Amazing game, I was worried this wouldn't live up to the first game as it was so good it felt like it could only be a one hit wonder.
But I was so wrong, I'm approximately 25 hours into the game and still experiencing very rich environments and the story is constantly a top interest.
Combat is a perfect level without being too much like you're going against an army which is something I didn't like about Uncharted 2.
I think the poor reviews are just from people that don't like feeling emotion.