Reactions: Sony Officially Announces Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Beta, Previews Flood In

Remember that “electrifying announcement” that Sony teased last week? Well, as was expected, it invovled the inclusion of multiplayer support in Naughty Dog’s upcoming Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and the announcement of a multiplayer beta. The beta will be in the same style as Halo 3′s in that beta keys will be sold along with the first copies of inFAMOUS. inFAMOUS ships on May 26th and the Uncharted 2 multiplayer beta will run from June 3 through June 28th.

In addition to that wonderful bit of news, it seems as if every major news outlet was able to get a hands on preview of Uncharted 2‘s multiplayer at a Sony Gamers’ Day last week. Both competitive multiplayer and 3 person co-op were available at the event.

There were two modes on hand for the competitive aspect. A standard Deathmatch game type where the goal is to just kill as many of the opposite team as you can, and a capture the flag mode suitably titled “Plunder.”

Deathmatch is, as you may have guessed, standard competitive multiplayer faire, but with an Uncharted twist. Various weapons are strewn about the map as players vie to be the first to shoot their enemy. Players can gain a tactical advantage by taking cover (and thus regaining health), or by doing a little platforming and attaining that coveted higher ground. However, as you climb, you risk completely exposing yourself to enemy fire as you do so.

Weapons included are pretty standard. Pistols, assault rifles, sniper rifles, rocket launchers, and grenades all make an appearance. As does a very powerful chain gun. Said chain gun would seem to be a pretty devastating weapon, allowing you to easily dominate the opposition. There are also various melee attacks that allow you to take out an opponent in a more up close and personal kind of way.

A pleasant addition to this standard multiplayer is the inclusion of a skill system, a la Call of Duty 4. There are various “perks” which allow you to do things such as shoot more accurately while moving, or be more accurate while blind firing. Since that is one of the things that made Call of Duty 4′s multiplayer so addictive, I can see it being a great addition to Uncharted 2‘s.

The other competitive mode, Plunder, has you racing accross the map to grab a golden idol and bring it back to your base. It seems like pretty run-of-the-mill stuff as well. While carrying the idol you move slower and can only use a pistol; if you get into serious trouble you can ditch the idol by just tossing it away, or, in somewhat of a nice addition, pitch it right over to your buddy to take it the rest of the way.

The cooperative aspect of the game’s multiplayer will have three, yes, three, not two, but three, players working together to overcome swarms of enemy mercenaries and complete certain objectives. The co-op will be separate from the singler player campaign and be much more action oriented. Mercs will respawn endlessly in their attempt to stop you from reaching your goal.

There are cooperative platforming elements where you will have to give a partner a boost, or lift a heavy object. You can also help your teammates by reviving them or rescuing them from the grip of an enemy merc.

I’m still a bit hesitant about the whole inclusion of multiplayer, but if the various previews are to be believed, it should be a blast. It all sounds pretty standard, but as if it has been polished to a level so that it will be seen as a welcome additon for those that purchase the game.

Author: Ryan