Pros: Graphics are pretty good, more interactive game-play, longer.
Cons: Let's say that it doesn't equal to the original.
The bottom line: Not as good as the original, but not a terribly bad sequel.
Who could forget playing Condemned: Criminal Origins. You'd probably remember being scared silly and having a hard time turning out the light out that night. When I heard they were going to come out with a sequel, that moment was totally awesome. They were actually going to dare to make another scary a** game. I simply could not wait until Condemned 2 hit shelves. When I finally got Condemned 2, I felt extremely disappointed.

Condemned 2 picks up a year after the first one left off. Agent Thomas is again thrown into a world of darkness as the serial killer, who you tried to track down in the first one, SKX is back. The police force has no choice but to put you on the case as you know all about SKX. However, down the road, you'll have more worries than some lousy serial killer. If you've played the first Condemned, which I strongly suggest you do before ever facing Condemned 2, you'll feel right at home by this one. The story will fill in those plot-holes that were present in the first one.

For those who do not know, Condemned is all about survival. You'll have hardly any firearms(more so on the original than here) so this forces you to use your environment's weapons such as pipes, axe, baseball bats, sledgehammer, shovel, and even toilet seats In Condemned 2, however, more firearms are found than in the original which I found they completely broke their own rules. Firearms include handgun, shotgun, and assault rifle. The point with Condemned is to survive using your environment's weapons while fending off any sadistic bastards that pop out from no where in the dark. Did I mention that all the missions are in the dark and the only light you have is a flashlight? Yeah, that what makes this series terrifying.

Speaking of terrifying, I noticed that the developers really didn't work too hard on creating a scary sequel. The first Condemned is insanely scary; it is definitely one of the scariest games I've ever played. In Condemned 2, it wasn't scary for some reason. Maybe it was because the level designs were linear. The only level that had suspense was the second where you're investigating this huge abandoned hotel. Not even the later levels were even the bit spooky. The more you progress through the game, the more you realize it's going straight towards the action aspect than the survival aspect because after the second level, I didn't feel the bit threatened by Condemned 2.

Anyway, back to the game-play. This series is also known for forensics. In this sequel, they have been revamped. Instead of telling you what to do or what you see, it gives you a list of possible answers to what you see. For instance, in one level, you see a bloody body part. When you point at it, it gives you a list of the possible things it could be. Depending on what you choose, it gives you a rating from poor to excellent. Whatever you chose greatly affects you figuring out what is going on before you reach the final level. During these forensics, you have certain tools you use. You have the spectrometer which tracks down audible noises or gaseous smells. You have your UV light which illuminates blood and finally you have your camera which you can take pictures and send it to Rosa, your lab technician.

That is basically it with the game-play. It isn't much, but once you start playing, you'll find it enjoyable. The only advice I have for you when you play this game, turn out the lights. Turn the sound way up. Play it in the dead of night. We'll see who goes to sleep tonight. Oh, wait, I'm talking about the first Condemned. Oops!

The sound for Condemned 2 is much like the first one. The slightest sound will make you jump; from a can rattling to someone laughing in the dead of night. When it comes to beating the crap out of the sick bastards, hearing bones crushing as you hit them with a sledgehammer is sound heaven. The graphics are also really good. Just like the first Condemned, they are extremely realistic and the lighting of the game is deeply unsettling at the most. Controls are highly simple and those who've played the first Condemned will find nothing has changed. Fluid controls are a player's best friend.

I am disappointed with Condemned 2. I guess I expected the same thing what the original brought me: A terrifying game-playing experience that haunted my nights for days. Many problems consume Condemned 2 that could've made it a solid sequel. First off, there are hardly any scares, shocks or chills. Second, the level designs are linear and completely hold no interest in playing them again(except the hotel I might I add). Third, it completely broke the rules on surviving. Having firearms placed nearly at every corner of a level instead of using your environment to survive. It completely breaks this series' goal. Fourth, as you progress through the levels, it becomes more action-packed than sneaking around in somewhere dark hoping to God something doesn't pop out and scare you. However, despite the many flaws, it is an okay sequel. It is definitely not better than the first, but if you still want to hunt down serial killers, then it's worth a rent.


Condemned 2: Bloodshot Information:
Genre: Horror
Rated: M; Blood & Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
# of players: 1
Difficulty: Adjustable
Lasting Appeal: The weekend