How a Cover System Spoiled Uncharted

Last week Shacknews finally bit the bullet and purchased a PlayStation 3 along with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. That game is undoubtedly the prettiest belle at the ball and quite a joy in the gameplay department, so much so that they are actually finding themself drinking Sony's Kool-Aid, waving a banner for the HD revolution and preaching about set-top boxes and such.

But there's one problem: cover systems. Shacknews don't disagree with cover systems ideologically, because in many ways they bring action titles a bit closer to functional reality, in which players and characters alike take advantage of terrain and behave as though they're actually being shot at. But what's discouraging about the cover system, or more precisely the implementation of the cover system, is the ways in which it informs design choices across the board and cheapens action.

[Da360sucks]

[email protected] Shacknews the is great so shut the [email protected] up

[Breakfast]

I agree...im no big fan of the cover system in this game. But i think pros in this game far out way the one con in this game.

[HowarthsNJ]

This author doesn't like any of them.

Uncharted doesn't force you into cover unlike other games. You can run & gun (and die) if it pleases you :-)

[InMyOpinion]

I prefer the cover systems found in RB6: Vegas and Gears Of War.

[Gamer luv]

@ HowarthsNJ

Thats hes point, you can run n gun but not if you actualy want to get anywhere.

Its doing the exact thing you say it doesnt, force u into cover ......... or die.

[games4fun]

actually if you play on easy you rarely really need to take that much cover and it is half run/gun and half cover sometimes

but when you play on crushing run for cover and expect a tough time even taking a step, one or two bullets will kill you like in real life, in real life i would take cover or i'd be dead why should they do anything less?

you wanna survive a battle get your fing head down anyone who doesnt should stay home, the author should be commending how on crushing its as if you really are in a gunbattle because of how one or two bullets will kill you and dont even get me started on those [email protected] carrying shotguns can kill you on crushing

[Genesis5]

Well I liked to see him shoot his way out of some of those swarms without some kind of cover.Considering you don't have med packs.

[EZCheez]

Yes. When you play on crushing you spend almost the entire time with your back to the wall waiting to poke your head out to get one or two shots off before they blow you away.

I thought the cover system worked great, and I think it works just as well as the cover system in Gears(Believe it or not I was playing both at the same time). And as far as cover systems, I can't really pin down the big differences, but I think RB6V had the worst feeling cover system of all of these games. There's something weird about going from first person to third while in cover that kind of messes up the gameplay (in my opinion).

[games4fun]

exactly the one part where you jump down and there is water on the ground you can die so easily i had to kill five people in quick succession (5 headshots :) ) followed by some more killing and to top it off 2-3 badguys will jump down all carrying shotguns which will kill you with one fire and they take 3-5 bullets each

[kosha]

i thought it was one of the best bits (apart from the graphics of course they were amazing) and it gave alot of depth to the battles

[harpua]

isn't this the same cover system as Gears?

[HowarthsNJ]

Uncharted's cover is activated by a button press near objects.

[Hatchetforce]

It is a similar system yet works about a hundred times better. You don't have the accidental stick or hesitation when jumping an object. Uncharted perfected the system Gears from Killswitch.

[hamsterfist]

@HowarthsNJ

And how is that different from Gears? Last I checked you needed to use a button to stick to cover in Gears as well. Let me restate, you needed to push a button to initiate cover anyways.

[HowarthsNJ]

@hamsterfist

I typed fast and replied too quickly.

Gears uses the cover button to crouch/run as well - you stick to cover when you don't want to sometimes.

I wanted to say "uncharted uses an exclusive cover button near objects", but that didn't sound right either.

[DJ]

Had the entire game been a run-and-gun shooter, it would have lost a lot of the strategy and overall fun factor. And it's actually because of the cover system that the latter segment of the game becomes so treacherous and liberating.

[ianp622]

I liked the cover system, but I think the game could've been better if there was both more platforming and more of a mingling of platforming with gunfights. For example, have enemies shoot at you while trying to navigate different obstacles (like the waterfall and jeep part).

