Uncharted: Golden Abyss

 PlayStation Vita
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Feb 15, 2012
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 930 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 661 out of 930
  2. Mixed: 142 out of 930
  3. Negative: 127 out of 930
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  1. joethebro
    Feb 17, 2012
    10
    Unlike the majority of people reviewing this game, I've actually played it. Just finished my first run through on normal and enjoyed every minute of it. It is on par with the first, second, and third games, no joke. As an Uncharted fan this means it gets a solid 10 so I'll compare it to them to keep my personal bias out. Graphics are about 1.8, almost as good as the second. Story is almostUnlike the majority of people reviewing this game, I've actually played it. Just finished my first run through on normal and enjoyed every minute of it. It is on par with the first, second, and third games, no joke. As an Uncharted fan this means it gets a solid 10 so I'll compare it to them to keep my personal bias out. Graphics are about 1.8, almost as good as the second. Story is almost the same as Uncharted 1, as in type. Actual events are more similar to the second. One thing I love are all the comments while playing. Very similar to the second, even better. Also I like the characters more, well a few at least. And now I'm to the gimmicks. First off they aren't! Everything feels intuitive and natural. And most are optional, so everybody stop complaining! I love cleaning artifacts and the such using the touch screen. Also the gyroscopic aiming works great! I have got so many head shots because of it. And that brings me to bonus stuff not in the other games. As well as a bunch of treasures their are charcoal drawings and photos. They add so much replay value. I don't just recommend this game, I recommend buying a Vita just for this game.… Expand
  2. Zzgashi
    Mar 3, 2012
    6
    Golden Abyss provides a surprisingly competent experience that doesn't feel like a dumbed down handheld game at all. It's got everything you would expect from an Uncharted title. It's biggest mistake however is something that far too many system launch titles make: trying too hard to sell you on the system's features. The puzzles and optional input methods frequently have you rubbingGolden Abyss provides a surprisingly competent experience that doesn't feel like a dumbed down handheld game at all. It's got everything you would expect from an Uncharted title. It's biggest mistake however is something that far too many system launch titles make: trying too hard to sell you on the system's features. The puzzles and optional input methods frequently have you rubbing various parts of the PSV and tilting things. Sometimes it can come as a surprised and you can get screwed over fore merely holding the system "wrong". The climbing portion of the game is made way too easy with the touch screen. Luckily using the touch screen for climbing is optional and you can use the regular controls just like a real Uncharted game, but it's always there in the back of my mind saying tempting me that there's and easier faster way out. As soon as any climbing portion stops being satisfying I just say "F it!" and wildly rub my fingers across the screen and Nathan seems to figure it out quickly monkeying his way to the objective.… Expand
  3. vitareviewer
    Nov 28, 2012
    5
    I had this game. I had it because I love uncharted, but I traded it in because after the second time i played it, it just wasn't fun anymore. The graphics are good but there is no multiplayer mode. I am happy to have traded this game in to gamestop which i used the trade in credit to help pay for LBP vita. So if you love uncharted, i am sure you could find this on amazon for $20I had this game. I had it because I love uncharted, but I traded it in because after the second time i played it, it just wasn't fun anymore. The graphics are good but there is no multiplayer mode. I am happy to have traded this game in to gamestop which i used the trade in credit to help pay for LBP vita. So if you love uncharted, i am sure you could find this on amazon for $20

    PLUS: Classic uncharted experience... Fun story the first time.... Great graphics
    MINUS: High price... Not as fun second time through... no multiplayer    … Expand
  4. unluckydice
    Jan 1, 2014
    5
    While it does have it's uncharted moment's as in it's dry humour between Drake and his companions the occasional interesting puzzle and cinematic action, the game looses it's rhythm around the half way mark with it's over populated enemy's carrying ultimate ammo against one guy, and an awful AI partner which doesn't protect you, it just becomes unrealistic at that point, it does howeverWhile it does have it's uncharted moment's as in it's dry humour between Drake and his companions the occasional interesting puzzle and cinematic action, the game looses it's rhythm around the half way mark with it's over populated enemy's carrying ultimate ammo against one guy, and an awful AI partner which doesn't protect you, it just becomes unrealistic at that point, it does however show the potential of the vita… Expand
  5. a_bad_one
    Sep 10, 2013
    6
    I did never really understood all the hype surrounding this game! I never liked the graphics much, and thought the puzzle solving was way too slow for my taste, even boring at times. And while the shooting was ok fun, there wasn´t enough of it for me to enjoy much. I find it hard really to recommend Uncharted: Golden Abyss to anyone and think this experience quite hollow..
  6. bowenliu
    Aug 19, 2014
    6
    all the titles of every chapters are a line of the characters, which don't make sense in the first place and it's lazy. Gameplay is ok, but the scenes and story is nowhere near the great Naughty Dog works.
  7. dongonzo
    Dec 27, 2013
    6
    QTE boss fights were obviously invented before fun, because they aren't. Lots of shooting, some exploring- your standard Uncharted fare can be found here. The controls can be somewhat iffy but the main detractor from this game are the QTE boss fights which are not fun, they do not require skill-- they are simply tedious.
  8. Is4U2P
    Dec 20, 2014
    6
    The game was okay, the Graphics were decent, the Story was Okay but... The two things that bug me the most about the game are...

