Summary
Ghostrunner 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect. It retains the heart-pounding, skill-based combat that made the first game a standout, while expanding the world, offering new gameplay elements, and enriching the narrative. Ghostrunner 2 cements its place as a must-play title in the hardcore first-person slasher genre, and its improvements make it a game you’ll want to return to time and time again.
Developer – One More Level
Publisher – 505 Games
Platforms – PS5 , Xbox Series S|X , PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
The highly anticipated Ghostrunner 2 takes us back to the dystopian world that left us breathless in the first installment, but this time, it promises to be an even more thrilling, more challenging, and ultimately more satisfying experience. A year has passed since the fall of the tyrannical Keymaster, and the remnants of humanity continue their struggle for survival in Dharma Tower. In this gripping sequel, we once again take on the role of Jack, the Ghostrunner, as he confronts a violent AI cult that threatens the very future of mankind.
One of the most significant improvements in Ghostrunner 2 is the introduction of new skills and abilities that allow players to be more creative and adapt to the demands of every encounter. The game’s enemies now respond uniquely to the skills you use against them, injecting fresh challenges into each confrontation. This revamped player progression system opens up opportunities for experimentation and customization, making every playthrough a unique experience.
Ghostrunner was already known for its fast-paced, first-person platformer action-combat, and Ghostrunner 2 takes this to the next level. The push-forward momentum and semi-open level design remain core elements, ensuring that the thrill of movement and combat is as intense as ever. But now, motorcycle combat segments have been seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, adding even more variety and excitement.
The difficulty in Ghostrunner 2 has not been toned down. Instead, players are granted a more extensive toolbox of powers and abilities, empowering them to face greater challenges while playing their way. The emphasis is still on rewarding skill and precision, ensuring that victory is earned through mastery rather than hand-holding.
While the original game mostly revolved around the confines of Dharma Tower, Ghostrunner 2 encourages players to venture beyond, exploring the broader cyberpunk world. With new bosses and increased checkpoints, this expanded environment adds layers of depth to the game’s universe.
Ghostrunner’s exhilarating synthwave soundtrack was a standout feature in the first game, setting the tone and pacing of the gameplay perfectly. Ghostrunner 2 doesn’t disappoint in this regard, with an all-new soundtrack featuring tracks from artists like Daniel Deluxe, We Are Magonia, Gost, Dan Terminus, and Arek Reikowski. The music continues to drive the gameplay, making every action and decision feel more immersive and impactful.
To succeed in Ghostrunner 2, you’ll need to master the Cybervoid and face off against new, challenging enemies. The game’s interactive environments, including exploding barrels and destructible walls, add depth to the combat and keep it fresh. The inclusion of helpful neutral entities and a new dialogue system deepens the lore and plot, immersing players further into the cyberpunk narrative.
Ghostrunner 2 picks up the mantle of its predecessor and runs with it, carving a path through the post-apocalyptic cyberpunk future with a katana-sharp focus on gameplay, story, and world-building. The first game was hailed for its challenging combat, vertigo-inducing parkour, and breathtaking aesthetics, and the sequel takes these aspects and magnifies them.
The game world, already intriguing in its portrayal of a dystopian future, is expanded upon with greater depth and variety. The introduction of motorcycle combat and the ability to explore beyond Dharma Tower broadens the player’s horizons, making the experience more dynamic.
The heart of Ghostrunner, the combat, remains as unforgiving and adrenaline-pumping as ever. With the introduction of new skills and abilities, players will have to stay on their toes, adapting to the unique behaviors of enemies. This presents a challenge that is ever-changing and provides an incentive to experiment with different playstyles.
Boss fights, which were already a high point in the original game, are now even more interactive. Players are given the freedom to choose their approach, making these showdowns all the more satisfying when conquered.
In conclusion, Ghostrunner 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect. It retains the heart-pounding, skill-based combat that made the first game a standout, while expanding the world, offering new gameplay elements, and enriching the narrative. Ghostrunner 2 cements its place as a must-play title in the hardcore first-person slasher genre, and its improvements make it a game you’ll want to return to time and time again.
