The Best Games Of 2011: #8

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE'S DECEPTION (9/10)
Why didn't I award such a critically acclaimed game such a high score as the other games critics who loved Uncharted 3 did? Drake's Deception is a fantastic game, don't get me wrong, full of epic setpieces and filmic narrative twists, and yet the word 'filmic' summarising the game is as much of a weakness as it is a strength. There is undoubtedly a blockbuster feel to Deception, however that means that once you've played it through once, you're unlikely to want to replay it in a hurry as bar difficulty grades there is just about nothing else to do in the campaign. Games like Arkham City and Skyrim manage to keep you engaged outside of their storyline, but Uncharted 3 is so focused on its storyline that it forgets to include some of the collectibles, achievements and multiplayer replay value that make video games, well...video games. As a one-play title with a stunning narrative, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception often deals with gaming perfection, yet it stumbles in its overall execution and as such sadly can't go down as one of the very best sequels of 2011. Nevertheless, your first playthrough will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.