Impressions - Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta goes live

Despite a rocky start, the multiplayer beta for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is in full swing. Johnny Cullen takes a look at the taster: HD video and details on maps and modes inside.

As I do have to work a day-job at somepoint, I had only time to try three game modes in the beta: Co-Op Arena, Three Team Deathmatch and the main TDM itself.

In total, there are five modes in the beta: Team Deathmatch, Free for All, Three Team Deathmatch, Hardcore - where there are no perks such as boosters or medal kickbacks - and Co-Op Arena.

Think of Co-Op Arena as Uncharted's Horde. Three players team up to defeat wave after wave of oncoming enemies, with random objectives added in for good measure.

Team Deathmatch is team deathmatch: kill the s**t out of everyone on the opposite side. Random powerplays pop up throughout the match. First to 50 points wins.

Three Team Deathmatch is the one that stood out. You, a buddy - in my case, that buddy happens to be Pat - and four other players are split into three teams of two. First one to score 20 wins the game. We did amazingly well in our game, as you'll see in the embedded video.

Sucking aside, I can honestly see myself coming back to TTDM more often, both in the beta and the full game.

Maps only consist of the Chateau area we saw just after the game's unveil last December, and Airstrip, which sees one team on the back of several trucks while the other on a cargo plane, before switching to a main complex when the plane takes off.

This is shaping up to be Naughty Dog's best attempt at multiplay yet. Now there just needs to be an easing of the beta's traffic and it's shooty fun for everyone.

Update 1.01 released after heavy launch traffic load

Naughty Dog's released update 1.01 for the game, according to president Christophe Balestra.

It follows the taster's release on the US and European PS Stores last night, with access only possible if you're a PS Plus sub or if you bought a copy of inFamous 2. It'll be 1627Mb to download.

The beta will be fully opened up on July 4 for all PSN members. It'll end on July 13.

The new update comes after a massive amount of traffic was looking to try the beta last night, effectively crashing it. Naughty Dog was immediately aware of the problem, and said to expect a resolution shortly. This is, obviously, that solution.

Problems with frame rate and freezing are proving trickier, with Naughty Dog tweeting that the inconsistency of the issues is making things difficult.

Participating in the beta unlocks the following rewards, as listed on Shack:

• Download the UNCHARTED 3 Beta and receive the exclusive UNCHARTED 3 PSN Beta Tester Avatar
• Complete 10 matches in every mode of Competitive Multiplayer and receive the Exclusive Beta Decal Pack 1
• Complete 5 matches in every mode of Co-operative Multiplayer and receive the Exclusive Beta Decal Pack 2
• Complete 4 Treasure Sets and receive the Treasure Hunter’s Starter Pack
• Rank up to level 25 in the Beta and receive a handsome reward of in-game cash on day one!

See more details on what to expect from the beta here.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is out on November 1 for PlayStation 3 in the US.

[Original story and impressions by Johnny Cullen, contributions by Brenna Hillier]