Ghostrunner 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the surprise 2020 hit, picks up the frenetic pace and atmosphere right where its predecessor left off. Developed by One More Level and published by 505 Games, this hardcore first-person slasher offers an expanded cyberpunk universe and an array of new features that build upon the original’s success, while also revisiting what made that first game so beloved. We checked out the PlayStation 5 and PC versions.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future after the fall of the tyrannical Keymaster (a bit of a major spoiler there), Ghostrunner 2 places players back in the shoes of Jack, now a vital asset to the Climbers that features in the first game. The narrative unfolds amidst faction conflicts, introducing the Asura, a group of Ghostrunners set on destroying Dharma Tower. And while the story delves deeper into the tower’s history and the motivations of the Asura, it also occasionally leaves you wishing for more in-depth exploration of its intriguing world.
The gameplay mechanics remain the heart of Ghostrunner 2, offering a blend of precision, patience, and pattern recognition – a familiar recipe for those who played Ghostrunner before. Jack’s old arsenal of skills, from slicing and slowing time to dashing and parrying, is further complemented by new abilities – which are easier to manage this time around thanks to an simplified skill tree system. These skills are crucial in tackling the array of new enemies and challenges introduced in the game, and mixing and matching allows for different playstyles.
The level design is exceptional, with non-linear missions providing multiple approaches to encounters to further enhance the game’s replay value. The introduction of a motorbike midway through the campaign adds a thrilling dynamic as well, offering moments of high-speed intensity and additional chances for occasional frustration. And while the vehicle sections are mostly engaging and a change of pace, they can be also marred by occasional glitches and moments of control sluggishness – not feeling as tight as the platforming sections do.
The boss fights in Ghostrunner 2 are a highlight, and the developers even managed to include the bike into them for a standout battle. The game’s challenging fights and platforming sections are balanced by frequent checkpoints and rapid reload times on the PlayStation 5, ensuring that the player is back in the action without delay – and because we died about 400 times during the campaign this was more welcome than you’d imagine.
Character development and interaction within the hub area leave room for improvement. The characters, while essential to the story, often feel constrained by their roles, and moments of deeper engagement with these characters are infrequent where they could have added to the world building. The visuals of Ghostrunner 2, however, excel in creating an immersive cyberpunk world, with Dharma Tower’s neon-lit environment contrasting starkly with the surrounding wasteland. The game’s design is visually arresting, with impressive draw distances and breathtaking views.
The soundtrack is a standout feature, once again delivering a captivating synthwave experience that complements the action and cyber-heavy backdrop perfectly. The combination of booming synths and electronic beats adds to the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of the game, and keeps the adrenaline flowing.
In summary, Ghostrunner 2 is a superb sequel that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. The core combat and parkour mechanics remain as thrilling and satisfying as ever, with the addition of a motorbike offering a welcome evolution. While the story and character development could have been more robust, they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience, making this is must-play for Ghostrunner fans.
Score: 8.3/10
Press Play Media 