I have a feeling this author didn't play the game on Crushing, because then cover isn't so much of a safe retreat place as it is a temporary reload spot. There were some parts that were really difficult because enemies came in from all around you, and you had to change to different pieces of cover.

[games4fun]

after beating it on crushing there is no doubt in my mind that a cover system is required what are you going to do magically dodge bullets when it only takes on or two to take you down without cover?

[EZCheez]

Ones that actually required a brain. That, to me, is the only thing that Tomb Raider does better than this game.

[games4fun]

i cant stop agreeing with you apparently :) it was the only thing missing to really destroy the tomb raider series, it still beat it but the next one should get some more complex puzzles

[jmare]

It's not that the puzzles weren't hard, it's that instead of giving hints, the diary gave the answers. I'm sure the puzzles would've been tougher without the diary.

[ianp622]

I agree, the puzzles weren't really good. I also think that it would've been better if the journal gave hints instead of solutions, but regardless, all of the puzzles were simply matching symbols, which isn't really puzzle solving.

Some interesting variants of symbol matching would be if rotating certain statues caused others to move as well, or if opening one door closed another, etc.

I appreciate the change in pace from the puzzles, but I think the platforming is just as easy going and welcome after intense gunfights.

[fenderputty]

Well ... at least they started the article off right? lol

I, as well, liked the cover system. Especially with all the animations. I've never played a game that people like to watch while I play. That is until I played Uncharted. The cover system added a lot of reality to the title.

To each their own I guess.

[The Closing]

What a dumb article. Cover systems not only allow you to gather your head, and come up with a game plan, but if done right they only add to the intensity of the action. It's as if everyone is closing in on you, and you're just waiting for the moment to unload, on your enemies. This is definitely the case for this title. Also it's definitely good to have a semi realistic feeling to a game with just your everyman type hero, and this makes a cover system mandatory. In this game it was just done so stylishly I don't know how you couldn't help but like it regardless.

I'll take a game with cover systems any-day over mindless frag fests. Any good shooter game has a cover system imo.

[games4fun]

the cover system is a huge part of what made this game great, its not rambo running along shooting some bad guys. Its a guy marooned on an island trying to get by, until this guy has finished crushing difficulty like i have he has no room to talk

i have to disagree completely with this guy a 3rd person view requires cover system in my book or you have to have huge open areas for people to see which isn't that fun when drake needs to go in a small building,inside of plane, or the cramped submarine.

[DJ]

Even in the demo, staying behind the same piece of cover (or even the wrong kind) was basically a death sentence, so it became a hybrid of two strategies: layout progression, and enemy rank.

[Kleptic]

"every combat sequence is arranged in a long corridor"...

ha...no it isn't...most are completely open, leaving you in a situation where you will very often have guys flanking you from both sides...

imo...uncharted has some of the best action of a cover based gameplay mechanic yet...where it struggles a little is the puzzles and platforming...that stuff is retardly easy compared to the gun play stuff...

its definitely one of the best games of 2007...regardless of what crap websites like shaknews or whatever say...

[Tron]

The cover system works great. If you don't like it, change it up. My second time through the game I did a lot more run and gun to keep things fresh. That worked until Crushing. Then i sucked again.

[Bloodshedder]

i love this game the cover system graphics game play all of it, this guy should play killswitch it has a cover system that you can really can complain about

[Superiorrior]

Sorry but the cover system does what it's suppose to do, the author is off his rocker.

[poopsack]

He never had a rocker

[Alcohog]

I ****ing love this game.

[MrSwede]

That damn clever AI forces you to take cover. I loved every part of the game though I could've done without them aliens in the end.

[poeo]

way to go with the SPOILER. and they weren't aliens anyway.

[MrSwede]

Most people commenting on this article prolly played the game already.

**SPOILER**
I know they were completely normal spaniards and not aliens.
**SPOILER**

Happy now?

[Douchebaggery]

"Last week Shacknews finally bit the bullet and purchased a PlayStation 3"

You make it sound as if it's shacknews.com point of view but in reality it's Aaron Linde an editor at shacknews opinion.

A N4G veteran like yourself should know better.

