Change is inevitable. For the most part it’s daunting. But mostly annoying. As necessary as it is, sometimes it can be hard not to feel as though something has been left behind. In the case of Uncharted 3’s multiplayer’s admittedly timely epilogue, a little part of history, so often sought after by Nate is lost to the ethereal purgatory of progression. Along with its predecessor “Among Thieves” and its opulant sibling “The Last Of Us”, Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception online extensions are sadly no more. It shouldn’t really be much of a surprise considering that even the most committed fan has almost certainly long since eloped to more occupied community. I know I did, hastened I might add by the release of the Ps4.

Uncharted 3 was my first real foray into a competitive, multiplayer environment. Purely incentivized by the fun and captivation I was having with the story mode. Once I had achieved relative greatness by completing the game on its appropriately titled “Crushing” mode, and having given myself the necessary time to recover from the control shattering, wardrobe punching frustration solicited by this execrable mode, I wanted more. Though it wasn’t for everyone, to me it seemed like a natural extension to Deceptions rousing bluster. I remember buying my first Bluetooth earpiece, emblazoned with a vulgar red and black camo for added dick knobbery, just so I could communicate with other level headed individuals and engage in some courteous exchanges. Perhaps even some light hearted banter post match. Yeah, I didn’t really understand how online interactions worked. But I relished the combative nature of Uncharted’s multiplayer none the less.

Whereas as most players were content to improve their kill/death ratio, performing the “Carlton” over the limp, cursing bodies of their opponents. I preferred to battle my way through waves of disposable grunts in co-op mode. This was always my favourite mode, teaming with other players to battle automated foes always gave me a great sense of kinship. As if are dedicated synergy was the fundamental basis for our eventual success. But that shouldn’t precipitate that I didn’t also enjoy pounding the living “Crap” out of people in 5v5 games. Darting from one side of the map to the other in dramatic, heroic fashion. Taking down players with assured accuracy, snaeky close quarters asphyxiations and running around blindfiring like a short sighted radical. All while leaping and rolling in a zig zag motion to avoid the distant reticle of some clandestine sniper. The matches were often unbalanced, with one player always being the seasoned veteran amongst a group of moderate, often erratic casuals. Yet there was always fun to be had, even when you were losing. And I think that’s what I’ll miss the most.

I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t venture back to experience Uncharted 3’s multiplayer in its closing phase. I regret that immensely. But it’s significance should not be undestimated, even amongst the most revered FPS’s of its time. It had so much charm and charismatic irreverence that you just didn’t get in other online multi-player’s. Though I’m satisfied with the time I had, I will be sad to see this go. So with a heavy heart I bid Uncharted 3’s multi-player a fond, if abject farewell. You were truly the most underrated online experiences I’ve ever had.