Naughty Dog has divulged fresh details on its hotly anticipated sequel Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, highlighting the team’s efforts in churning out realistic weather effects that will apparently have the same impact as water did in the original game.
Richard Lemarchand, co-lead designer on Uncharted 2, revealed that the harsh weather conditions – as illustrated in yesterday’s onslaught of eye-popping screens – will also have an affect on the gameplay department.
"We’ve spent a lot of time focused on the distinctive look that snow has as it falls and is blown by the wind, and of course on the way in which Drake leaves footprints as he trudges through the snowdrifts in the Himalayan mountains that he ventures to," Lemarchand told IGN.
"When he’s out in the snow he’ll accumulate a layer of snowflakes on his clothes and in his hair, which will slowly thaw when he gets back inside, under cover.”
“Ice reflects light in a way that cleverly mimics the sub-surface scattering that goes on inside a chunk of frozen water, and gives it a look of incredible volume and density.”
"We have a few more tricks up our sleeves, too," he continued. "We don’t want to give away all our secrets – you’ll have to use your imagination to figure out all the ways in which we might use sub-zero temperatures in the service of gameplay! One thing I will say is that if you’ve ever tried to fight an intense cover-based gun battle against a vicious enemy in the middle of a Force Ten snowstorm, then you’ll appreciate how complicated the reduced visibility can make things for combatants on both sides."
Elsewhere, Lemarchand also confirmed that the team is looking at ways of increasing the game’s longevity, adding, “On top of that, we’re planning on adding several features to the game that will increase replayability and extend the gameplay experience for everyone.”
"We’ll be revealing those features at a later date, so hold tight for more info!"