Following up on the success of its predecessor, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication brings its horrors to the PlayStation 5. Set in the eerie Wen Hua University, the game combines a rich setting steeped in Taiwanese folklore with classic survival horror gameplay. While the story builds on the framework of the first game, it introduces new characters and a deeper mystery that players must unravel across multiple perspectives.
The narrative takes you through the eyes of four different characters, each contributing a unique viewpoint to the escalating terror. One of the standouts is Sue Lian, a news reporter attempting to uncover the secrets behind the mysterious hauntings, while the other three protagonists find themselves trapped in an escalating nightmare of their own. The setup cleverly intertwines the characters’ fates, using each perspective to gradually unveil a conspiracy rooted in the university’s past. However, while the multi-character approach offers variety, it can sometimes feel disjointed as the story moves between different plotlines, leading to a few small pacing issues.
In terms of gameplay, The Bridge Curse 2 excels at evoking tension, as players must carefully navigate the halls of Wen Hua University while avoiding relentless ghostly pursuers. Stealth is essential here, and the mechanics are intuitive enough to make sneaking past enemies thrilling. However, this tension can be undercut by moments of frustration, particularly when dealing with the game’s AI. Ghosts often become too predictable or, conversely, too overpowered, leaving players feeling either over-prepared or unfairly overwhelmed. The game tries to balance this by introducing sacred objects that temporarily distract enemies, but this mechanic can feel repetitive after a while.
The Bridge Curse 2 also features a puzzle-solving aspect, and it plays a critical role in advancing the story. The puzzles are well-designed, requiring players to scour the environment for clues and items. Each discovery and puzzle solution helps unlock new layers of the mystery behind the campus, but the puzzles can sometimes feel like speed bumps in the narrative if you’re not a puzzle enthusiast. While they fit thematically, their frequency and difficulty can sometimes disrupt the overall flow of the game, particularly when players are forced to backtrack.
Visually, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication offers an atmospheric experience that plays into the game’s strengths. The university is beautifully rendered, with dimly lit corridors, echoing footsteps, and ominous ambient sounds that contribute to a persistent sense of dread. The game’s lighting effects are especially effective, casting long, foreboding shadows that keep players on edge. However, despite the overall visual quality, there are occasional graphical glitches that break immersion, especially in more hectic moments. These aren’t game-breaking, but they can detract from the otherwise polished aesthetic.
We’ve referenced the game’s audio a few times now, as playing a big role in amplifying the horror. The soundscapes are unsettling, with creaks, whispers, and the distant moans of ghosts heightening the tension. The voice acting, though not particularly memorable, fits the game’s tone, adding to the overall immersion. However, some moments of dialogue and character interactions can feel stilted, especially during tense cutscenes where the pacing of conversations clashes with the urgency of the situation.
Ultimately, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is an enjoyable survival horror game that expands on the original with a more layered narrative and an atmospheric setting. Its blend of stealth, puzzle-solving, and exploration is engaging, though not without its frustrations, particularly in terms of pacing and AI behavior. Fans of the first game and those who appreciate horror steeped in folklore will likely find a lot to enjoy here, even if the experience occasionally stumbles. While it may not reinvent the genre, it provides a solid and chilling adventure for those seeking to escape Wen Hua University’s curse.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 