Eurogamer 2011: Uncharted: Golden Abyss Strikes Gold

As has been previously documented, my cynicism about the PlayStation Vita is something I was willing to let slide should the system impress me enough. As luck would have it, my first hands-on with the system happened to be with Sony Bend’s marvellous blockbuster accompaniment Uncharted: Golden Abyss, a game that excels in innovative, non-invasive control design as well as it does in looking the absolute bomb.

The demo level pitches Nathan Drake, he of average hunk physique and Nolan North voice, against a motley crew of thugs attempting to raid a temple before he does. It’s essentially an excellent way of showing off all of Golden Abyss’ Vita-oriented features in a 20 minute showcase of both software and touchscreen goodness.

Eurogamer 2011: The Vita, Love, Hate and I

Alright, we’ll be fair. Despite the amount of scepticism we’ve rained down on the PS Vita since it was launched, Sony made pretty clear at Eurogamer Expo that they’re serious about making this thing a success. The new handheld was given its first public UK airing at the Expo today and between seeing the presentation and holding the device for myself, I’m finding it difficult to keep being mean.

That’s not to say that there isn’t a balance to be struck between admiration and understandable doubt.