    Controls, I just could not get comfortable with the controls and to me the Tomb Raider Reboot was much better in this area. Lack of PS TV Support is the second area, I don't really see why they couldn't patch this to work with the PS TV as this is one of    The game was okay, the Graphics were decent, the Story was Okay but... The two things that bug me the most about the game are...

    Controls, I just could not get comfortable with the controls and to me the Tomb Raider Reboot was much better in this area.

    Lack of PS TV Support is the second area, I don't really see why they couldn't patch this to work with the PS TV as this is one of Sony's biggest developers and, it makes no sense why games like Uncharted and Little Big Planet don't get any support from Sony for this.

    Anyway, you might like the game but, again the controls were just way too much for me to get over and I absolutely hated every minute of using them.    … Expand
  9. Timgriff84
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    The biggest problem with this game is how long it it. About 30% through you've essentially done everything it has to offer and then its just a very repetitive long drawn out story that never seems to end. At each cut screen you think have I finished but the answer is sadly no another twist makes you do a similar thing again and again. If it ended half way through it would be perfect,The biggest problem with this game is how long it it. About 30% through you've essentially done everything it has to offer and then its just a very repetitive long drawn out story that never seems to end. At each cut screen you think have I finished but the answer is sadly no another twist makes you do a similar thing again and again. If it ended half way through it would be perfect, instead you have to grind to the end of a forgettable story.… Expand
  10. Heyprettybird
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    I always liked Uncharted series but the controls were kinda complicated to me. But in PS Vita is very smooth, the motion sensor and touch screen/pad worked incredible for me. The puzzles are very funny to solve using Vita's capabilities. The plot is very entertaining and well paced. Though produced by another team it keeps the Uncharted mood with incredible story and charismaticI always liked Uncharted series but the controls were kinda complicated to me. But in PS Vita is very smooth, the motion sensor and touch screen/pad worked incredible for me. The puzzles are very funny to solve using Vita's capabilities. The plot is very entertaining and well paced. Though produced by another team it keeps the Uncharted mood with incredible story and charismatic characters. The graphics and music are very pleasant too. Golden Abyss is definitely one of the best games for PSVita… Expand
  11. r03vg
    Dec 11, 2020
    6
    Ближе к концу враги наваливаются не просто пачками, а целыми складскими запчасти. Игра немного подтормаживает в замесах. Сюжет простой как туалетная бумага.
  12. Exterminador_d7
    Dec 19, 2020
    7
    A great game for a mediocre handheld console like PS Vita. Its defects are mostly related to the uninteresting plot, silly and forgettable characters and mainly due to the bad gameplay with the touchscreen and the ridiculous amount of collectibles (which needs an idiotic DLC and is not worth your money). But if you're a fan of the franchise, it's really fun and interesting.
  13. theshonen8899
    Feb 15, 2012
    8
    It nowhere near as good as the last two entries but then again, I wasn't expecting it to be. The fact is that Naughty Dog isn't the one who developed Golden Abyss and it clearly shows. The writing is worse, the characters uninteresting stock characters, the settings are all the same, the puzzles lack scale and wonder, and the set-piece moments are rare. But even with all these flaws, itIt nowhere near as good as the last two entries but then again, I wasn't expecting it to be. The fact is that Naughty Dog isn't the one who developed Golden Abyss and it clearly shows. The writing is worse, the characters uninteresting stock characters, the settings are all the same, the puzzles lack scale and wonder, and the set-piece moments are rare. But even with all these flaws, it doesn't change the fact that this is an astonishingly similar experience to Naughty Dog's works on the PS3. If this is Sony Bend's first contribution to the PS Vita, then my hopes for the future are bright indeed. This game is fantastic.… Expand
  14. CarlosFF09
    Feb 18, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Uncharted Golden Abyss looks great on screen OLED PS Vita, the graphics are amazing and looks like between Uncharted 1 and 2 , the gameplay is pretty good especially in the shootings and the action scenes, the one of the best launch games.
