Preview: Uncharted 3 (Multiplayer Reveal)

At a recent Sony event, Naughty Dog unveiled the multiplayer mode for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. The moment the trailer started rolling at the start of the event, I knew that Naughty Dog was coming out guns with blazing on Uncharted 3.

Taking from what they learned in Uncharted 2, Naughty Dog is looking to build upon their multiplayer mode. From my hands on time with the multiplayer, I believe Naughty Dog is very capable of delivering an experience that could very well go up against already popular multiplayer games (looking at you, Call of Duty).

The multiplayer will be packed with features that will keep many fans busy for a while. Game modes include: Three Team Deathmatch for 2 vs. 2 vs. 2 combat; Free-For-All which features eight players; Deathmatch which features 5 vs. 5. More game modes will be unveiled later on, as well as expanded co-op content. The new three team deathmatch turned into a favorite of mine at the event. I love the idea of having only one partner, which added this extra level of dependency and urgency on both players when trying to dominate the match.

Two maps were available to us at the preview, “Chateau” and “Airport Hangar”. Both maps offered enough variety in game play. Choke points were scattered through the indoor section of the maps, and offered plenty of elevated positions to allow for snipping enemies below. In Deathmatch, each map is presented with a cut-scene. Unlike the other modes, however, the Airport Hangar map did not start out in the same area as it did in the other games modes, but began on an airstrip. One team started inside a plane, with the cargo door and side doors open. The opposing team started on several flatbed trucks chasing the plane. The team that starts on the flatbed trucks can jump to different trucks at any time as they make their way around the plane. Players can eventually jump on to the plane itself, and attempt to overrun the opposing team, eventually capturing the plane. After the segment on the plane, players reconvene at the Airport Hangar, where the rest of the match resumes.

Naughty Dog is pushing for a cinematic multiplayer experience, as evident in the airstrip battle. There will also be set piece moments in the maps like the previous titles. For example, in “Chateau”, a whole floor comes crashing down, killing all those below it, as well as those who were happening to walk on the floor before it collapses. On “Airport Hangar”, a plane will fly over the map and shoot at anyone standing outside, killing them instantly. It seems that all the set piece moments are either aimed at changing the environment, or taking out most of the players on the map, but of course we will have to wait and see what other set piece moments will have to offer in the multiplayer experience.

Customization for your player is going to be a strongly pushed feature in Uncharted 3. Players will have several options to customize, starting with their four load outs. In each load out, players can pick a primary gun, and sidearm. Weapons mods will be available for both guns, and includes mods for better accuracy, increased ammo count, scopes, and more. Next, players can pick up Boosters, which have been improved from Uncharted 2. They are more diverse, and ultimately level up. Buddy Boosters are also available and will work to enhance team play.Players can also pick a paid booster, which can be purchased through accumulated cash.

Besides customizing load outs, player will have the opportunity to customize their hero and villain characters. There will be plenty of items to dress up your avatar. Players will also have customizable emblems, allowing players to further stand out in the crowd.

Naughty Dog is making sure that their multiplayer matches are well balanced. Matchmaking will be dictated by player levels, giving players a fair shot. However, that does not guarantee that one team will not be better than the other, so in turn Naughty Dog came up with Power Play rewards. Power Play will grant the winning team extra cash opportunities, like designating one player as the V.I.P, and keeping that player alive. The losing team will get a chance to catch to the opposing team during Power Play. Overtime and Sudden Death are now added in case matches become too close to call.

A Buddy System has been implemented to ensure players who work together will always be rewarded. It also allows for players to spawn on a teammate, whether they are in party together or total strangers.

Split-screen is now offered in Uncharted 3’s multiplayer, but rather than using the same account, players have to option to log in individual PSN accounts for both players.

Cinema mode has also improved, allowing more tools for editing. Players can now rewind clips, giving them the ability to piece together highlight reels and clips, which can be uploaded to YouTube or Facebook.

Speaking of YouTube and Facebook, Uncharted 3 will also focus on delivering an in-depth Social Experience. There will be a deep Facebook integration, which will allow players to join their Facebook friends in matches, or invite them to their party. A new feature, known as Uncharted TV is something that I could see other popping up in other titles in the future. It integrates videos from YouTube and Facebook, such as highlight reels and clips from other matches and players will be able to view Uncharted TV via a small window on the bottom right hand of the screen while waiting in the lobby for a match to start. I think it will motivate people to utilize Cinema mode,since those competitive enough will try to one-up all the clips they see. It also kills the time between matches which for the impatient players out there, is a great addition to the game.

Naughty Dog is really pushing to improve their Uncharted multiplayer experience in a big way. With everything I have seen so far, I believe that the Naughty Dogs behind Uncharted 3, will be able to pull off a multiplayer experience that will keep fans hooked long after its release.

Of course this is just a teaser of what’s to come. There’s still plenty of time between now and the game’s release as Naughty Dog still has a lot to reveal for the multiplayer in Uncharted 3. But until that release day, fans can look forward to playing the beta in the Summer. Those who purchase inFamous 2, or have a PlayStation Plus account, will get early access to the beta on June, 28. The beta will open up to everyone on the PSN on July, 5.