The first Condemned seemingly flew below the radar, though it should have received more attention because it was proof that Sega still could put out good games. I loved it because it played well and was decently scary, and not just jump and and say "Booo" scary, but "I seriously don't want to walk down stairs because I'm afraid of something getting me" scary, which was something that I didn't feel since the first Silent Hill. Condemned 2 is very much a like the first one... Well, it's nearly almost exactly like the first one, very few game play adjustments and a light upgrade in graphics. Both of which I'm ultimately okay with because the first one by all means was not shabby.

The first thing I'll note here is that he graphics, especially in the cut scenes could have been better, but that's all just me nit-picking. During play the visuals aren't that bad, but largely due to it being really, really dark. Which I know was intentional so why spice up the graphics if no one is going to see them I guess. The evil things have a pretty cool design to them, certainly they are supposed to make me uneasy and at times they pull it off quite well. What gives me the most pleasure out of this game is how they've used the environments to maximize the atmosphere. All of the levels keep you to grungy, worn areas that come straight out of many horror movies, and they take full advantage of that. Also, the use of shadows and reflections to give you a good scare are awesome.

The game play has remained largely unchanged save for the new fighting system that they have put in place, I appreciate it because it really sets you right into the fray needing to constantly adjust your punches and block when against opponents which range from the weak and annoying to the strong and annoying. Something I really like though is how few and far between firearms are, but how they are generally one shot kills. I like this because when you do find them, they are useful, but since ammo is sparse, you can't depend on it, and that you are forced to find weapons in your area, my personal favorite so far has been the prosthetic arm. Also, the fact that the main protagonist is a raging alcoholic plays into everything, you move more slowly, even with a slight swagger, you also swing more heavily and your aim is sluggish. The sheer depth to this games play is, for lack of better words, fascinating.

The story follows up sometime after the first game, the main character, Ethan is drastically different, mostly due to the events of the last game, some to do with his apparent alcoholism and being homeless. Things pick up after a bar fight lands Ethan kicked out of the bar, the following sequence acts as a tutorial for the rest of the game, but it is none-the-less challenging or creepy. After progressing through some back allies that are getting more and more consumed in this ugly black goo, you find an old friend and a character from the previous game, Malcolm Vanhorn presumably dead. Then a hooded character that looks a lot like Nomak (Blade II) attacks you and bashes you with a brick and back into reality where you get roped back into the FBI. As a whole, the game is a wonderful thriller that I'd set on par with any of the Hannibal Lecter books/movies.

I have a few complaints though, the AI leaves a lot to be desired, even if the enemies are evil, they will not be so willing to allow themselves to die in my mind. Also, if I hit someone in the head with a brick, they should do more than just stumble backwards and then come back at you. On top of the enemy AI being lame, when the game gets you set up with some CPU players, you are still the only one doing anything. Also, as stated above, the enemies tend to be more annoying rather than challenging or scary. The game would be scarier if there was nothing to kill but they didn't let you know that, but that would of course make for a short game. It's not as scary as the first game, nor is it as fresh.

A final note to counter the negative comments is that I feel that the developers seem to have a good idea of what some habits gamers display when playing games like this, a moment in particular comes to mind is in the hotel. I walk into a bathroom that has a mirror in the wall, well whenever I see one of these I like to see how flawless the technology behind that is. Well I approach the mirror and not a second later I see in the reflection something coming up right behind me, to fast for me to react in time, and it made me jump. Little things like that assist in allowing this game to stand out.

To end this, I'm pleased with the game, but I don't deem it a keeper, or one to own at it's current cost, even as a fan of the first game. As a first person horror title, it doesn't pull it off as well as it's predecessor, or even a game like The Darkness. I loved the games thriller plot, and the creepy atmosphere, but not enough to over rule how annoying the enemies were or unhelpful the CPU's were.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot; 7 out of 10