Today sees the local launch of Uncharted 2, the sequel to one of the very best games released in 2007. The rabid fans among you will already be clutching your copies, eager to embark on the adventure that awaits.

Those of you who’re on the fence about it, ambivalent to the hyperbole might need a push to see if it’s worth your money. Let’s take a look and see if one of 2009’s most anticipated games is deserving of your cash.

The game has you take the reins as Nathan Drake, a not entirely noble man who ekes out a living as a treasure hunter. In Among Thieves you’re following a trail left by intrepid and infamous Marco Polo – one that’ll take you to some of the most breathtaking landscapes ever committed to code.

From the very moment you start playing, you’ll be impressed by one of the game’s biggest selling points; its incredible visuals. This is without doubt one of – if not the – most impressive games you’ll play on any platform this year. Beyond the technical prowess displayed, Naughty Dog have also managed an art direction that coupled with the incredible attention to detail produces a game so visually engaging that it’s difficult sometimes to not just stand around, taking in the resplendent sights in awe.

From a gameplay perspective the game plays much like the original Uncharted – a delightful blend of Tomb Raider adventure platforming and Gears of War style cover based combat. Included is a stealth mechanic that allows Drake to take unwitting would-be assailants down quickly and easily. In short, the game provides nothing particularly new – but what it does provide is so refined and polished that its lack of originality isn’t a negative.

A word that’ll often get thrown around Uncharted 2 is “cinematic,” which this game certainly is. There are so many action-packed, thrilling, memorable moments – none of which I’ll spoil here – that rival the very best that Hollywood has delivered.

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