Parents' Guide to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Game PlayStation 3 2009
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Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Extraordinarily fun, cinematic, Indy Jones-type adventure.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 31 parent reviews

age 12+

Based on 105 kid reviews

Kids say that this game features a captivating story and action-packed gameplay but includes significant violence, strong language, and some suggestive elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While the graphics and character development are praised, the presence of frequent profanity and intense combat scenes leads many reviewers to recommend it for older teens or mature younger players.

  • amazing story
  • strong language
  • moderate violence
  • suggestive elements
  • fun gameplay
  • suitable for teens
Summarized with AI

What's It About?

You don't need to know anything about 2007's impressive Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to appreciate the even better UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES, but the story reintroduces Nathan Drake, a scruffy-looking treasure hunter who accepts a daring mission to locate a legendary jewel, once in Marco Polo's possession, which is said to hold mysterious powers. Played from a third-person perspective, Drake's adventures take him through multiple environments, such as snowy Himalayan mountaintops and dangerous Nepalese streets, as well as indoor environments that require stealth. Objectives are as exciting as they are varied: finding a way into a building by scaling its walls; taking down mercenaries with guns and grenades (while taking cover to avoid their relentless gunfire); and jumping across deep chasms and fast-moving train cars.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 31 ):
Kids say ( 105 ):

Absolutely. On par with any Hollywood action film -- and perhaps even superior to many of them -- this video game delivers terrific dialogue (with some of the best lip-synching in a game to date), plot twists, a love interest, seedy villains, comedic relief, and huge set pieces in which to play. Helping achieve this cinematic effect is the game's lack of noticeable load times, a Naughty Dog hallmark. While the game keeps you on somewhat of a tight path, you might be forgiving of its linearity because along with the intense single-player campaign and drop-dead gorgeous visuals, there's a host of co-op and head-to-head multiplayer options, with smooth matchmaking functionality. Truly, this game is one of the year's best.

Online interaction: The game includes numerous multiplayer modes -- covering both co-op and competitive options. Gamers can text or talk (with a headset) with others, which might include inappropriate language.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether this game needed the swear words or the little bit of blood. That is, does it really add to the game? It would still likely get the "Teen" rating as you can shoot and kill humans, but it might have been less offensive to some families. You can liken this game to James Bond adventures that are action-packed, but contain violence and sex.

  • This is one of 2009's top rated games. What makes it so good? What do you look for in a video game?

Game Details

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