100°
6.0

Uncharted: Golden Abyss Review - GiantBomb

When you think about the various things that make up one of the games in the Uncharted series, what do you come up with? For me, the checklist includes the basics, like low-risk climbing sequences and standard cover-based gunplay. Then you've got Nathan Drake, lovable scamp that he is, cracking wise and such. Set him in a treasure hunting adventure with pseudo-historical references, surround him with a lady or two, and mix in at least two double-crosses because Drake can be a bit of a simp. Then, break up the climbing and shooting with a few puzzles. Oh, and don't forget to lay in a few huge, cinematic "set-piece" moments that are driven by the developer's technical mastery of the hardware at hand. That's sort of the thing that holds all the rest of it together, right?

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giantbomb.com
NukaCola4473d ago

Glad to see this was reviewed honestly by a journalist who was top of his class. /s

Point of the review:
1. It's not as good as a AAA console title marketed by millions and a studio familiar with the series for years who have mastered the highest tech of console this gen.

I mean give Bend some credit. The game is bringing it back to the roots of exploration and just a solid single player experience. For a launch line up, it's still better than a majority of titles that came out on the big HD systems this year.

FriedGoat4472d ago

Yeah I was peeved by this, I like Giant Bomb but come on.

MariaHelFutura4472d ago

How is this in anyway N4Gs fault?!? Sites submit their content here.

lelo2play4472d ago (Edited 4472d ago )

Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a solid launch title, but at a premium price... so everybody expects it to be as good as the PS3 version, and that's not going to happen. Sony has been comparing Uncharted: Golden Abyss to a PS3 title, but it's not.

I've said it before and i'll say it again, some PSP Vita and 3DS games are way to expensive. 50$ is way to much for a Hand-held game.

FriedGoat4472d ago

Yeah I agree when it plays like a handheld game Ie (super mario 3d land) ect and these are high price. but when I have a 10+ hour story driven campaign I see slightly more value for money.

despair4472d ago

@FriedGoat

yea but as they said in the review, when you watch UC3 for near the same price as Golden Abyss you tend to pause for a minute and consider. I think the ceiling for Handheld games should be 40 bucks, lower would be better but I'm not deluding myself into thinking devs will do that very often.

Look at the Vita launch titles, there are quite a few $30-40 titles and thats great, but then you have UC golden abyss standing at 50 bucks and its easy to see Sony trying to cash in on the popularity of the franchise. Thats not to say its not a great game, but why the extra 10 dollars?

FriedGoat4472d ago (Edited 4472d ago )

The point is, if uncharted didn't exist on the PS3 at all and this game came out it would have high scores. You shouldn't compare. If review sites did this for the 3DS such as 3D land VS Galaxy it wouldn't have the good scores it does for sure. I dont understand why one system should be given a free pass, Personally I feel Uncharted on a handheld is an incredible achievement and shouldn't be downgraded because of silly things. Maybe its just me but its always seemed that giant bomb don't like "console" experiences on handhelds, when thats what i'm personally looking for.

despair4472d ago

@NukaCola

I like how you ignored the first part of that quote

"...but for something that Sony has tried to compare to the PlayStation 3 on a technical level, it doesn't take long to see that this ain't no PlayStation 3 game."

Its a relevant point and the reviewer is right to say that it lacks something that the Uncharted series is known for if it doesn't have the blockbuster epic events that UC2 and 3 are known for.

I love the Uncharted series(my UC2 plat and soon to be UC3 plat will attest to that) but if this one falls a bit short then it should be called on it. Just because you like something doesn't mean its always perfect or amazing.

NukaCola4472d ago

It's not a PS3 game. It's compared because the step up from PSP to Vita is like PS2 to PS3. Of course the PS3 will not be matched. But comparing the Vita to PS3 is stupid. Comparing is not a merit for review.

Infinity Blade and is the best looking iOS game, but it looks like crap compared to Gears 3. Both use the Unreal Engine. Should of lowered IB's scores.

Rayman on Wii doesn't run like 360/PS3 does, but it's still a 10/10 game.

Merit of review has took a nose dive this gen. Comparing is such a biased outlook that I hate.

ON YOUR REMARK:
I was just making a crack at the grammar.

despair4472d ago

You are right, comparisons (especially graphically) doesn't have a place in a review, still, with an Uncharted title you expect something, using the name means that you have to meet the standards, even if its on a different platform certain things have to work right. The lack of giant set pieces and epic scenes might be a limitation of the hardware but it doesn't mean we shouldn't expect it from an Uncharted game.

I'm still getting it for sure but some concessions were made for the game and if it doesn't feel like a true uncharted game then that would be a little disappointing.

Oh and my mistake on you comment, poor grammar indeed but these days its commonplace in any article, not just game reviews.

4472d ago
Disccordia4472d ago

It's a great game but having completed it I don't think many people will enjoy playing it on the move. If you're gonna sit at home and play it then you're better off with the ps3 games for sure on the big screen. Bend really did a great job but I'm not convinced that it's a great handheld.. Experience?

ginsunuva4472d ago

Yeah, console games should stay on consoles. They don't translate to portable experiences.

