Impressions: Uncharted 3 Multiplayer and Beta

Naughty Dog, the developers of Uncharted 3, recently announced a very large amount of information pertaining to the game's multiplayer and what to expect from it. The developers have decided to overhaul the multiplayer system, but don't fret, Uncharted 2 fans: the gameplay itself is not really changing. They have not taken anything away; rather,they are just adding a boatload of new features to an already robust online mode.

First and foremost, this game has split-screen for online play. Yes, split-screen. Which means if your buddy is over, you no longer have to make him sit on the couch, hug a pillow, and wait for an hour as you level up "just one more time". Now he can play too!

There is now a completely revamped customization system for the game, as well. You can edit your weapons pretty much any way you want, which the above trailer alludes to, adding scopes, bigger clips, etc. In addition, you can edit your character as well, which are more of an aesthetic change than anything, but they do add a very cool amount of variety to the game - I'm giving my Nathan Drake some sweet shades when this game comes out!

Also worth noting is the addition of a 3-Team Deathmatch mode, which will certainly shake up the monotony of a normal Team Deathmatch game, and of a Buddy System, which rewards you for working together with a Buddy in multiplayer with points, special weapon boosters, and even a mobile respawn point!

But to the meat of this article: the beta. Sucker Punch has announced the release of a multiplayer beta for the game (to test for bugs / check that their servers can handle the amount of players they will have in the fall when the game releases) starting July 5th. Anyone who is a Playstation PLUS subscriber (not me) or who owns a copy of Infamous 2 by June 28th (me) will be able to download the beta a week early.

I. Am. Excited. Anyone else going to be online come July 5th?