Formats: PS3 [Played]
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Naughty Dog Software
Released: January 08, 2010
Score: 99%

Great story – Check, Stunning Graphics – Check, Good Soundtrack - Check, Easy control system, you know I could go on and on but for me this game really ticks all boxes. Any fans of the first game would be blown away by this game because it really is 3 times as good and that was a good game. From a lover of the Tomb Raider games especially Anniversary , this beats is hands down and easily my GOTY for 2009 (although I played it in 2010).
You don’t need to have played the first one but its ideal so you know who the characters are and how they know each other. Uncharted 2 is easy to just pick up and play and it does it so well. One of the best game into’s I have witnessed Uncharted2 starts you off in a train wreck where one of the carriages has gone over a cliff face and then you have to make your way up and over while things are falling and collapsing around you.

The story line is better than the first and revolves around the doomed voyage home of Marco Polo from China in 1292. Introducing a new female cast member Chloe who is likeable from the start then you also have Flynn who you become to have a love hate relationship with as well as returning characters from the first. The main bad guy is also a likeable character in a bad way (if that makes any sense).
The soundtrack compliments the game well and the graphics are some of the best I have seen on any console especially the water and weather (Snow and Rain). One of the best levels being on a moving train can be distractive as the scenery around you is perfect. Uncharted 2 has so many plus areas I really could go into more detail but you should just buy this game if you haven’t already.
In Uncharted 2 they have done away with the motion sensor of the sixaxis which isn’t missed at all, battles seem to be the same but everything flows well. You can now use Ninja tactics creeping up on enemies and taking them out silently or a Metal Gear Solid style take down while hanging over a cliff or building dragging the enemy and chucking them to their death.
Treasures are back but this time they seem to be harder to find as I only found 40/100 on my first play through. Also QuickTime events are back but only used here and there. The only thing I would say this game is missing it more puzzles, but this doesn’t stop it being a fantastic game.

You can tell that a lot of work has gone into this game, even down to flipping through Drakes journal you can read and see things that are not needed in the game but it’s a really nice touch. The main thing about this game is the voice acting and story writing, it feels like you are playing a movie, the characters are witty and it’s not just in cut scenes but while you are playing the game. Action moments can have so many things happening around you it really does draw you into the game making it so much more.
I have really enjoyed my play through of this game and it makes its mark as not only my favourite game for 2009 but into my top ten all time games.

Formats: Xbox360, PS3 [Played]
Published by: SEGA
Developed by: PlatinumGames/SEGA
Released: January 08, 2010
Score: 80%

First game of 2010 I have played and finished and loved every second of it, Bayonetta is best described as a Devil May Cry with the cheesiness of Final Fantasy X-2 thrown in. The game play works well and is just like the DMC games and the tongue and cheek storyline and characters are fitting and make the journey more enjoyable. Your play as Bayonetta a Umbran Witch who is equipped with two handguns in both hands and two more attached to her stiletto heels. The Umbran Witches were a powerful and ancient clan of women who were capable of projecting magic to their own ends, fuelled by the power of the Moon, and the Lumen Sages were an equal group comprised of men who worshiped the light and were fuelled by the Sun. Bayonetta teams up with Rodin who provides her with weapons extra moves, treasures and items. You heal yourself by using herb lolly’s so buy healing lollipops during this game as it does challenge you in places like the DMC games.
The only problems I had with this game is some frame rate issues early on and the camera isn’t always facing the way you want it too and also there are a couple of vehicle levels which are not as good as the rest of the game but it does add something different, apart from that is fun fun fun all the way to the end.
Graphics are stunning; the different places you go and see really improve as you progress through the game. The battle system uses different combos mostly featuring the kick and shoot buttons. You can build up your combos and release extra moves including using your hair to release demons for finishing moves. You can also turn into animals which will help you fly and travel faster which is needed in certain areas of the game, but another issue is that you have to click RT twice to change into a one of your animals and RT is also used to dodge so when in the heat of battle you will sometimes find yourself changing into an animal instead of dodging.
One important move of the game is Witch Time, this slows down enemies on the screen allowing you to pull of bigger attacks without getting hit, Witch Time comes into effect when you sussesfully dodge an enemies attack, you should think about mastering this move as it will be needed throughout this game, Witch Time is your friend!
Also thrown in are mini games which you have to defeat enemies in a certain way or stripped of some of your powers, this is against the clock and if beaten you gain self satisfaction, which is the best gift of all! Although I would have liked an achievement for them.
The game takes about 12 hours to complete and you will need your wits about you as enemies will come at you thick and fast and some take off a lot of damage. Boss fights are fun but are used time and time again as you travel through the game.