Condemned 2: Bloodshot Review

Hold it.

It wasn't always perfect. The game features a few segments where Ethan takes on a bunch of well-trained soldiers. These guys aren't as smart as you'd think. Here's a useful tip for an average sentry: groaning while on guard-duty isn't a good idea, 'cause it tends to give away your position. Admittedly, the groaning wasn't really a problem, just a confusing moment that killed off the realism. The real problem occurred when I attempted to sneak up on a guard and take him out quietly. I managed to grab him by the throat and then I accidentally let him go, after which he disappeared (literarily) and then magically reappeared behind me (???). This happened only once, but it was enough to temporarily ruin the experience.

Another bit that turned out considerably annoying for me was the main character's inability to duck or jump. Whilst not really a difficulty during melee combat, this can become a nuisance at a later point when the game centers more on using firearms. The absence of cover mechanics and no 'crouch' option makes the player feel inadequate and clumsy during fire-fights.

Contrary to the exciting single-player experience, Condemned 2 offers very little to reel you into its multiplayer mode. There's set of maps to traverse through and modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Bum Rush and Crime Scenes. Crime Scenes is perhaps the only one worth your time. It provides an interesting twist, with one team attempting to scan evidence defended by the opposing team. That, however, won't be enough to tare you away from other more established multiplayer games on the market (take your pick, CoD 4, Halo 3...).

Regarding the game's audio and graphics, there's very little to criticize. The game's technology is far from groundbreaking, but the atmosphere is as convincing as it gets these days, with authentic shadows, excellent use of lighting and a range of truly bone-chilling sound effects (enriched with an equally creepy musical score).

Players that can stomach the scenes of relentless violence and tension are in for one hell of a ride. And yet, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is hardly the pinnacle of next-gen gaming. Most of its flaws relate to underdeveloped aspects of gameplay that come into view at a later stage during the story mode. There's also very little to lure players into the multiplayer experience. The game does, however, take a significant step forward in terms of first-person combat realism. It even features a few cool surprises later on, but I won't spoil the fun. They work better if you discover them on your own.