Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception may not be available to buy until November, but the game’s developer Naughty Dog are keen to offer a multiplayer beta to whet our appetites in the meantime.
Game modes available during the beta period, which ends on 14th July, are Team Death Match, Plunder, Three Team Death match, Hardcore, Co-Op Arena, Free For All, Team Objective, Co-Op Hunter and Co-Op Adventure.
There are only two maps to vote from. Chateau is a typical Uncharted-style ruined castle environment with plenty of vertical levels to explore via wall climbing and hidden staircases. Airstrip starts off as a moving environment allowing you jump from truck to truck and climb aboard an aeroplane hurtling down a runway as it prepares to take off, then moves into a more familiar hangar scenario
As you prepare your setup in the lobby you can watch an embedded video called Uncharted TV featuring gameplay action, behind the scenes interviews and more, but we can see this highlighting the best multiplayer action from within the game once it’s finally released.
Your character is customisable with some cool outfits which can be purchased or unlocked and the ability to create an emblem which, if you are top scorer in game, appears on walls, boxes and barrels around the map. Mods allow you to improve your weapons, from clip sizes to increased damage. Kills and drops earn you medals, treasures and cash to help unlock these customisations and also increase your weapon power.
There are four weapon slots in the game – two for primary and secondary weapons, and two more available for boosters that can be earned and purchased in-game and for kickbacks that, once you have picked up enough medals, offer you bonuses such as RPGs, cluster grenades and more.
The whole multiplayer experience feels very well balanced, which is a surprise at such an early stage in development, and we can’t wait for the final release of this game.