Vita needs games like the downloadable psn games (pixeljunk, super stardust, etc) that don't feel right on a console. Those 5-15 dollar games don't feel right on consoles, but fit well on handhelds.

Tenkay234472d ago

3/5

Here comes the shitstorm.....

C0MPUT3R4472d ago (Edited 4472d ago )

Double standards much.
.
Nintendo can put out Mario and Zelda on their handhelds and reviewers don't compare them with their CONSOLE counterparts.
.
My question to the reviewer would be...
.
What HANDHELD game compares to Uncharted: Golden Abyss?
.
Yeah I thought so.
.
If the game was coming out for PS3 I would agree with the review, but its not, its coming
out on a handheld. Uncharted running on a handheld is amazing.

hardandsloppy4472d ago

EXACTLY!!!

Sorry I got excited for wed. The trolls like the reviewer will be trolling, while I play the crap out of my new VITA!

150°

10 Years Later — 'Uncharted: Golden Abyss' Deserved a Better Fortune

A relic of its time or a buried treasure from the past?

Read Full Story >>
goombastomp.com
darthv72817d ago

I was really hoping this would have made it into one of the collections. Like how they did with the GoW PSP games.

VenomUK817d ago

I recall just playing the start on PS Vita but not much more and many Uncharted fans wouldn't have played it either so this 'unknown' chapter could be ripe for an expanded version for PS5.

TiredGamer817d ago

Agreed here. Played it back on the Vita years ago, but never finished. The cramped Vita controls and the tiny analog sticks just didn't gel with me in a game where precise headshots are half the fun. It's the first Uncharted game that I haven't completed/Platinumed, and I think much of it is control related. Really wish it was PS TV compatible (natively).

I would definitely buy it if it were released as a PS4/PS5 version.

YoungKingDoran817d ago

If you ever play it again on Vita definitely turn on the gyro aiming assist, made it alot more fun to play and i ended up getting all the headshot trophies thanks to this- super accurate

TheEnigma313817d ago

I loved this game. It was like an extension of the first one. Why haven't we gotten an HD release yet?

TiredGamer817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Lack of available dev resources and lack of a lucrative ROI probably. I think Sony has an opportunity to sell it as a separate, standalone HD remaster for like $20. Otherwise, the effort to convert a PS Vita game to the PS4/5 won't be worth their while. Unfortunate, but that's probably the only way it'd make financial sense.

deleted817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Some of the puzzles/interactivity would have to be completely reworked. I remember having to hold the camera to a bright light. (I remember being annoyed at that part bc I was playing in bed late night while my wife was asleep next to me. Ran to the kitchen at like 3am just to get past it lol)

Also the swipe battles. I absolutely couldn't stand the final boss because the swiping felt so inaccurate and it would constantly misread gestures.

I adored the rest of the game though, and even the story! It couldn't simply just be rereleased, it needs reworking for consoles. (same reason it didn't get PS Vita TV support) The rubbing parts could still work w Dualsense/DS4 though.

I'd gladly welcome it and do hope it happens eventually!

Muigi817d ago

Glad I still have my Oled Vita.

MadLad817d ago

Sony should have tried harder to support the Vita. It ended up just a solid emulation machine that happens to have a handful of classics.

Bigman4k817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Yeah Sony gave up on the ps vita way too fast

Bigman4k817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

I really like Uncharted:Golden Abyss on ps vita it would be dope if they remaster it for PlayStation 5

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70°

All Major Gaming Anniversaries in 2022

As we come to the end of 2021, let's take a look back as we celebrate many anniversaries that are up and coming next year.

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retroware.com
260°

Uncharted PS Vita Pitch Saw 13.5M Budget, Multiplayer Originally Targeted to Be Mafia Wars-Like

Uncharted Golden Abyss originally pitch had plans for a "Mafia Wars" like multiplayer, and its original expected budget was at $13.5 million.

Magog959d ago

The Uncharted Game Was My Idea

mikey15959d ago

Magog58m ago
The Uncharted Game Was My Idea***

Well done that man.. You must have been so proud

https://www.eurogamer.net/a...
This Week Last Week Title Platform(s)
1 New entry Uncharted: Golden Abyss Vita
2 New entry FIFA Football Vita
3 1 UFC Undisputed 3 PS3, Xbox 360
4 2 FIFA 12 PS3, Xbox 360
5 36 Rayman Origins PS3, Wii, Xbox 360
6 4 Mario & Sonic: London 2012 Olympic Games Wii
7 New entry Syndicate PC, PS3, Xbox 360
8 3 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DS, PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360
9 5 Battlefield 3 PC, PS3, Xbox 360
10 6 Final Fantasy 13-2 PS3, Xbox 360***

When it went straight to #1 in the UK, sweeping Fifa/CoD/BF 3 etc aside like so much yearly trash.

