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A Gem of a Game

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

PS3

One of 2007’s most lauded games, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune showed gamers the still-unproven PS3 really had the goods. While its cinematic presentation and diverse, almost photo-realistic jungle setting has scarcely been equalled, what it really offered was heart.

Like the rare big-budget action movie that’s actually a terrific film in its own right, Uncharted had a compelling story, a cast of lovable rogues and consistently exciting gameplay, all seen through the eyes of wisecracking treasure hunter Nathan Drake — an Indiana Jones for the 21st century.

Despite narrowly surviving his sojourn on that uncharted, pirate-infested Pacific island, Drake — never one for the rules himself — is again mixed up with shady characters and a centuries-old mystery. Chasing the ghost of Marco Polo from lush green swamps to chaotic urban environments, to Himalayan glaciers, he’s looking for a mystical gem purported to bring both riches and power. Also returning are grizzled buddy Sully, and fiesty journalist (and now former paramour) Elena, plus his new squeeze, Aussie adventurer Chloe. Making matters even more awkward, other seekers of the lost Cintamani Stone include a psychotic paramilitary leader commanding his own private army.

As before, Uncharted 2 mixes platforming with third-person shooting, and players can take either a stealthy or an aggressive approach. The coolest addition, however, is multiplayer. Groups of three can play co-operatively online, and up to 10 can compete in deathmatch and “plunder” modes.

There may be no trust, no loyalty, and no honour Among Thieves, but there are twists, thrills and quotable quips aplenty.

Release date: October 13

Brütal Legend

PS3, Xbox 360

An epic rock ’n’ roll fantasy adventure ensues when roadie Eddie Riggs — the voice and likeness of Jack “Hell, yeah!” Black — is sucked into a strange (yet oddly familiar) realm inspired by heavy-metal album covers. Here humankind is enslaved by demons, and only Eddie, wielding his trusty battle-axe and lightning-summoning guitar, can set them free to rock.

Release date: October 13

DJ Hero

Wii, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360

Combining Guitar Hero-style gameplay with a turntable-shaped controller, fans of club music can now turn any rec room into the hottest South Beach or Ibiza dance spot. Wannabe DJs scratch, sample and beat-match alongside superstars like DJ Shadow and DJ Z-Trip, performing 80 original remixes and mash-ups.

Release date: October 27