Uncharted 2 has multiplayer, co-op

Sony has confirmed that Naughty Dog's PS3 action sequel Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be graced with online multiplayer modes, including co-op.

At a preview event in Los Angeles last week, attended by Eurogamer, Naughty Dog surprised the press by showing deathmatch and 'Plunder' competitive modes for teams of five, and three-player co-op maps based on - but separate from - the single-player adventure. It's a departure for Uncharted; the first game was a strictly solo affair.

Plunder is a capture-the-flag variant in which teams of "heroes" and "villains" compete to find treasure and lug it to safe spots. Deathmatch is a straightforward race to a set kill count.

In the co-op mode shown, players battle through a level dominated by intense combat, occasionally teaming up to overcome physical obstacles.

There will also be a cinema mode similar to Halo 3's Theater, allowing players to record replays and direct the camera, and a linked website offering stats and leaderboards.

Uncharted 2 will have a public multiplayer beta test. US PS3 owners can get access by buying a copy of inFamous - Sony says it will be doing something similar in Europe too.

For full details, click through to our hands-on impressions. Uncharted 2 is due for release on PS3 towards the end of this year.