Where the co-op implementation shines is in the breadth of options available for players. Not only is splitscreen online implemented, but there are options for LAN play as well. You can even mix splitscreen players into your LAN party! I know of a few community members who will be pleased to hear that. The online modes are not strictly drop in/out, but if you have one person drop out of a game, the matchmaking system will allow you to enter games in progress.
There is a baffling design decision in the way splitscreen is implemented, however: Though the slightly offset horizontal split has been done before, for some reason, the empty space in the UI this causes has been filled in with each player’s multiplayer emblem. I don’t know if you’re randomly assigned one to start out, but in my local co-op play, roughly a third of my screen was taken up by bright pink hearts. Now, I love my co-op partners, but not THAT much.
In any case, here we are again: a mostly-fantastic single-player experience mixed with solid competitive modes and a robust, but not always satisfying slate of co-op options. Uncharted 3 is an impressive package, and an easy recommendation. The co-op isn’t perfect, but there’s good content and a lot of fun to be had.
Verdict
Co-Op Score
Overall
The Co-Op Experience: As of September 3, 2019, the co-op mode for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is no longer available. Naughty Dog ceased server operations on this date, and we have marked this game as "co-op removed."
Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.