Condemned 2: Bloodshot

It's been eleven grueling months since the Serial Killer X case, as well as the suspension and resignation of former SCU agent Ethan Thomas. After the events of Condemned: Criminal Origins, the only peace the ex-crime scene investigator can seem to find is at the bottom of a glass of whiskey -- and even then, he can't escape his hallucinations and nightmares. No, time hasn't been kind to Mister Thomas, but rest assured-it's only going to get much worse before it gets any better.

Condemned 2 is a very unique game, and one that I oftentimes have trouble classifying: a first person survival horror action title with a knack for the supernatural. The amount of detail Monolith has built into Bloodshot will make you believe you're entering a separate, grisly, and unnatural world every time you pop in the disc. It's no understatement to say that the visuals in Bloodshot are astounding. You'll believe that you are Ethan Thomas as you walk the crime-infested streets of his city, battling his inner demons both figuratively and literally. One thing that Monolith has always excelled at is creating unique and realistic environments in its games, and Condemned 2 is no exception. The world that Bloodshot takes place in is just as much a character as any drug-addled crook or corrupt special agent you'll encounter on Ethan's warped streets. From a twisted doll factory to a perverse magician's theatre: this is the stuff that nightmares are made of.

Bloodshot controls extremely well, each button serving its own unique purpose leaving you to believe that you're truly controlling one disheveled man-not a non-descript arsenal of weapons, as found in many first person titles. Combat has been overhauled this time around, with some fantastically gripping melee battles featuring everything from old-fashioned fisticuffs to whatever you can yank off a wall. Timing, as always, is key when fighting in Condemned; whether it's swinging that power conduit a second too late, or blocking a second too early, the tension is ever-present each time you lunge with a weapon or simply throw a punch. New to the series are the chain attacks--context-sensitive combos that are painful to watch, but oh-so-satisfying to deal out through a series of QTE button presses. Guns do play a larger role this time around, but no worries --Condemned has a long ways to go before it becomes a shooter. That and the series adds its own personal twist to the gun game: great, you found an automatic rifle, but can you aim it? Better question, can Ethan aim it? Maybe a drink will calm his nerves, just this one time...

One of my favorite attributes to Condemned 2 are the re-worked forensic scenarios. The player gets to put Ethan's mettle as an ex-SCU agent to the test, carefully scrutinizing various crime scenes, choosing the correct tools for examination, and determining the situation via a multiple choice prompt. After you submit your answers, you're sleuthing is ranked from "Poor" to "Perfect", depending on how accurate your report turns out. At the end of each level, Ethan is ranked from "Bronze" to "Gold" on his overall performance -- each ranking earning Ethan a new upgrade, from body armor to his trusty taser to additional bars of life. These perks alone are motivation enough to replay missions, making sure you've searched each and every corner of the haunting environments.

The story is where I can really see people splitting their opinions on this title. Does it answer lingering questions from the first Condemned? Absolutely. In the process, however, more inquiries are raised by the minute. What's up with the sonic devices all around town? Are Ethan's hallucinations real or even relevant? Who or what is the "Oro"? Even by the conclusion of Bloodshot, you might find yourself scratching your head, but I can assure you -- by the time the credits roll, at least you won't feel cheated, even with the set-up for the inevitable sequel leading you out.

All in all, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a title I can definitely recommend to any thrill seeking gamer. It pushes its M rating to the limit with every possible shock and scare, from physical gross-outs to the infamous "What was that noise?!" mind games which the title excels at. If you're looking for a fright, or just a solid gaming experience (and I do mean experience) do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Bloodshot. Dim the lights, grab your controller, and remember to keep telling yourself: it's only a game.

PROS: Fantastic scares, tight controls, fantastic visuals, the surprise at the lodge (you'll know what I'm talking about)
CONS: Story gets a bit murky, some repetitive combat, wait for Condemned 3

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