This Feb. 9 saw the sequel to the hit first-person shooter (FPS), . A game that soars after its predecessor broke the ceiling, delivers in every area and recreates the haunting atmosphere that lead to the success of the first.
The game’s plot is unusual in that it’s actually good. The previous game featured a mixture of philosophy and mystery that can still be found in this installment. Set eight years after the events of the previous game, Rapture (the city you originally played in) is now under the control of an evil psychiatrist, bent on using its helpless denizens for her own agenda.
While it might sound simple enough, it actually creates the opportunity for interesting dialogue relating to the virtues and vices of selfishness.
The gameplay itself is furious yet eerie with the player controlling a cyborg known as “Big Daddy.” The Big Daddy in question is one that seeks to find its “Little Sister,” a mutant girl that forms a symbiotic relationship with him, and escape from the city. The Big Daddy is able to use certain powers such as using Plasmids, a sort of biological upgrade. The combination of special powers and high-tech guns make for a highly creative killing experience.
Contrasting with the first game, features a new type of enemy known as “Big Sisters.” Highly agile and swift cyborg assassins, these are among the dangerous enemies you’ll face in the game.
Similar to the first game, this one also features ability to do good and evil. You can either save the innocent Little Sisters or kill them for your personal gain. In doing so, one gains access to several different endings with varying levels of satisfaction.
Graphically, the game manages to craft a highly eerie and almost malignant atmosphere that uses lights and shadows to heighten the desolate location the story takes place in. Add to that a creepy haunting sound track and one has an occasionally terrifying miasma.
The multiplayer mode of the game has the players playing the citizens of devastated city in frantic combat. While certainly entertaining and adding to the replay value, it pales in comparison to the visceral atmosphere created by the single player mode.
Ultimately, the gameplay and atmosphere is this game’s selling point. In a time where every shooter is zombie infestations or alien invasions, this game stands out by creating a unique story about the dangers of pure capitalism and science without regard for human rights. At the same time, the game’s unique mix of guns and Plasmids (pseudo-magical powers) create innovative and refreshing gameplay.
The only downside is that while different from its predecessor, it fails to be a whole new game and thus may be seen as more of an expansion rather than a stand-alone title. It picks up right where the previous game left off, which may leave some newer players confused Also, as intriguing as the narrative is, its philosophical points are never made as important as it was in the previous game.
Overall, manages to be both innovative and interesting in a challenging time for games. It is guaranteed fun for anyone who likes periods of sneaking around punctuated with frantic firefights. Its mix of style and substance make this one of the few titles to really appeal to a multitude of audiences.