Customer Reviews

Condemned 2: Bloodshot

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Condemned 2: Bloodshot brings back everything I loved about the first game, and improves on what I wasn't ecstatic about. Fans of the first version will applaud the updated fighting system here. Not only can you pummel your opponents with uppercuts, hooks, and one-two combos, but you can creatively finish them off with objects in the environment once they fall to their knees (smashing their heads into a nearby T.V. set, for example).

The forensic aspect of the game has been improved as well. In "Criminal Origins", collecting evidence was essentially a no-brainer. You just walked up to a scene, pressed a few buttons, and the game did the rest. This time around, the developers have made investigations more puzzling. The player is now required to analyze a scene with his/her own eyes and answer questions on it based on the details he/she sees. In addition to this, the player now has to choose the right tool for the scene (as opposed to "Criminal Origins" where the right tool was produced automatically). This adds a much more immersive aspect to investagting, and its something that I, personally, am very excited about. I like to use my brains once in a while when playing a video game.

Perhaps the coolest, and cleverest, addition to the game is the upgrade system. In "Criminal Origins", if a player was tenacious enough to earn a gold badge from a mission, he/she was rewarded with nothing more than some artwork or a video to watch from the bonus menu. In "Bloodshot", players are rewarded with upgrades to their character that will help them progress through the game (finishing the first mission with a silver badge, for example, will earn you some brass knuckles for your left fist that stay there permanently.) This type of reward system is ingenious, and it increases the replay value of the game immensely. In fact, many players will be reluctant to continue the game until they've beaten all of the missions with gold badges! I could be wrong about how this works, though. It may be that you are given these upgrades automatically -- I haven't been back through the levels to find out. Let me know if I'm wrong about this.

Finally, "Condemned 2" wins my affections most simply by being scarier than the first. The first game was tense and creepy, and got truly frightening in the final levels. But most of the time, I felt as if I was just kicking the mess out of drunks, addicts, and crazies. Here, the game takes a darker turn almost immediately. The crazies are still here, but some really creepy supernatural enemies are introduced early-on as well (skinny, fast, tar-like creatures that can be killed quite easily, but can destroy you pretty quickly if not dealt with right away.) It's these kinds of imaginative, bizarre enemies that make a great horror game, and Condemned 2 is definitely more of a survival-HORROR game than the first.

The only reason I did not give the game five-stars overall is because the graphics, while they look great, could have been tweaked a little more before the product was released. There are times when the framerate skips or stalls -- just for a moment -- and, even though its not enough to ruin the whole experience, it does jerk the player out of his immersion with the game. I don't like to be reminded that I'm only playing a game if I'm super-absorbed in what's happening in the game.

And Condemned 2 is definitely the kind of game that I want to stay super-absorbed in.

I loved the first game very much. The reality factor played a huge part in keeping the tension up; This time around we have some of those elements, along with an odd mix of semi-sci-fi elements, as well as other genres that don't always quite mesh. One minute it is like Silent Hill, the next has textures and sites similar to Gears of War. Not that there's anything wrong w/that I guess. And this is a beautiful looking game; Some levels really stand out. I especially enjoyed the Bowling Alley and the hallucinations in the Hospital. But the lodge level had such great potential for creepy things, and all you did was defuse bombs and shoot swat guys like some Tom Clancy game. There was one surprise on that level that was cool, but otherwise..Also, the same went with the magician's lair...so much cool potential, but just a so-so boss fight similar to Bioshock. Gone, for the most part, is the feeling of dread in a sort of Manuhunt kind of way... Not to say there aren't some heart-pounding moments, however. And while the forensics are more evolved and enjoyable this time, I didn't find turning cranks to destroy orbs for 10 minutes really all that fun. Or in line with what I thought the Condemned series was about. I appreciate games trying new things, but I think some of the plot threads and locations were misfires. I would also have to say when it was over, I was happy to move on to something hopefully more...um...fun. I guess I was just hoping for more of the same, only better.

Condemned two is a special game. Why you ask? Because it takes the first game *Which was great* and improves it. See I'll buy a sequel with minimal upgrades but the developers didn't want minimal upgrades. No, they wanted a full on upgrade!

Story - 9 - The story is now more action packed. While i favor the first games story slightly *I love the whole series killer thing* this one had some moments that i was like "OH DAMN" or "That was crazy!" And thats what makes condemned 1 and 2 so great. From start to finish the story feels complete and action packed.

Graphics - 8.5 - Some people say there not great. I would be lying if i said these have amazing graphics but there pretty damn good. Not perfect but good enough to say "Nice models" and "Cool scene!" And you gotta love the areas and atmosphere. It's what makes this game feel creepy and scary and one i could never forget.

Gameplay - 9 - Perfect? Not quite yet. Much better then the first though and i loved the first games combat. Combat is used like a boxing game. You use the trigger to punch like right trigger is right punch and left trigger is left punch. You can then do combos which do extra damage and look different. You also have super combo where you follow a special order to finish off a enemy. Also then you have a finisher where you grab the guy by the neck and throw em into an environment piece. Some look great, like throwing a guys head into a grinder and watching it pop. Gameplay is improved big time here and you never get bored.

