Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation Vita
- Developers: SCE Bend Studio
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Uncharted: Golden Abyss: A Thrilling Adventure on the PlayStation Vita
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Vita. It was released in November 2011 and is the first installment in the Uncharted series to be developed for a handheld console.
The game follows Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who travels to Central America in search of the lost city of Quivira. Along the way, he must battle mercenaries, solve puzzles, and uncover the dark secret behind the 400-year-old massacre of a Spanish expedition.
Gameplay
Uncharted: Golden Abyss features the same core gameplay mechanics as the previous games in the series. Players control Nathan Drake from a third-person perspective and must use a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. The game also features a number of new features that take advantage of the PlayStation Vita’s unique hardware, such as the ability to use the rear touchpad to climb walls and the front touchscreen to solve puzzles.
Story
Uncharted: Golden Abyss tells a standalone story that is set before the events of the first Uncharted game. The game begins with Nathan Drake and his friend Jason Dante searching for the lost city of Quivira. However, they are soon caught in the middle of a rivalry between Dante and Marisa Chase, the granddaughter of an archaeologist who has mysteriously vanished without a trace.
Drake, Dante, and Chase team up to find Chase’s grandfather and uncover the secret behind Quivira. Along the way, they must battle mercenaries, solve puzzles, and face their own inner demons.
Characters
- Nathan Drake: A treasure hunter who is known for his wit and resourcefulness.
- Jason Dante: Drake’s old friend and a fellow treasure hunter.
- Marisa Chase: The granddaughter of an archaeologist who has mysteriously vanished.
- Guzman: A ruthless mercenary who is hunting for the lost city of Quivira.
Setting
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is set in Central America, primarily in the lush jungles and ancient ruins of Panama. The game also features a number of other locations, such as a Spanish fort and a Nazi submarine base.
Reception
Uncharted: Golden Abyss was met with critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its stunning graphics, engaging story, and innovative use of the PlayStation Vita’s hardware. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is considered to be one of the best games on the PlayStation Vita. The game’s success helped to establish the PlayStation Vita as a viable platform for high-quality games. Uncharted: Golden Abyss also paved the way for future Uncharted games, including Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
Conclusion
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a thrilling adventure that is a must-play for fans of the Uncharted series and PlayStation Vita owners alike. The game’s stunning graphics, engaging story, and innovative gameplay make it one of the best games on the handheld console.
Review Score
8.5/10