[solar]

guess i dont get this guy. maybe he hates 3rd person shooters? he said the same complaints of what irked him about GeoW...

[SmokeyMcBear]

well i didnt read the article, so im not sure if this is covered, but the one thing i love about the cover system and AI of this game, is that the enemies just dont try and shoot you through the cover.. they will freaking flank you left and right, they will get on the gound and crawl, they will themselves dive to cover to get at you, i dunno, i think the system works very well.. in my humble opinion.

[LevDog]

Ok im cofused.. People want more realistic games.. or games that play like movies.. They finally make one and people Cry like lil 16 yr girls on sweet 16.. You finally get a crazy good looking game with great gameplay and awesome story line.. and You nit pick.. actually looking for the bad stuff.. This is a great game that doesnt get the credit its due.. Its like playing a live action movie.. Taking cover while the bad guys are empting clip after clip.. You complain about the AI in Close corders.. but yet if you play on a hard level they beat the crap outta you when they are close.. If you wanna run and gun and get mindless kills.. Play COD4.. If you wanna play a great game with great story while awwwing at the phenom graphics.. Play uncharted.. I mean if my GF can sit next to me and enjoy WATCHING and doesnt complain that my ps3 gets more attention than her.. then we have a winner.. So quit your 16 yr old school girl act.. and appreciate the dam game

[solar]

remember in live action movies....when the lead character good guy is taking cover....and a stupid bad guy is standing out in the open firing wildly and the lead character pops out and shoots him? i dont wanna be that guy...hence the good cover system :D

[LinuxGuru]

Why people feel the need to evaluate and dissect a spectacular game several months after its release is baffling to me.

Anyone who has ever been shot at in real life would tell you that the cover system in Uncharted, along with Nathan's reactions as he's being shot at, are spot-on.

Can we move on now, please?

[heyheyhey]

cover system was great

i only ever used the run'n'gun technique when fighting off those [email protected] zombie things

[jmare]

I think what made the cover system somewhat tiresome, at least for me, was the AI patterns when the enemies were behind cover. Half the time the pirates would pop out of the same place again and again. That made the cover system a bit annoying by taking out part of the realism. It would have been nicer if the AI mixed it up better in those situations. The same goes with the last boss battle where his rifle was glued to your head, even behind cover. Overall though, it is an awesome game.

EDIT: Please say why you disagree. I'd like to see someone prove to me that this is not my opinion.

[poopsack]

Well I disagree (Without the button though) maybe it ws only your copy of the game. Im not trying to be funny, but I recall seeing them mix it up. I was actually expecting one to stand up and he came from the side of the cover to shoot me. Maybe it depends on difficulty. Are you playing on normal?

[jmare]

I meant certain enemies in the corridor sequences, as in you're at one end of a hall and the enemies are at the other, they would jump out and be gangsta and wait for me to cap them in the melon. Does that clear up the enemies I was talking about. Overall, The AI was good, just sometimes they would get into these goofy routines. Also, I've only played it on hard and crushing.

[Baba1906]

my favorit game of 2007 so no compains from my part. amazing action. cant complain

[thetorontokid]

are a new standard for next gen systems and in game mechanics. Sure games like killswitch were pioneers and from last gen. But where the cover system really shines and is implemented and put to good use in the overall game world, is in this new gen we are in now. Games like GEARS, UNCHARTED, GRAW, RSV, all use them and are critically acclaimed. Heck even the next grand theft auto is putting one in their next game. So i totally disagree with article and author. Cover systems are great and give a games new dynamic. When properly used (kane and lynch) has become a new standard.

[EZCheez]

"Rarely, if ever, do the pirates bring the pain in close quarters, usually relying—much as you do—on cover to save their bacon while they whittle down your health."

Not if you play it on crushing. Those S.O.B.'s take every chance they can get to get in your face. What's even crazier is you could almost swear sometimes they were being covered by other a'holes as they made their way to you.

