Why does Uncharted 2 remain at the top of retrospective lists, often beating out its sequels (Uncharted 3 and 4)?
While Uncharted 4 is technically superior and narratively more mature, Uncharted 2 is often viewed as the "perfect" action game. It lacked the bloat of later entries. It didn't overstay its welcome. Every set piece—the collapsing building in Nepal, the convoy attack in the Himalayas, the final boss fight in Shambhala—felt earned and necessary.
The game set the template for the "Sony Cinematic Third-Person Action Game"—a template followed by The Last of Us, God of War (2018), and Spider-Man. NPEA00364 is the patient zero for modern AAA game design.
Standard copies of Uncharted 2 sold over 7 million units. They are common. The TOP budget reprints had a shorter manufacturing window. When Sony transitioned from the TOP label to the “Essentials” line (grey/silver banner), they stopped pressing NPEA00364 discs. Finding a pristine, CIB (Complete in Box) copy with the red TOP banner in 2025 is significantly harder than finding a standard edition. uncharted 2 among thieves europe npea00364 top
Uncharted 2 elevated the "pulp adventure" trope into something resembling a playable Hollywood blockbuster. While the first game was a standard treasure hunt, Among Thieves pivoted to the heist genre, introducing a cast of complex, morally grey characters.
The Protagonist's Evolution: Nathan Drake transforms from a wise-cracking adventurer into a flawed man haunted by the consequences of his obsession. The introduction of Harry Flynn and the return of Victor Sullivan added layers of betrayal and camaraderie that deepened the lore.
Chloe Frazer: Perhaps the most significant addition to the roster was Chloe Frazer. She represented a foil to Elena Fischer—cynical where Elena was idealistic, selfish where Elena was selfless. Her character arc was so compelling that she eventually became the lead in The Lost Legacy. Why does Uncharted 2 remain at the top
The narrative pacing is often cited as the "top" example of ludonarrative harmony. The gameplay sections (climbing, shooting, solving puzzles) flowed seamlessly into cutscenes, rarely breaking immersion. This was a stark contrast to the stop-and-start rhythm of contemporary action games.
| Feature | NPEA00364 (EU) | BCUS98124 (US) | BCJS30052 (JP) | |--------|---------------|---------------|----------------| | Voice languages | 5 (EN, FR, DE, IT, ES) | 1 (EN) | 2 (JP, EN) | | Subtitle languages | 11+ | 3 (EN, FR, ES) | 1 (JP) | | Manual language | Multi (grid) | English only | Japanese | | Default XMB music | Enabled | Enabled | Disabled (JP law) | | Online servers | SCEE | SCEA | SCEJ | | Current value (CIB) | €15-25 | $10-20 | ¥500-1500 |
One of the most immediately recognizable features of NPEA00364 is its physical packaging. Unlike the uniform American cover (Nathan Drake clinging to a ruined train), European copies often sported a reversible cover or a sleeve featuring a subdued, earthy color palette—Drake holding the resin Cintamani Stone, with a backdrop of Borneo’s jungle. Inside the case, the manual (remember those
But the real story is on the back cover. Where the US version lists English only, the European back cover is a compact translation grid:
Inside the case, the manual (remember those?) was often a 30-page booklet printed in five languages side-by-side, with small flags indicating sections. For collectors, finding a pristine copy with the manual still intact is rarer than a Sasquatch sighting, as many were tossed or damaged.