959d ago
mikey15959d ago ShowReplies(2)
SullysCigar958d ago

Lmao 🤣

Golden Abyss was such a great game, excellent use of the Vita and using the gyros to fine tune your aim down scopes was genius. So much fun.

mikey15958d ago

SullysCigar16m ago
Lmao 🤣

Golden Abyss was such a great game, excellent use of the Vita and using the gyros to fine tune your aim down scopes was genius. So much fun.***

Agreed.. My Vita went missing some time ago, I just couldn't see how they could move Uncharted to the small screen, but they did a great job. They were in a bit of trouble as Nathan had to take a side -job
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

doing adverts, to earn a few bob extra. Rumour has it that for the ad he had to do his own stunts as there was no budget for a stuntman.
;)

mikey15959d ago

But could it be done? Its a while now but I seem to recall puzzles which used the touch screen very well, which might be a chore with the controller.. Also the "sniper mode" where you held the vita up and turned it to survey the terrain. Prob why it isn't on PS Now, whilst all the others are[??] Maybe VR/ move controllers are the answer??

Magog959d ago

Dualsense has a touchpad. Sniper mode could probably be tied to the gyro on the Dualsense as well.

mikey15958d ago

Magog17m ago
Dualsense has a touchpad. Sniper mode could probably be tied to the gyro on the Dualsense as well.***

Agreed, but with the touch, you had screen + finger touch/move.. However with the touchpad youd be using the pad, whilst looking at the screen.. Gyro would be fine but so would head-tracking, with move if you can see it, you can hit it with 2x hands at once...

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

even the PS 2/Eyetoy camera didn't miss a "beat"

I'd like to see the game anywhere TBH.

CrimsonWing69958d ago

Tearaway was released on console and that made use of the touch screen and the touchpad on the back of the Vita.

gamesftw250958d ago

Could be easily converted to gyro/touchpad use honestly.

EvertonFC958d ago

The sun puzzle was great to scratch away the puzzle

mikey15958d ago

CrimsonWing693h ago
Tearaway was released on console and that made use of the touch screen and the touchpad on the back of the Vita.***

Not the part where the finger ripped through the scenery. Or am I misremembering? Like I said my vita went missing a while back when we were doing some heavy internal work/decoration.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 958d ago
mikey15958d ago

EvertonFC17m ago
The sun puzzle was great to scratch away the puzzle***

This is the type of thing I mean, you could do it or anything like it, but it was more "natural" with a touch screen, as its what you would do in r/l. Give a driver a controller and GT, he won't have a clue.. Give him VR a driving wheel/pedals and I know for a fact he and his wife, wouldn't get off the thing. ;)

CDbiggen959d ago

I remember buying this and the Vita day one in 2012. That was almost ten years ago, damn.

Jay767959d ago

I hope Sony bend next game has multiplayer.

senorfartcushion959d ago

In 2021? Why not just get some games on a mobile phone?

mikey15959d ago (Edited 959d ago )

SenorFartCushion19m ago
In 2021? Why not just get some games on a mobile phone?***

Sony Bend aren't making mobile games, you are confusing them with Sony Music and Unties

https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/...
Sony Music Entertainment has opened its own game publishing label
By Fraser Brown October 18, 2017

Unties has announced four games so far.***

You're confusing Playstation with Sony.

https://www.fool.com/invest...

Sony, Not Tencent, Owns the Highest Grossing Mobile Game of 2019
Fate/Grand Order surpasses Honor of Kings for the second year in a row.
Leo Sun
(Tmfsunlion)
Jan 25, 2020 at 3:00PM***

excaliburps959d ago

Days Gone says hi. Shame we aren’t getting a sequel.

mikey15959d ago

Jay7671h ago
I hope Sony bend next game has multiplayer.***

Your wish has been granted..

https://segmentnext.com/son...

Sony Bend Studio’s New IP Has Multiplayer Elements

NotanotherReboot958d ago

Sony...stop cancelling your games FOR 5 MINUTES!!!!

mikey15958d ago

NotanotherReboot21m ago
Sony...stop cancelling your games FOR 5 MINUTES!!!!***

You cannot cancel what you never intended to release.. From my above link

https://segmentnext.com/son...

***Sony Bend embracing multiplayer should not come as a surprise. While the acclaimed Days Gone was perfect to feature some sort of multiplayer support, it was highly reported that a Days Gone 2 would have had a cooperative mode.

The sequel however was shut down by Sony Interactive Entertainment because of how the first game had a lengthy development cycle and the mixed reception at release. Days Gone 2 was marked to not be a “viable option” for PlayStation 5, forcing Sony Bend to move on to something new.

Whatever Sony Bend has been working on for the past year will be built upon the same open-world technology and features which were originally developed for Days Gone. This was confirmed by head of PlayStation Studios Herman Hulst earlier in the month. The unannounced game will hence have the deep open-world of Days Gone and seemingly a multiplayer or cooperative mode of the scrapped Days Gone 2 pitch.***

Nitrowolf2958d ago

They haven’t cancelled anything here…

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