Ghostrunner 2

Overall Ghostrunner II is an excellent sequel that takes the gameplay from the first game and improves it at basically every turn with new enemies and gameplay mechanics, while keeping the foundation of an adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced killing spree. However there are in my eyes two main aspects that really dampened my enjoyment of the game: 1) Performance. In some parts of the game performance was really bad for me (I have an AMD based system using an Ryzen 5800X and a Radeon RX6900XT @ 1440p). What would happen in some of the levels is that perfomance would drop to below 30 fps and start stuttering like crazy. In a fast paced game like ghostrunner this is obviously extremely bad, since it will hinder your ability to react and ultimately kill you. To be fair, there have been 2 patches since my experience, but I am not sure if I will go back and play those levels again. 2) Pacing. A new introduction to the game is a hub-like area that the player returns to in-between missions to talk to allies, upgrade skills and access features like the rogue-like simulation mode. I really do not like this addition at all. It serves no real purpose and all it does is bring the flow of movement to a grinding halt just so that I have to listen to some dialogue that is - in all honesty - really not that interesting. Having the interactions play out via comm like in the first game would have made for a far better choice in my eyes. Two other minor gripes are the villains, which are mostly forgettable and some of the writing. Overall, still a great game and absolutely worth checking out if you enjoyed the first one!

The core element of the first game is present but they've added a hub to speak with NPCs for added lore and "trials" through which you can unlock skins as well as upgrades by playing a roguelike version of the game. The idea isn't bad but, in my opinion, it breaks the momentum of the game by inserting down times between missions. Finally, a bug that hasn't been patched up yet resets your keybinds a each start up. Quite frustrating if not plain annoying for people not playing with a QWERTY layout.

Feels like 505 and OML hit the nail square on the head this time around, the story and world have been greatly expanded since the first game with new characters, more dialogue, and more backstory behind the world and the ghostrunners. Gameplay has been perfected since GR1, you now have a dedicated block button (right mouse) and you can still deflect shots back to the shooter if timed correctly. A stamina bar has been added, actions like blocking, dashing, and using the bullet-time mechanic all use stamina. Abilities have been changed significantly, you now have 3 base abilities that you get throughout the game, a shuriken which can kill weaker enemies in a single hit (assuming they don't dodge it), stun and allow you to grapple to larger enemies, a hologram that can attract enemies attacks to it while temporarily cloaking you, and the tempest returning from GR1. Some of the abilities from GR1, as well as some new abilities, have been made into ultimate abilities that you can only unlock by leveling up your motherboard, levelling up your motherboard requires finding pruple collectibles throughout the levels (with the exceptions of boss fights). Every time you level up your motherboard you get more memory and a new ultimate, more memory means more perks. Perks can be purchased from a console using a currency that you get from killing enemies and building up combos. Just like GR1, everyone's a glass cannon, including you, which makes combat encounters difficult to learn but incredibly fun to master. And just like GR1, GR2 still tracks how many times you die per level. The boss fights are a big step up from GR1, instead of blocking attacks in a perfect sequence, bosses have telegraphed attacks which you need to avoid before landing as many hits as you can in a short window. Some bosses have multiple phases so you need to be prepared to adapt accordingly. There's some things I couldn't cover so I advise you to pick up the game and start slashing.

Had a bit of motion sickness while that never happened on the first one, but the game is great either way