EDIT-One more thing. If anything, the cover system provided even more of a variety of gameplay. You used the cover up to a certain point in the game (no spoilers from me), and then BAM, out of nowhere there isn't anywhere to take cover. And if you try, you die, quickly. From that point on the game turned into a run and gun because you didn''t have time to hide. That quick changup in the momentum of the game really livens things up in the end, and I enjoyed the shock factor of it all. And I have no doubt that Insomniac intentionally made it work out like that.

[jmare]

I think you mean Naughty Dog.

[EZCheez]

Yeah, I did.

[actas123]

I wish all TPS have the same cover system as Uncharted. Its near perfect. I don't know what kind of drug this guys are on.

[eagle21]

This guy needs to shut up. Sony (Naugty Dog) don't even listen. I love cover, how else do you avoid a bullet in your noggin? Uncharted cover system is the most advanced, Drake has over 10,000 animations and he covers different everytime. Drake is easily one of my favorite game characters like Kratos, Mario, and Snake.

[eagle21]

period.

[GETPWNT]

lol. u stupid, f*cking, pathetic, scum-sucking fanboy. Looks like someone didn't play Bioshock or Mass Effect. Bioshock is a game that will be remembered for DECADES to come, like with Doom, Half life, Mario, etc. but UNFARTED? LOL, no. Keep dreaming, dumbass.

[eagle21]

Bioshock is not better than Uncharted, it needs a damn story! Mass defect is boring. Uncharted has the best graphics period. You can call your mom those names and she will love it.

[GETPWNT]

Don't be dumb. Everyone knows Bioshock rapes all games of last year--especially Unfarted.

[gambare]

he never played uncharted because he couldn't steal enough money from his mother's wallet

[demolitionX]

GETPWNT , I want to give you my d*** to put it in your mouth instead, better than that banana!

[GETPWNT]

Although you do look almost young enough in your AV, you're just not my type.

[The Lazy One]

He doesn't have a problem using cover, he has a problem with them designing levels around using cover.

The idea of a cover system didn't bug him at all. It was the fact that they put all sorts of strategically placed cover items for him to hide behind, and it hurt the game to him. I didn't play it, but I can see why he has a point. Cover should be a device you can use, but it should be more natural, not forced.

[Bolts]

Agreed. The cover in Drake is a bit contrived in some levels but on other levels they're perfectly natural. But thats just the way it is in any game with a covery system. Once you're used to using them they stand out like a sore thumb no matter how they're placed.

[ooop]

^^

[techie]

Cover system was special in this game. It was a cover shooter - and it worked perfectly.

[Avto]

Anyone who is doing Uncharted review now has absolutely nothing to say about gaming and every word they say or write is to be ignored even if turns out to be true in it's own way.

[liquidsnake]

Uncharted's cover system is teh sh!t. Nazisoft can stop paying Shacknews to throw sh!t at Uncharted wich will never come to the crapbox 180.

[GETPWNT]

See what happens when you try, and FAIL, to rip-off Gears AND Tomb Raider?

[eagle21]

and now have to resort to bananas in between sessions...lol You deserve a red ring around your mouth...(and if people read what this pathetic fool wrote under me, I had to say this: sorry for any offence) :)

[j-seb]

GETPWNT did you even read the article!? the writer prefers Uncharted to both those games, he just doesn't like cover systems in general.

"The levels feel fuller than the island paradise of Crysis, and not as bloated with set pieces as any number of Tomb Raider titles"

"I probably disliked Epic Games' Gears of War for similar reasons—a cover system that prompted the same approach to the bulk of the game's battles. But where I found my enjoyment of Gears LIMITED by a number of other design decisions inherent to the game, Uncharted was an otherwise EXCELLENT experience for me"

[Expy]

I liked it. Like any real gamer, you adapt to the game, the game doesn't have to adapt to you.

[Doctor Strange]

Cover systems just add to more realism, simple as that. Even in COD4 are you going to just stand in the middle of the hallway and and got shot repeatedly, no your going to duck and hide behind a wall or something.

The cover system in Uncharted was great and people like me who played and beat Uncharted on Crushing, the A.I is great and they will rush you every chance they get.

I think its funny this guy picks Uncharted to do his rant on cover which by every reviewer for the most part this game is awesome.