Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Game images by RAWG

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Naughty Dog

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3Premium

Health Score

DECENT

Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves delivers a cinematic action-adventure experience with engaging puzzles and a historical narrative. Players will traverse exotic locales, engage in gunfights, and uncover ancient mysteries. However, parents should be mindful of frequent strong language, moderate violence with blood effects, and suggestive themes. The online multiplayer also features unmoderated voice chat, presenting potential social risks. Its 'Decent' rating indicates a compelling single-player journey best suited for older teens with clear family guidelines.

Super Review

Parent verdict

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a qualified fit, best for teens aged 13 and up, particularly those who appreciate a story-driven adventure with a mix of action and puzzles. While its narrative and cooperative elements offer positives, the 'Decent' score of 53 reflects significant content intensity risks, including frequent strong language and violence, alongside social exposure concerns from unmoderated online voice chat. Families considering this game should set clear boundaries, especially regarding online play and content exposure, to ensure a controlled experience.

What players actually do

Players engage in third-person shooting combat, utilizing cover and various weapons to defeat enemies, which exercises tactical positioning and aiming skills.
Players navigate complex environments through platforming, climbing, and acrobatic maneuvers to progress and reach new areas, requiring spatial reasoning and timing.
Players solve environmental puzzles and hunt for hidden treasures, encouraging critical thinking and observational skills to uncover secrets.

Where it shines

The game's narrative provides historical and geographical context through its treasure-hunting storyline, offering a mild educational benefit by introducing players to real-world mysteries.
Cooperative online multiplayer modes encourage teamwork and objective-based play, allowing players to work together towards common goals rather than just competing.

Parent watch-outs

The online multiplayer includes voice chat, which is unmoderated and could expose players to interactions with strangers, potentially leading to inappropriate language or content.
Content intensity is notable, featuring moderate violence with blood effects, frequent strong language (including instances of expletives), and suggestive themes in dialogue and character attire.

Family rules worth setting

Require players to mute voice chat or play only with known friends in online multiplayer modes to avoid unmoderated social interactions.
Discuss and agree upon appropriate playtime limits for single-player and multiplayer sessions, given the compelling story and online engagement.

Talk about this

Discuss the historical and geographical references within the game's story, encouraging curiosity about real-world history and geography.
Talk about appropriate online behavior and the importance of privacy when interacting with others in online gaming environments, especially concerning voice chat.

Play style

Uncharted 2 offers a mostly linear, cinematic single-player experience with distinct chapters that can be played in sessions ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. The difficulty is adjustable, allowing players to tailor the challenge. While the single-player is a solo journey, the online multiplayer offers competitive and cooperative modes for social engagement. Younger players might need assistance with some puzzles or combat encounters on higher difficulties.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

3/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

0/5

Social Risk

4/5

Content Intensity

2/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

3/5

The game incorporates elements of history and geography through its narrative, which revolves around the historical mystery of Marco Polo's voyage. Players also engage in puzzle-solving that can foster critical thinking, contributing to its score of 3.

Addictive Monetization

3/5

Uncharted 2 includes mechanics where collected treasures are sold for in-game currency, which is then used to unlock bonus content like skins and gameplay tweaks. This loop, while not involving real money, creates a compulsion to collect and spend, justifying its score of 3.

Social Risk

4/5

The online multiplayer modes feature unmoderated voice chat, which poses a significant risk of exposure to inappropriate language or interactions with strangers. This direct communication risk contributes to a high social risk score of 4.

Content Intensity

2/5

Content includes moderate violence with blood effects, frequent strong language (including expletives), and suggestive themes. These elements warrant a content intensity score of 2, indicating caution for younger players.

Negatives

•The game includes gambling-like mechanics where collected treasures are sold for in-game currency to unlock content.
•Online multiplayer includes voice chat, which could expose children to unmoderated interactions with strangers.
•Content includes moderate violence with blood effects, frequent strong language, and suggestive themes.
•There are no deep creative tools for players to build or design their own content.

Positives

•Players can engage in puzzle-solving that requires critical thinking.
•The narrative provides some historical and geographical context through its treasure-hunting storyline.
•Cooperative online multiplayer encourages teamwork and objective-based play.
•The game allows players to customize character appearances with unlockable skins and use a photo mode for creative screenshots.