Condemned 2: Bloodshot

PlayStation 3 owners missed out on a number of games that hit the Xbox 360 first thanks to Microsoft’s huge head start in launching their next-generation console before Sony or Nintendo. This is too bad for Sony fans seeing as they missed out games like the supernatural thriller known as Condemned: Criminal Origins. Thankfully, though, Sega was kind enough to release a sequel to the inventive first game on the PlayStation 3. Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a dark, frightening and utterly satisfying game fans will certainly enjoy.

First off, though, I should warn those who skipped the first game that Bloodshot definitely earns its Mature rating. We’re talking images that make the “Saw” movies feel a bit tame in places and graphic violence that may disturb the faint of heart. That said, however, Condemned 2 delivers a truly terrifying experience that is up there with the Silent Hill games.

Once again, gamers play Ethan Thomas who was once an FBI agent that was investigating a series of grisly murders by a killer who not only butchered the innocent but also murdered known serial killers as well. Criminal Origins ended with a slew of unanswered questions that, one year later in Bloodshot, still haunt a disgraced Thomas who has become an alcoholic. Stumbling out a grimy bar one night, Thomas sees his close family named Van Horn shambling into the dark slums of the city. Suddenly, Thomas is tossed back into the surreal surroundings that pit him against violent rioters, rage-infected homeless and creatures that may or may not be real.

Sadly, Thomas is no longer the dedicated (yet tormented) FBI agent but rather a tormented drunkard who is a mere shadow of his former self. When a former FBI agent can’t shoot a gun straight without a swig of alcohol and a homeless man tells him that he’s worse off than him you know you have problems. The game plays Ethan Thomas’ problems well throughout the game and the fact that he no longer questions that insanity that goes on around him simply allows gamers to concentrate on the moment.

Oh, and there are deliciously horrific moments in the game. I won’t spoil things by revealing many of the twists and turns and shocking moments in the game but believe me when I say that there are times when you will be on the edge of your seat. You see, this time around there’s a constant presence that follows Thomas via television sets that require you to move the antenna to receive a message from said presence. There is also another explanation for the homeless turning deranged and it has to do with a device sending off sound waves.

The gameplay has changed a little in this sequel as well. You’ll still be able to pick up various types of melee objects to use as weapons. The items can be everything from 2X4s (with a nail at the end) to lead pipes and even prosthetic limbs. You can even punch and kick your opponent, although this time around you can unleash quick or powerful combos. There are even more grisly finishing moves now and in this game you’ll be given visual indications of where you can use the environment to finish off a foe. These moves usually have you slamming an enemy’s head into a hard surface or even a toilet. You can even throw objects to stun enemies or destroy that hard-to-reach device that is freaking out the homeless.

There is a bit more gunplay in this game, which is a departure from the first game that contained very little ammo to use. I won’t say that Bloodshot has enough first-person shooting action but the ammo can be found far more easily in this one. The forensic Field Kit is also back so you will be looking for clues and collecting forensic evidence once again. Like before, collecting evidence isn’t too hard and it’s an interesting distraction from the constant battles against crazies and monsters that seemed to crawl out of the gutter.

The main mode won’t take you too long to finish the story but you won’t be zipping through it either. Thankfully, there’s a multiplayer mode and an extra mode called Bloodshot Fight Club to keep you entertained after playing through the main mode. Yes, the two modes aren’t incredibly deep but there is enough to really appreciate. For instance, the online multiplayer mode contains four games modes (Bum Rush, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Crime Scene) and they’re actually fun to play despite the fact that there’s nothing really new about them. Bloodshot Fight Club offers six game modes that have you trying to meet certain objectives such as kill as many thugs before the time runs out or - in Deadly Daycare - kill 100 exploding mutated dolls that have come to life.

Condemned 2 is also a visually stunning game on the PlayStation 3. The character models during cut scenes and in-game are actually quite stunning and you won’t be able to tell the game apart from the Xbox 360 version of the game. The backgrounds are also dark once again, making it a creepy experience roaming through abandoned buildings where enemies pop out of the dark. Those who don’t like too much blood in their games will find an excessive amount in the game as well as body pieces scattered throughout.

The soundtrack feels like it belongs in a movie and it makes the story cinematic. The voice acting cast is just as good as the first game with the voice for Ethan Thomas doing a great job of conveying the man’s desperation. The game’s environmental sounds are what really do the job of creeping you out. Trust me; you want to play the game with the volume up. You’ll hear the tapping of metal as a rioter is ripping boards out of a broken crate or an infected thug softly muttering obscenities to himself. It’s good to hear such detailed sound effects in a game that uses it wisely in the game.

If the first game managed to send a chill down your spine then Condemned 2: Bloodshot for the PlayStation 3 will have you turning up the lights. While it’s not a far leap from the original, there are improvements aplenty that make this a sequel a delight to play and one that will be fondly remembered as a game that not only entertained but also grabbed you by the throat with a cold, clammy hand. Even if you didn’t play the first game, you don’t want to miss this one.  

Gameplay: 8.5
The game starts off with a bang and slows a bit towards the end but trust me when I say that it is quite an improvement over the original. The new combo system and the ability to throw weapons is a huge plus and the story is actually interesting. However … Ethan really needs to buy better flashlights.

Graphics: 9.0
Graphically, the game looks excellent on the PS3 and the lighting and character animation is superb. You’ll also love the backgrounds that make the grimy city so much personality that you’ll find yourself approaching every dark corner very carefully.

Sound: 9.2
The voice acting is top notch and adds enough emotion to make an impression. The music is appropriately creepy and diverse. What steals the show, however, is the sound effects that make the environments even more menacing and frightening.

Difficulty: Medium
Going up against armed rioters, psychotic infected addicts and other assorted inner demons that will attack you from the darkest corners. Unlike the first game, though, ammo is more plentiful and the new combo moves give you an advantage. 

Concept: 8.0
The game answers questions that were left unanswered in the first game and there are some unforgettable moments scattered throughout. The Bloodshot Fight Club and the game’s multiplayer mode aren’t incredibly deep but gamers will appreciate having something to do when finishing the main mode.

Multiplayer: 8.2
The multiplayer game types are simply Ok with Crime Scene being the most original and entertaining game mode of the four online or offline via a LAN connection. There’s slight lag in the game modes that have up to eight players and I’ve experienced framerate stutter going up against four but it never gets that bad.

Overall: 8.5
A worthy sequel to the chilling Xbox 360 original, Condemned 2: Bloodshot for the PS3 is not only a gruesomely addictive game but it’s also a truly frightening experience. The gameplay elements are great but it’s the creepy atmosphere and story that will keep you glued to your controller. This game is a real Must Have so play this one in the dark and don’t forget to have fresh underwear handy.