    This game uses good tactile skills, a very good game in general talking about a game launch. The game retains the essence of Uncharted, presentation, sound, graphics, gameplay everything is very good. the game has a duration of approximately 10 hours, but has many elements re-playable: difficulty, collectibles etc.
    Enjoy this game    … Expand
  15. Leram504
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    Only just started it but it's AMAZING so far. True attention to detail and their is a lot of story, which surprised me! When playing this I have the same awe factor when I played Uncharted Drake's Fortune for the first time, enjoy!
  16. mux056
    Feb 15, 2012
    10
    The graphics are simply phenominal for a handheld, however, the gameplay aspects really fall short of my expectations. True, maybe I had high expectatioons, but this i sUNCHARTED, on eof the best series on the playstation. The touchscreen was sloppy, and the story did not seem to have a lot of work put into it.
  17. clydefr0g
    Feb 26, 2012
    6
    Aside from the lackluster graphics and gimmicky controls, Uncharted : Golden Abyss tells a decent story and has incredible voice acting... but the controls... terrible, just terrible.
  18. roymystify
    Apr 3, 2012
    6
    My critic is based on the "hardcore gaming" mode like very hard and crushing... very bad gameplay! The grenades not respond well. The final combat is painfull. No fun, it's poor. A word for Sony; the touch screen is for Angry Bird, you know? Not for Uncharted, Resistance etc... I hope that you understand me! Stupid!
  19. asggamefan
    Feb 26, 2013
    6
    Uncharted was a great idea for a game and therefore I believe the series deserves its multiple awards. However, I believe the game reminds me more of a Tomb Raider game from the original PlayStation but with a male protagonist. The gameplay mechanics for shooting were very well done for a 3rd person shooter but I felt like you could traverse the entire game by just hitting the actionUncharted was a great idea for a game and therefore I believe the series deserves its multiple awards. However, I believe the game reminds me more of a Tomb Raider game from the original PlayStation but with a male protagonist. The gameplay mechanics for shooting were very well done for a 3rd person shooter but I felt like you could traverse the entire game by just hitting the action button over and over again while jumping around. The game also included a couple puzzles but I thought they were too easy and a waste of 5 minutes. The story started out great but by the end I really didn't care that much anymore even though the game doesn't take that long to beat. The series deserves respect for what it tried to do but I would rather spend my time playing a longer more interesting game.… Expand
  20. Hypericum
    Apr 7, 2013
    7
    A good edition to the Uncharted series, but suffers from control issues. The graphics are great, storyline is up there with other uncharted games, but sadly the controls are very touchy which make it hard to play. I would frequently go for melee combat after trying to shoot enemies for over a minute without any luck due to the touchy controls, and small enemies making it hard to target them.
  21. Omeguis
    Dec 5, 2012
    8
    One of the best titles for the PSVITA so far. Despite the unnecessary use of the console's touchscreen, for example the excessive swipes, this title is a perfect demonstration of the Vita's capabilities. Very nice story, though not as great as the PS3's games. Drake's journal and collectibles makes this title enjoyable to play more than once, as there are many pictures to take and objectsOne of the best titles for the PSVITA so far. Despite the unnecessary use of the console's touchscreen, for example the excessive swipes, this title is a perfect demonstration of the Vita's capabilities. Very nice story, though not as great as the PS3's games. Drake's journal and collectibles makes this title enjoyable to play more than once, as there are many pictures to take and objects to pick up. It's a little big too easy compared to the PS3 titles, but I assume this is because the portable's gaming experience isn't as comfortable as the dualshock is.… Expand
  22. huss2215
    Dec 26, 2013
    9
    Graphics: Somewhat lacking environments, good character models, amazing water, great lighting. 9.

    Sound: Classic Uncharted themes, and professional voice actors. 10. Gameplay: For an Uncharted game it does a good job utilizing the Vita, and adding new gameplay mechanics such as touch, and motion camera controls. The puzzles are a highlight in this Vita title. The gun-play gets    Graphics: Somewhat lacking environments, good character models, amazing water, great lighting. 9.

    Sound: Classic Uncharted themes, and professional voice actors. 10.