Enjoyment - 8.5 - With better gameplay, graphics, and story how can this game not be a must owned? Add in a fun multiplayer *Though not perfect, still fun* and a very cool feel your gonna love this game. If you liked the first I'd advise you pick this one up. Also if you like dark and scary games this one is for you! Enjoy!

Final Score - 9/10

One upping the original in just about every department, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a creepy and atmospheric FPS that deserves checking out. Those who played the original Condemned when the XBox 360 launched will find themselves in familiar shoes, once again taking the role of the demon haunted Ethan Thomas. Throughout your mission to uncover the truth behind a supernatural crime wave, you'll come across plenty of shocks, scares, surprises, twists, and even new gameplay mechanics; all of which will really keep you glued to the game. The frequent surprises and ever twisting storyline are the best things about Condemned 2, but the game's one big flaw is that for an FPS, the gunplay mechanics don't really work out as well as the melee mechanics do. The guns themselves aren't really anything special, but other weapons to be found are creative enough, and the evidence gathering elements of the game have been much improved this time around. Condemned 2 looks wonderfully dirty and grimy, with some great production values in terms of sound effects and graphics. It should also be noted that the violence and mature-themed tones have also been considerably upped as well, only adding to the just freaky atmosphere that Condemned 2 just manages to create. Multiplayer modes are nothing special in the least though, which is a bit of a disappointment. Flaws aside however, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a sequel that outshines the original in nearly every way, and is a more than worthy FPS that deserves your attention.

Every complaint I had about the first Condemned has been addressed on the second release. Great controls and game play. Graphics are good and the sound is incredible, very creepy and sets a mood for the game that keeps you on edge of your seat. Definetly check this game out.

If you like Condemned: Criminal Origins, then you will like this one too. Bloodshot has the same errie and unsettling environments, and spooky special effects to compliment the mood.

The story in Bloodshot is directly related to where Criminal Origins left off. Bloodshot develeops Ethan Thomas even more so, and we learn about his past, and his relationship with Malcom.

The fighting mechanics are vastly improved. now there are stage fatalities, combos, and slow motion fist fights that let you see every bone being broken. Another improvement in the mechanics is that you control each fist seperatly, and you can carry multiple items. but the last one is one of the many upgrades you can now earn, depending on how well you do in each stage.

i highly recomand this series to anyone who enjoys the horror genre games.

First off, let me say that I enjoyed the first game. It was scary, had interesting characters, and overall a decent story line. This game though is by far better in every way. The new fighting style (combos, finishing moves, ect.) are awesome and leave you feeling more confident to face the hordes of twisted villains that are in the game. Also the variety of bad guys in this game is awesome too. The story is compelling and the graphics are amazing. The addition of FPS after you beat the game adds a new twist to make the game replayable as well. (FPS mode gives you a firearm from the start with unlimited ammo but with tougher enemies.) I haven't tried the multiplayer, but if it's as well thought out and developed as the campaign, I'm sure it will be great. The achievements are also fun to try and get. If your on the fence, give it a go. Well worth the money. If you haven't played the first one, get this one! It's better in every way...

I am a dedicated fan of survival horror, and always check out the latest offering from the genre. This franchise is simply too action intensive for my liking. It really does detract from inducing a sense of fear in the player. Although, i will admit that the combat system is quite enjoyable. Also, it should be noted that this game isn't always concerned with providing an authentic horror experience. Sometimes, it makes an unwelcomed shift towards FPS territory. These sequences are tolerable, but they are not at all scary. And that is what i want from my horror games....scary!! The story is serviceable i suppose. Honestly, i found it to be rather bland, though some may disagree. The doll factory was the highlight of the game for me. Pitch perfect tone, mood, and atmosphere. By far the most unsettling level in the game! Too bad they couldn't incorporate similar pacing throughout. Those who want their horror with a heavy dose of action should check this out. Old school fans of the genre, may not be as impressed.

I remember playing this game a few years back on a friends 360. It seemed fun so I thought it would be a good idea to get it for myself. I haven't finished the game but I find myself not caring to play it. I guess a game really does have to have a story to be interesting. The fighting system is fun until you get sonned by some hobo behind you and you can't turn around fast enough. Missing a punch or counter is punished greatly. Guns only make them mad unless you go for the head. The game is too dark in most areas, by which I mean the lighting. This is the time when the enemies seem to find your character and pummel him relentlessly. It is not scary by any measure, it is just annoying to sit in the dark turning your character around while he grunts in pain. All I can say is turn up the brightness, walk softly and carry a big stick.

Decently made game, good graphics... but if you've played the first game this one is almost unplayable. You have to hold down both triggers to block, and though it may not seem like much it gets very annoying. Also, it just doesn't FEEL like condemned 1. You aren't scared unless something jumps out at you. I can only go through it about a level at a time, using walkthroughs often and just not really enjoying the game knowing that the first was so much better.