Mon, Jun 27, 2011 | 02:11 BST
Unearthed announced from Saudi studio Semaphore
If you cannot wait for a new Uncharted game, perhaps the rather shameless but neat-looking Unearthed: Trail of Ibn Buttuta will slake your thirst.
According to the developer’s website, Unearthed will release on Mac, PC and PlayStation 3 as well as Android and iDevice, while the game’s website itself suggests an episodic release format.
The plot sees treasure hunter Faris Jawad travelling through the Atlas mountains in Morocco, Damascus, Alexandria and Dubai, on the trail of 12th Century explorer Ibn Battuta, while facing off against “an unholy alliance of a militia army leader, a weapons dealer and a wealthy antiquities smuggler”.
The game also features a multiplayer component – but it’s a browser-based social game, currently available on Facebook and due on MySpace et al soon.
Check out a trailer below; there’s more, including early gameplay footage, on RipTen. No release date as yet beyond “this season”.
This actually seems kind of cool – I mean, it’s obviously extremely derivative, but how many games include positive portrayals of Islamic characters and culture? For that matter, how many major console games are developed in Saudi Arabia?
Thanks, Kotaku.
18 comments
#1
mathare92
27/06/11, 3:05 am
“Derivative” doesn’t cut it. What’s the saying about “imitation” and “flattery”?
#2
triggerhappy686
27/06/11, 3:48 am
actual gameplay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3DCtQR-xo&feature=player_embedded
#3
ASBI
27/06/11, 4:32 am
these guys arent even an actual studio , no one is paying them to do this so the budget isnt enough
and for a first saudi game in early stages , it is not bad at all
yet some obviously-young uncharted fanboys complain about how horrible the game is by saying that it is a complete rip off
I like uncharted but come on it is not something we have never seen before
#4
Henry
27/06/11, 6:55 am
It’s on XB360 and Wii as well
http://www.unearthedgame.com/
#5
Gekidami
27/06/11, 7:13 am
@3
You’re kidding yourself if you think this isnt clearly based off Uncharted. That pic at the top obviously copying Drake, Elena & Sully is proof enough.
#6
osric90
27/06/11, 8:01 am
This-is-hilarious!!
#7
ASBI
27/06/11, 8:11 am
@5 I didnt even say it is not a complete ripoff
I just wanted to clarify to uncharted fanboys that it’s an unoriginal game copying another unoriginal game, which is not wrong
#8
TraceableX
27/06/11, 8:44 am
I’m from Saudi Arabia.
It’s not bad getting some ideas from great games like Uncharted or MGS4. But this game is completely Uncharted imitation…even the name looks familiar.
I know that the game made by small, independent studio. But this thing doesn’t have originality at all. Be original a little bit, damnit!!!
#9
Blerk
27/06/11, 8:51 am
I especially like how NotNathan’s legs look like they’re breaking every time he takes a step.
#10
mathare92
27/06/11, 9:45 am
Judging by the gameplay vid, this looks like a case of a studio’s ambition exceeding its reach.
Seems like they might have done better focusing on a smaller, more original PSN/XBLA title.
#11
Andreas2402
27/06/11, 9:56 am
if you try to be as good as uncharted there is only one option and that is not good enough.
#12
rrw
27/06/11, 10:07 am
not bad for first step
#13
Freek
27/06/11, 10:32 am
Is it any good?
#14
Cyrus
27/06/11, 10:37 am
So I presume the female character doesn’t have a driving section, right?
#15
YoungZer0
27/06/11, 10:56 am
@14: Is there a law against driving for women in Saudi Arabia?
#16
Bluebird
27/06/11, 11:00 am
@15 Someone didn’t follow the news over the last weeks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13809684
#17
YoungZer0
27/06/11, 11:13 am
@16: Don’t watch news if i don’t have to. Especially if it’s about countries i don’t give two fucks about. The only thing i know is that Iran banned the Mullet, good riddance.
#18
MadFingerz
27/06/11, 12:13 pm
@14 That made me laugh hard. Although it’s sad how women are still treated in SA. Nonetheless, compliments to you sir.