    Gameplay: For an Uncharted game it does a good job utilizing the Vita, and adding new gameplay mechanics such as touch, and motion camera controls. The puzzles are a highlight in this Vita title. The gun-play gets boring throughout the beginning but the game picks up at the middle to end, making it an enjoyable Uncharted game (even though this isn't as great as the console titles). 9.

    Story: The story is interesting in some ways but it’s not the best in the Uncharted series. Although I was surprised to see a character in the game I never expected to see. It’s also a great origins story to the Uncharted series. 9.

    Replay Value: The game lasts about 8 or more hours with collectibles, the game is free for plus, and if you own a Vita I highly recommend this game. 10.

    Overall Score: 9.4 out of 10.    … Expand
  23. reebox25
    Feb 16, 2012
    9
    The graphics look just like the first Uncharted game, Uncharted Drake's Fortune. The game has some good voice acting and Sully is just great to listen too. The aiming and firing is tight and responsive. Although the game didn't need to have the back touch to zoom in on the sniper rifle. They put it in to see what the Vita can do and to try something different. Of course though the storyThe graphics look just like the first Uncharted game, Uncharted Drake's Fortune. The game has some good voice acting and Sully is just great to listen too. The aiming and firing is tight and responsive. Although the game didn't need to have the back touch to zoom in on the sniper rifle. They put it in to see what the Vita can do and to try something different. Of course though the story isn't going to be as good as the others because it isn't a Naughty Dog game. Bend tried to do Uncharted, a game series that Naughty Dog made one of the best third person games for PS3 ever. For what they did the game is very good. I would recommend this to anyone who is getting a PSVITA.… Expand
  24. Craigab
    Feb 16, 2012
    9
    Very enjoyable, plays more like the first uncharted than numbers 2 and 3 and although I prefer 2 and 3 I still came away very impressed. Graphics were stunning, platforming gameplay was as good as ever, combat was very good with the 2 sticks but the touch screen for hand-to-hand combat felt a little gimmicky, voice acting was as brilliant as ever and the story still seemed fairlyVery enjoyable, plays more like the first uncharted than numbers 2 and 3 and although I prefer 2 and 3 I still came away very impressed. Graphics were stunning, platforming gameplay was as good as ever, combat was very good with the 2 sticks but the touch screen for hand-to-hand combat felt a little gimmicky, voice acting was as brilliant as ever and the story still seemed fairly interesting. Despite the lack of multiplayer there is plenty to collect and the game has 34 chapters so is every bit as long as previous entries in the series. Overall a great effort from Sony Bend.… Expand
  25. PSmaniak
    Feb 16, 2012
    10
    This game is great! I've never played in such a good game on the handheld (or on the smartphone). However, compared to the PS3 version the game is a little worse :/ does not change the fact that we spend money on this game.
  26. metamator
    Feb 19, 2012
    10
    I've been playing this a few days now and gotta say. Its easy to find flaws in any game, but I gotta hand it to Bend, they did a good job. If you are a fan of the franchise, you'll probably like it. I personally would have loved a version that required almost no touch screen interaction (the last 3 drakes did fine without it, why shove it down my throat now?) But I get it, its a launchI've been playing this a few days now and gotta say. Its easy to find flaws in any game, but I gotta hand it to Bend, they did a good job. If you are a fan of the franchise, you'll probably like it. I personally would have loved a version that required almost no touch screen interaction (the last 3 drakes did fine without it, why shove it down my throat now?) But I get it, its a launch title and sonys probably on developers shoulders saying "make sure they see this shiny thing" so we gotta swipe all over the place. Its my only gripe, to be honest there were a couple swipe things I thought "hey, thats kinda funky". Other than that Its a solid game and a solid launch title. I did notice some artifacts here and there, but mostly Im drooling at the crazy niceness of the Vita screen anyone thats really played it for a while knows for a handheld, its gorgeous, just disgusting. (oh you Vita screen)

    woulda liked: online Multiplayer, less swipes, more/better looking girls (why not), did I mention I'd like a non swipe version/patch?    … Expand
  27. 1True_Gamer
    Feb 18, 2012
    9
    I have never played Uncharted before this and I must admit it's a very good title. Especially for a launch title the one problem I did have was with the platforming part sometimes the girl would get in the way and no multi-player other then that a vey good game
  28. Squall5005
    Feb 15, 2012
    10
    Wow. It looks like a couple of Nintendo fanboys are jealous of the Vita. Your immature posts make you look like ignorant fools. If it was called the 'Nintendo Vita' you would be gushing over this game. Now go and buy that ugly 'Circle Pad Pro' attachment to make your 3DS feel more like a Vita.

