As for story:
UC3 offers far more gameplay variation and leads to a more memorable adventure. It doesn't hurt that the story actually tells us something about Drake on a more personal level that really makes you feel for him. The entire desert sequence is a daring move by ND and the fact that they made you play it is brilliant.Before UC3 I didnt hold Drake as highly as many others might have. But when you realize just how difficult the past of Nate was, I couldn't help but truly connect and symphatize with him.
"Come in under the shadow of this red rock. And I will show you something different. From either your shadow at morning striding behind you, or your shadow at evening... rising to meet you. I will show you fear, in a handful of dust."
Drake is a mere shadow of himself. He lacks an identity and tries to emulate a legacy that is not his own. By assuming the fake identity of an heir to Francis Drake, he's given himself a deeper meaning with life.
Drake: "Sic Parvis Magna, it means... Greatness from small beginnings."
His obsession to follow in his trails puts everyone he loves in danger and in the desert, hes all alone while his desperate voice pleads and begs after Sully.
Marlowe: "You're nothing but a filthy, cast-off little beggar. You're not fit to touch these objects."
This makes the entire Drake we knew in UC2 and UC1 be somewhat of a lie or a fasade to protect himself.
Drake: "You're not trying to propose are you Sully? I mean I love you but..."
Sully: "Stop... Stop being a wise ass for just one second."
And the theme of deception throughout is awesome.
The role of Charlie Cutter. The organization of Talbot and Marlowe. Francis Drake deception of Queen Elizabeth. Drakes deception towards his friends and us, the player.
