Naughty Dog has recently given a birthday tribute to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and has it really been 16 years already? Amazing! In terms of gaming, that’s like a lifetime. But among gamers’ nostalgia, there had been also gaming fans’ responses who loved sharing their memories of the time with a few hot takes in the replies.
Then what is the reason behind the anniversary? Naughty Dog’s tweet was an official invitation where to share the best moments of Nathan Drake’s second big adventure; and the answers? Just fantastic. No matter what from the train going over the cliff to the love between characters it is clear that this game had a great impact on the PlayStation community.
Let’s check out what gamers are saying. That train ride through the mountains? Impossible to forget. More than one player marked that moment as the topmost moment, one even called it “the train scene 💯” and the other used all-caps to express his great enthusiasm. And really, who was not excited hanging out of those crumbling train cars while the shooting was going on? A new standard for action set-ups was set here, and the games still strive to reach that level.
However, it was not only about shocking deeds. A few gamers emphasized the sensitive moments, such as the Tibet episode when Nate teams up with Tenzin. The part where they work together despite the language barrier? Unbelievable. Shows that Naughty Dog’s narrative skills were already top-notch in the world in 2009.
The nostalgia indeed is very strong in the replies. One user wrote, “I was 18 or 19 when I was pre-ordering this game at GameStop 😳” which is also true for me. Getting old? One even went so far as to call it “one of the best games of all time” and to be honest, they are correct. The praise-filled comments are everywhere, such as “Best game from the series” and “Still my favorite game all time”.
Nevertheless, the most unexpected thing was that some of the replies were somewhat… spicy. A few gamers took the opportunity of the anniversary to slam Naughty Dog’s new games. Statements like “When naughty dog used to make great games…” and “Back when ND games used the word Fun for their games instead of Depression and Politics agenda” suggest that some people miss the Uncharted series’ adventure vibes which are lost along with time.
The controversy regarding the PC port was also raised, and one player even made fun of “the one when the games got stuck on a dead console and were never ported to PC.” Ouch. But at least we ultimately got the Legacy of Thieves collection right?
Multiplayer lovers too made themselves heard, “Bring back uncharted 2 & 3 online they were the best online games I’ve ever played” was one player’s desperate demand while another reminisced “Becoming Level 80 in Multiplayer.” The online factor was really underrated; it was smooth and addictive due to the progression system.
And the aspirational calls for more Uncharted content still continue to get louder. “Please make more Uncharted games in the future 🥹🙏” was a user’s wish, and another proposed “We need Lost Legacy 2 with Chloe, Nadine and Sam.” Even after all these years, the thirst for new adventures in this universe is still evident.
What is surprising is the number of players who consider Uncharted 2 not only the best among the series but also one of the best games ever made. “Set the standard for a long time” one comment noted, adding, “Still a game i recommend to new gamers because it was stinking fun.” The remarkable thing is that Uncharted 2 has not lost its charm over the years; the main gameplay loop of climbing, shooting, and talking still remains fun.
Several players also talked about the sequence of bridge collapse, one of them calling it “one of my favorite moments in gaming.” Isn’t that the best moment when you are desperately trying to survive the chaos? It was a perfect blend of butter in terms of tension and decorations by Naughty Dog.
Some users were overflowing with their compliments. “Drake figuring out the key to shambala was throwing it back,” one player wrote, which indicates that even the puzzle solutions were brilliant. And the opening sequence? Many users referred to it as one of the best in the history of gaming, that brilliant in-media-res start hooked you up instantly.
An unwavering impression that for many players Uncharted 2 was the peak of Naughty Dog comes through the replies. “That was the best team that ND ever had” one comment claimed while adding, “They could capture lightning in the bottle.” The viewpoint that this was the studio’s most creative period is very loud and clear.
The price tag was even mentioned, and one user joked that their favorite moment was “the MSRP of $59.99” which, considering today’s $70 minimum? A bit tricky but relatable.
The very fact that every player has different moments in their mind is an indication that the game was rich in content. No matter whether it was a train ride, a river scene, or the mythical city of Shambhala, each area had its own fans. And the fact that people are still so excited about it 16 years later? That is what makes it a classic.
So, Uncharted 2, a very Happy Birthday to you! You still are the benchmark for action-adventure games, and judging from these reactions, you shall remain in the gamers’ memories for at least another 16 years without paying any rent. Now if you would be so kind, I have to replay that train sequence for the hundredth time.
