Ghostrunner 2 Review – Hurdles in the Way

Ghostrunner 2 on PS5

The primary Ghostrunner sport was a pleasing shock for a lot of, bringing a model of high-octane parkour motion that’s exhausting to beat, particularly set towards the dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic that simply leaves gamers wanting extra.

Naturally, that makes the sequel one thing to stay up for, and though Ghostrunner 2 continues to shine the place it issues essentially the most, a number of the dangers One Extra Stage has taken haven’t precisely paid off, leading to a fast-moving journey that grinds to a halt at numerous junctures.

Selecting issues up one 12 months after the Ghostrunner had seemingly liberated the folks of Dharma Tower from the vicious Keymaster, issues haven’t precisely improved. The dearth of a figurehead has led to an influence battle between violent gangs and secretive cult members, and solely the participant and the Interface Council can convey order to this dystopia as soon as extra.

There’s a larger emphasis on storytelling this time round, with a hub space that enables for extra conversations than within the first sport with precise, residing characters as a substitute of only a face. That stated, the performances of the supporting forged depart a lot to be desired.

Whereas the knowledge shared will be insightful and fleshes out the lore of this universe, the visuals on-screen usually are not full of life sufficient to carry the participant’s consideration in any other case. It feels good to be related to one thing bigger, however it might have been a lot extra if the standard was on par with the principle gameplay sections, which might have gone a good distance in pushing a extra fascinating narrative of saving the day but once more.

Talking of the gameplay, the majority of it can contain loads of motion and motion, one thing that Ghostrunner 2 does higher than most. One Extra Stage has definitely elevated its craft for the sequel, the place expert gamers can simply navigate a stage with deadly precision with out lacking a beat. Even newcomers needn’t really feel intimidated, with loads of studying alternatives current within the sport that will help you hone your craft.

Consider every stage as a puzzle that may be solved in numerous methods; the enchantment is in doing it extra effectively and stylishly than earlier than, which is a suggestions loop that saved me coming again for extra. Whether or not you’re shifting from platform to platform rapidly utilizing the varied parkour strikes, throwing shurikens at distant enemies, or slicing fools up shut, all of it unfolds in a approach that makes you are feeling like a real futuristic killer with a mission to finish.

The stress is considerably elevated as a single hit can finish a run immediately, which retains issues shifting briskly with out essentially dropping the risk-and-reward nature of its fight and platforming.

The frustrations that may come from repetitive runs are much less obvious when you may bounce again into issues immediately, continually working your technique to a greater resolution. Add to {that a} stamina system that governs dashing and blocking, and gamers have greater than sufficient instruments at their disposal to dive into Ghostrunner 2 and its gauntlet of fight arenas and parkour challenges.

Additional upgrades will be obtained by development and by way of the hub space, enhancing your harmful capabilities even additional whereas sustaining that sheen of cyberpunk awesomeness. Flux is a specific favourite; in spite of everything, who doesn’t love having the ability to unleash a laser beam of unspeakable harm to get rid of all who stand earlier than you?

These upgrades additionally type a fantastic incentive for gamers to absorb extra of their environment, as exploration will result in hidden collectibles that may enhance slots for equipping improve chips, in addition to a choice of groovy cosmetics.

Ghostrunner 2 additionally goes additional with the brand new bike sections, that are going to be a number of the coolest moments you’ll find in video video games this 12 months. From high-speed chases to gravity-defying stunts, getting behind the throttle is at all times a superb time throughout the confines of Dharma Tower.

Nonetheless, the addition of an exterior world is a blended bag. The aforementioned bike can be utilized to discover this new desert wasteland, however there’s merely not that a lot to see or do, particularly if you end up on foot. Granted, it was by no means going to be on the identical stage as these meticulously designed ranges throughout the city atmosphere, however it seems like a missed alternative to additional dive into the aftermath of the top of the world past a difficult struggle or two.

In the event you ever end up itching for extra and need to take a break from the story, there’s additionally the spectacular Roguerunner.exe roguelike mode discovered on the hub. It options restricted lives, randomized upgrades, enemies, and powers along with a mixture of procedurally generated parkour and fight eventualities, and what awaits is an absorbing time for individuals who are searching for an elevated problem with out feeling constrained by familiarity.

In fact, the entire time spent in Ghostrunner 2 might be punctuated by its wonderful soundtrack, which marches to the beat of your actions in good synchronicity. Not solely does this make the sport stream much more naturally, however it elicits the type of alertness and drive to maintain gamers going and going, all the way in which to the top of the murderous rampage.

It’s nice that Ghostrunner 2 exists, as there are merely not many video games that may match the standard of its model of motion. With its system and stage design, gamers are at all times going to be discovering one thing new to marvel at, impressed by its thumping music and the vast majority of its visuals. But, its try at stringing collectively a extra cohesive and interesting narrative shouldn’t be of the identical high quality, which is a disgrace. Nonetheless, for these searching for an exhilarating time filled with mindblowing moments pushed by your individual ingenuity, Dharma Tower lies forward, and I hope you’re prepared for it.

In regards to the creator

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and a part-time Steam Sale sufferer. He has a factor for Batman and superior statues, and working out of area for each. Ship assist. Jake was a contract author for Twinfinite between 2021 to 2023 and specialised in writing detailed guides on each new launch he might get his fingers on.