Video game review: 'Condemned 2' is scary, violent — and fun to play
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Studio: Sega
Rating: M for mature
Score: 8/10
The review
People like to be scared. Horror movies, books and even television are big business and it isn't because they earn all those awards; they don't. Such things make money because teens and more mature moviegoers enjoy thrills and chills that deliver good scares. "Condemned 2: Bloodshot " is certainly as creepy and frightening as almost any of the films that share its genre but with the advantage of interactivity and many more hours of "fun."
But like many of those other media, this game has strong elements of blood, gore, adult language and the frequent use of drugs and alcohol. The game is so dark and relentlessly grim that it would be easy to dismiss it or (forgive me) condemn it. The problem is, the game is also well-designed, fun to play and most importantly, genuinely scary.
The main character in the brutal drama is Ethan Thomas, a carryover from the first game and a former investigator who was wrecked by the wicked events of the first game. His ruin is so complete that players can guide him to drink alcohol to reduce the shakes and enhance his combat performance. When his former partner goes missing, the police must rely on Ethan to find him in the violent, supernatural city even though his sanity hangs by a thread.
Like any good former investigator, Ethan still has the skills and proper tools to solve crimes, progress the plot and find hidden features in the game. The player is presented with with choices as they investigate the subtle locations scattered around the game. Good decisions results in increased rewards such as body armor or weapons. This brain work is what keeps the game from becoming simply repetitive beatings. Some sections of the game in fact suffer a little because there aren't enough puzzles to solve. A little crime scene investigation gives the unrelentingly grim game some breaths of fresh air.
Graphics: The look of the world inside the game is consistently grimy and dark. It is moody and wicked and all that is good. But if you don't play with the lights off on a decent television, it can descend into a big shadow. The game comes with light / dark controls in a menu to help. The player animations aren't terribly varied.
Audio: The creepy, moody game works with sounds as well as sights. The whole works as a package and works very well.
The wrap-up
Parent's take: Not only is this not a game for kids, it isn't a game for adults prone to getting creeped out or who are sensitive to violence. The harsh language is also going to alienate some. If you are a parent buying this for your offspring, they ought to be old enough to live on their own.
Final word: For those who can take it, the game is engaging, scary and fun, especially in its most cerebral moments.
E-mail: LC@Desnews.com
Recent comments
I am not sure I want my kids on that thing but I might play it while...
Skeptic | May 5, 2008 at 2:36 p.m.
