Xbox 360 Review: Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Xbox 360 Review
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Monolith
Players: 1 (Online 1-8)

The original Condemned was one of the best launch games for the Xbox 360, as it provided a totally unique and original next-gen experience. The game mixed action and survival horror in a way never seen before, as it was responsible for literally making many gamers have some trouble going to sleep at night. A sequel was warranted with the ending of the original, with Condemned 2 picking up right where the first game left off. Fair warning, you better be brave if you want to play this one alone.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a tremendous gaming experience, as you pick up right where Condemned: Criminal Origins left off. You find the main character, Ethan Thomas, with his belly full of whiskey after being booted from the Serial Crimes Unit due to the events of the original game.

The visuals of the game have received a nice boost. The original was arguably the best-looking game on the Xbox 360 at launch, and it deserved that recognition. Monolith has used their Lithtech engine to the fullest to provide an extremely detailed world which tons of amazingly well-done textures and fluid animations. The way in which the lighting is used also makes for a great setting.

The audio is also very impressive as the use of the surround channels will have chills going down your spine. If you play this one at night with the lights out, expect to be absolutely scared stiff.

Many of the main game play elements of the original have returned here for the sequel, and everything has been refined a bit more. You still have the ability to use a variety of objects around you at all times in a first-person perspective. This means you will be picking up things such as axes, pipes, and the trusty set of firearms every once in awhile.

Condemned 2 uses the left and right trigger buttons for the left and right fists, making it fairly easy to ensue in some great melee combat. You also have the ability to pull off combos with this set-up as well, sort of like a boxing-style of fighting.

The violence level of Condemned 2 is absolutely top-notch You are able to build up finishing moves through combos which will result in some intense situations. It is extremely satisfying to say the least when you drag a whacked-out enemy to a vice and, well, you know the rest.

All of the forensic tools make a comeback as well this time out as you will be able to use a variety of tools in mini-games to help investigate various situations and garner clues. These little mini-games add some variety to the overall game play as some puzzles get added in.

The story plot for Condemned 2 is just as good, if not better than the original. There are many plot twists and such which you will stay intrigued by and interested in from start to finish. I will not ruin anything to be honest, as even the first level has some surprises. The story is great though.

Beyond the single-player mode, there is also a new game mode added called the Fight Club Mode. This allows you to experience the fighting mechanics without having to play through the game, and is quite fun. Multiplayer modes have made it into this version as well, but to be quite honest, they merely seem tacked on compared to the quality of the single-player experience.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a very worthy sequel to one of the best launch games of the Xbox 360. The atmosphere and mechanics of the game will have you thrown into a world which will, to be quite honest, scare the crap out of you on many occasions. The great story, and enjoyable single-player experience make this survival/horror action hybrid a winner on the Xbox 360. Fair warning, if you play at night make sure you have someone on private chat to talk to, otherwise you may not be able to fall asleep after.

This one is not recommended for those weak in the knees…

Graphics: 9.0 An absolutely gorgeous game on the Xbox 360 with great detail and atmosphere through the lighting.

Audio: 8.9 The voice acting could be a bit improved, but the musical score and sound effects are extremely immersive.

Gameplay: 8.0 Improved over the first in many ways, the game controls very fluidly, making for some fun combos and violence.

Lasting Appeal: 7.5 The lack of a solid multiplayer experience may turn some away, but this is still a single-player experience you should not pass up.

Final Score: 8.5

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Interested in picking up this release? Head over to Amazon at the link here – Enchanted [Blu-ray]

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