XC 2 is great. You will like it. I have not played XC 3 but I hear it is good and is near the top of my list to play as well. As you mention, I have not gotten into it yet as these games are a big time investment.

Knowing what I know about your gaming tastes I would have to say XC is the best choice. But generally speaking, if you have not played the Uncharted series, I'd go with that. It is obviously a different genre from the others on your list! But they are just fun action adventure games. Note that Uncharted 1 lacks some polish but 2-4 are excellent.