Condemned 2: Bloodshot Review for Xbox 360 (X360)

System: X360, PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Monolith Productions	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SEGA	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 11, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8 (online)	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

This game shines in 1080i. Characters, environments, and bad guys all look sharp and detailed. One thing that really stood out to me was how realistic the facial expressions of the characters were during cinema scenes. Characters furrow eyebrows, tighten lips, and make other various subtle facial gestures that aren't usually seen in modern video games. This level of detail really impressed me and made many of the characters more believable.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot screenshot

Even though the story and the visuals make this game pretty scary, by far the scariest element of this game comes from the sound department. Imagine: the room goes deathly silent. Suddenly you hear the lonely squeak of a metallic wheelchair down the hall. Then, out of nowhere, you hear a maniacal laugh, and this time it's loud. You whip around just in time to see an "Influenced" in a clown mask wailing on you with a weapon. The sounds are amazingly scary, mainly because of the timing. Most of the levels are silent or feature some light ambient music or noise. When you hear some low growling or something unexpectedly fall to the floor, it definitely makes you jump. The voice acting in this game is also excellent, and the various characters sound very believable.

The single-player mode is extremely enjoyable, and is definitely worth the price of the game. But this title also includes online multiplayer modes. However, these modes are not as impressive as the single player mode. If you're looking for an in-depth or lengthy multiplayer experience, this may not satisfy your needs, but if you want some fun and diverting short-term multiplayer, then this game's multiplayer modes are right up your alley. There are two main multiplayer modes: Bloodshot Fight Club and the standard multiplayer mode. Bloodshot Fight Club mode is exactly what it sounds like, and features combat-based multiplayer challenges where you and your online teammates have to take down several different types of enemies from the single player mode, like thugs, speedballers, and mutated dolls. The objectives vary, and some modes require you to kill a certain number of enemies, while others require you to keep certain NPCs alive. The other multiplayer mode features more classic multiplayer gameplay, with modes like deathmatch and team deathmatch. It also has a pretty cool Crime Scene mode that tests you ability to quickly gather and interpret evidence.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot screenshot

Condemned 2: Bloodshot definitely has all the ingredients for a memorable horror game. It has enjoyable gameplay, an engaging story, some freaky visuals, and super-effective sound. And while it is the single player mode that stands out as the best part of this title, the multiplayer is not too shabby either. This game is definitely worth adding to your library. That is, if you're not easily scared. Don't worry; we won't tell if you leave the lights on while you're playing!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.7

Graphics
Extremely atmospheric and eerie. The art direction and level design are amazing and make this title's creepy factor go way up.

4.1

Control
Easy to use. There's a fairly lengthy tutorial mode, and the gun / weapon / fist control schemes are surprisingly fluid, although there could have been a better mechanic for throwing weapons.

4.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Easily what makes this game so scary. Sound effects, while somewhat minimal, are used at just the right time to get you to jump. Voice acting is believable, and "Influenced" dialogue is terrifying.

4.2

Play Value
The single player mode is absolutely a blast and is the real reason to buy the game. Multiplayer modes are a little hit or miss, but if you liked the single player mode, then you'll at least get some enjoyment out of them.

4.5

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

More than 30 items in the environment can be used as weapons including tire irons, bricks, and mop buckets.

A new combat system built from the ground up allows for offensive and defensive chains, as well as grapples and holds - accurate body physics create bone-shattering results when dealing damage during violent encounters.

All-new environments include outdoor areas, varied time of day and non-linear progression gameplay.

Completely new set of upgradeable forensics tools and a redesigned investigation process allows for unique, in-depth examination of each and every crime scene - players are rewarded using a forensics points scoring system.