    This is more of a first impression than a review. But the 10/10 score is to counteract the    Wow. It looks like a couple of Nintendo fanboys are jealous of the Vita. Your immature posts make you look like ignorant fools. If it was called the 'Nintendo Vita' you would be gushing over this game. Now go and buy that ugly 'Circle Pad Pro' attachment to make your 3DS feel more like a Vita.

    This is more of a first impression than a review. But the 10/10 score is to counteract the douchebags.

    I've only played the game for 20 minutes but I loved every second of it. The graphics are beautiful and vibrant and the game makes great use of the 'touch' features. Climbing ledges by chaining together swipes on the touch screen is very satisfying. It felt like playing Uncharted 1 more so than 2 and 3 but considering it's one of the first games on a new console you can tell Naughty Dog are just testing the water here, a bit like they did with the first Uncharted on the PS3. The inevitable sequel will no doubt feel more on par with the 2 PS2 sequels.Maybe even with multiplayer modes...hopefully.

    The device fits lovely into your hands and the button placement is perfect. For me anyway.
    The introduction of a second analog stick makes a whole world of difference when playing this game and is surely the one thing that is will bring home console gaming to the handheld world. Spinning the camera and aiming your gun feels just as natural as it would on a Playstation controller.

    The console is sooo pretty and the power this handheld holds is very exciting. The extra thumb stick and huge 5inch OLED multi-touch screen makes the Vita a true next gen handheld console. Unlike the 3DS which feels like a DSi with 3D tacked on. Casual smartphone gaming will no doubt be the Vita's biggest rival but both platforms provide a uniquely different gaming experience. As much as I love whipping out my phone to have a quick bash on Angry Birds, some games are just a pain in the arse and would benefit from physical buttons. A great example is GTA 3 on the iPhone and iPad. I often find myself missing the on-screen controls and trying to aim a gun is a fiddly nightmare. Sony's new console would play this gaming beautifully. So in my mind, there's no reason why both cannot coexist side by side.

    I can't wait to pick up the Playstation Vita on launch day along with Uncharted, Lumines and WipeOut.    … Expand
  29. GhostMachine
    Feb 16, 2012
    10
    I love it. The features like the gyro motion for sniping is awesome. Also the graphics are beautiful. The environments are full of details & the physics are great.
  30. Chandler
    Apr 3, 2012
    5
    I finished the game yesterday on normal and my feelings are very mixed about this game. I like the story very much and the characters too but thats about it. The parts where you are actually playing are mind numbingly repetitive. Either you climb up predetermined paths with the occasional QTE to check if you are still awake or you cover and shoot. Both parts are executed poorly. I evenI finished the game yesterday on normal and my feelings are very mixed about this game. I like the story very much and the characters too but thats about it. The parts where you are actually playing are mind numbingly repetitive. Either you climb up predetermined paths with the occasional QTE to check if you are still awake or you cover and shoot. Both parts are executed poorly. I even think the playing parts destroy part of the believability of the story. When you control Drake yourself you can literally jump 30 metres and are an unstoppable killing machine. It goes against everything you experience in the cutscenes and dialogues. Its like experiencing two different scenarios of one franchise. The cutscenes are Uncharted, the adventure movie, Nathan Drake being a nice guy, an adventurer and a scholar, an homage to Indiana Jones movies. And then there is Uncharted: First Blood, with cover shooting, grenade tossing, bullets soaking Nathan Drake, one man army, Rambos Mentor.
    I haven't played any other Uncharted yet but this game feels like it would have been a way better movie than a game. I liked the story so much that I found myself literally fighting through this poor game to see the conclusion.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS Vita Game of 2012
3
#3 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2012
2
#2 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 80 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 80
  3. Negative: 0 out of 80
  1. Gamestyle
    Aug 7, 2012
    80
    So overall Uncharted: Golden Abyss is not without faults, but nothing glaring enough to prevent recommending it, firstly as a very enjoyable game and secondly as an example of what the Vita can do.
    Read full review
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Apr 17, 2012
    86
    A very pretty action-adventure, which shows nicely, what Vita can do. There's too much generic shooting at the end, though. [Apr 2012]
  3. GameCritics
    Apr 8, 2012
    90
    At its core, it's the same Uncharted game we've all played before, but it's bolstered by sterling presentation, a bevy of secrets, and straightforward tomb-raiding gameplay that feels like a love ode to the series' adventure forebears.
    Read full review
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