming can take a while to get used to. The lack of a multiplayer component is disappointing. Simplified gameplay mechanics.]”
“The graphics are similar to Uncharted: Drake's Fortune on PlayStation 3, but for a portable device, it's really great. However, any fans of the past Uncharted games should be aware that the gameplay is quite basic.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is generally praised for its engaging narrative and strong character development, contributing significantly to the overall experience. While some reviewers note a lack of depth, the classic storytelling elements and immersive journey keep players invested. The combination of impressive graphics and a gripping storyline enhances the game's appeal within the Uncharted universe.
“It not only grips you through the entire journey, it also adds to the Uncharted universe with new characters and story ideas.”
“The storyline is absorbing, the graphics are great, and the difficulty level is high enough to keep you interested without making it impossible to complete.”
“Impressive graphics, great story.”
“The story is lacking some depth.”
“There are many features reminiscent of PS3 games, such as classic storytelling.”
“The storyline is absorbing, but it lacks the depth to make it truly memorable.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with players noting that the theme is instantly recognizable and sets a high expectation for the experience. It contributes significantly to the game's engaging atmosphere, reinforcing the familiar charm and humor that fans associate with the Uncharted series.
“I'll just say that as soon as you see the medallion swiveling around when the game first loads up and the theme music starts to play (now just as familiar as the Indiana Jones theme), you just know you are in for a treat.”
“I was not disappointed; straight from the start, I felt that this was a real Uncharted game, not some cheap knockoff. The humor was there, as was all the music and little things that make playing Uncharted so engaging.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged during longer play sessions.”
“While the sound effects are decent, the background music is forgettable and doesn't enhance the overall experience.”
“The soundtrack is underwhelming and fails to capture the excitement of the gameplay, leaving a dull impression.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express skepticism about the practical performance of the game's optimization, questioning how theoretical improvements translate into actual gameplay experiences.
“The optimization in this game is impressive, allowing for smooth performance even on lower-end devices.”
“I love how the developers have fine-tuned the game to run efficiently, making it accessible to a wider audience.”
“The game's optimization ensures that I can enjoy high-quality graphics without sacrificing frame rates.”
“But how does this theoretical performance translate into real-life games/apps?”
“The game runs poorly on mid-range hardware, making it frustrating to play.”
“I expected better optimization; the frame drops are unbearable during intense moments.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of serious and witty dialogue, contributing to well-rounded character interactions that enhance the overall experience.
“The game masterfully blends serious themes with humor, creating a well-rounded experience.”
“The witty dialogue keeps you laughing while still engaging with the story.”
“I love how the humor is cleverly woven into the gameplay, making every moment enjoyable.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its multiple difficulty levels and the presence of hidden objects, encouraging players to revisit and explore different aspects with each playthrough.
“The game features different levels and hidden objects to discover, providing excellent replay value. I'm playing at various difficulty levels with each completion.”
“Each playthrough offers a unique experience, encouraging me to explore different strategies and choices.”
“The variety of challenges and unlockable content keeps me coming back for more, making every session feel fresh and exciting.”
Critic Reviews
Uncharted: Golden Abyss Review
Consistently brilliant and highly produced, Uncharted: Golden Abyss sets a benchmark for adventure games on PlayStation Vita.
95%Uncharted: The Golden Abyss review: Of trinkets and treasures
THE GOLDEN ABYSS ISN'T INNOVATIVE, BUT IT TRANSLATES THE UNCHARTED FEEL WELL
70%Uncharted: Golden Abyss Review
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a fantastic launch title that makes the Vita stand out. When it comes to spectacular visuals or the joys of two analogue controls, this game doesn't disappoint, and is a content rich game completely worth your time.
85%
