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UNCHARTED: DRAKES FORTUNE is a story of a modern day treasure hunter who can be described as the Indiana Jones of today. It all begins with a 400 year-old clue found by Nathan Drake a descendant of Sir Frances Drake, who himself was once a renowned treasure hunter. The clue speaks of the treasure El Dorado buried deep in a forgotten island of the pacific. However Nathan Drake is not the only one on the hunt and soon finds hunter is becoming the hunted.

An exclusive release to PS3 (and we have managed to get some hands on prior to its release) is a story reminiscent of the adventures of Indiana Jones, where anything and almost everything happens. The fight for survival and the hunt for the treasure take's place across the island from its scattered ruins to the islands rivers.

From the levels we played it can safely be said that this 3D platform game will open the eyes of many gamers. You'll venture across various terrains and it's on your travels you'll notice the detail from the shimmering of the water to how the surroundings interact with each other. The other thing you'll notice is the openness of the environment and how much there is to explore, mind you a confined playing area would not sit well in a game where its theme is treasure hunting.

Nathan Drake is also joined by 2 others, but it's hard to tell if they are any value? From what we played, the 2 played little parts and although they fire off a few rounds at enemies it was difficult to tell if they actually shot anyone. Most times they just ran back and forth, but then this is only a part of the game and more light would be shed on release of the game.

I guess the bonus is they leave more for you to take out. At times it felt never ending and enemies just kept popping in and out of every crevice. You could run around fire off random shots or pull out rocket launchers in hope of taking out a few at a time, but it's not that simple. You have to almost take a Syphon Filter approach and move strategically, taking cover at key advantage points, then popping out of cover to take down the nearest enemies. The other reason for moving more smartly is that the jungle is littered with snipers who give you little time to take them out.

We didn't get a full game, so it's hard to talk about the ease of the controls and the full mechanics of the game. But from the little game play we had, we thought Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was great. It blends a Syphon Filter style of play with the unpredictable nature and humour of Indiana Jones, it's a great mix and will certainly be on many wish list for xmas……

Key Features

• Embark on Sir Francis Drakes' last great adventure, in search for the fabled treasure of El Dorado.

• Using maps and ancient artefacts, uncover clues and unravel mysteries to find a forgotten island and a treasure that was thought to have never existed.

• Discover a world alive with intrigue and mystery. Explore exotic locations. Traverse through living jungles and spectacular 400-year-old ruins.

• Drake's companions and allies play an important role in the adventure through cooperative mechanics, gunplay and exploration.

• In every situation you're taken to the edge of your ability, trying to stay alive by the skin of your teeth. Use whatever means necessary.

• Experience daring high-speed chases over land and water.

• Run and take-cover from a hail of gunfire. Rely on a full assortment of guns you find or acquire along the way.

• Use an array of hand-to-hand fighting moves to put your enemy off balance. Anything from wild haymaker punches to running drop-kicks.

Show me the screenshots!