This will be spoiler-free.
I wasn’t able to get a review copy, but since I work from home, I was able to pop down to Best Buy right when they opened and play this for a few hours. The TL,DR: if you loved the last two games, this so far doesn’t really stray far from the formula. And if you thought the last two games were pretty heavily flawed, this isn’t going to change your mind.
For me personally, my problem with “Uncharted” has always been the writing. The game, as a game, is great, although I’ve really got to ask why we’re still making what amounts to Tomb Raider in an era where open sandboxes, or at least games with multiple choices on how to solve problems like “Deus Ex”, are so prevalent. But, hey, for what it is, it looks gorgeous, plays great, and sounds great. I just don’t like the guy I’m playing.
If you thought Nathan Drake was kind of a tool, this isn’t going to change your opinion. Granted, I’m only two hours in, but so far his characterization has remained consistent; he’s supposed to be charming, but comes off as smug, but at least this time, the obvious double-cross that every one of these games seemingly just has to start with doesn’t leave him looking like an idiot.
In short, it’s a good game, although if it wins Game of the Year over “Portal 2”, “Deus Ex: Human Revolution”, “Batman: Arkham City” or even “L.A. Noire”, all of which are better written, it’s going to be annoying. But if you don’t like the series, or don’t care about it, so far I’d rent this, not buy it.