GHOSTRUNNER 2

OCT 23rd, 2023

 Ghostrunner 2 Review Blog

"Ghostrunner 2" carves its path with a Metacritic score of 80 out of 100, indicating a positive reception among critics. The game, set in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk future, continues the narrative one year after the events of the original Ghostrunner, focusing on high-octane, parkour-based gameplay, now further enriched with additional elements. Here’s a detailed review based on various critiques:

1. Gameplay and Combat:

   - "Ghostrunner 2" inherits the hardcore FPP (First Person Perspective) slasher gameplay from its predecessor, maintaining a fast-paced, parkour-centric combat style that challenges players to navigate through intricate levels while battling enemies. Critics appreciate the game's ability to provide a demanding yet rewarding gameplay experience, akin to a dance of death in a high-speed, neon-lit world.

2. Narrative Continuation:

   - The narrative is set a year after the events of the original game, immersing players in a quest to shape humanity's future in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk setting. The grim tale of survival against oppressive forces remains a central theme, offering a blend of storytelling and intense action.

3. Enhancements and New Features:

   - Critics acknowledge the game's efforts to expand upon the original's formula by introducing more open maps, new abilities for the protagonist, Jack, and additional gameplay elements. However, some feel that the game lacks significant innovations, sticking closely to the established formula, albeit with a touch of enhanced depth.

4. Performance and Polishing:

   - While the game has been praised for its exhilarating moments, some reviews point out performance issues and inconsistent level design as areas needing improvement. The suggestion is that potential players might want to wait for patches to address these core issues before diving in.

5. Soundtrack and Aesthetics:

   - "Ghostrunner 2" is lauded for its incredible soundtrack, which complements the game's aesthetic, creating an immersive experience. The cyberpunk aesthetic is further enriched by the game's visual presentation, characterized by a blend of neon lights and industrial monoliths.

6. Criticism:

   - Some critics find the game to be over-ambitious, especially in its second half, where the open structure is felt to not suit the parkour gameplay or cyberpunk aesthetic well. These reviews suggest that while the game hits the ground running, it stumbles in certain areas, affecting the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Ghostrunner 2" is a worthy sequel that largely retains the adrenaline-fueled gameplay and cyberpunk aesthetic of its predecessor while attempting to introduce new elements to keep players engaged. It excels in delivering a high-speed parkour combat experience enriched by a captivating narrative and an immersive soundtrack. However, some technical issues and a perceived lack of significant innovation in gameplay mechanics have been pointed out as areas that could be improved. Despite these critiques, for those who reveled in the original "Ghostrunner," this sequel is seen as a must-have, and it potentially serves as a good entry point for newcomers to the series, once some of the mentioned issues are addressed.