Summary
One More Level’sGhostrunner 2aims to recapture the frenetic, controller-gripping gameplay of its predecessor, but it also shakes up the formula quite a bit. While the sequel might seem very similar to 2020’sGhostrunnerupon first glance, the developer has made strides to separateGhostrunner 2from the first game in areas pertaining to gameplay, world-building, and narrative.
The firstGhostrunnergame was a breakout hit, especially among fans of indie games who enjoy a highly polished challenge. The title is extremely gameplay-focused, with very few cutscenes or moments where control is taken away from the player. This design decision proved to be a good one, as the unforgiving and fast-paced combat ofGhostrunner, coupled with its satisfying traversal mechanics, made for a game that was addictive, brutal, and complex. There was a story underlying the perfection-demanding gameplay, but it was told almost exclusively through radio communications, with virtually no NPCs to interact with face-to-face. It also featured a handful of brief, isolated environmental puzzles, but the focus of the game was on the combat and movement. While this worked for the first game,Ghostrunner 2is expanding upon this framework.
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Ghostrunner 2 Seems to Feature More Variety
Ghostrunner 2aims to expand its cyberpunk settingthrough different gameplay opportunities. Some of these unique scenarios offer downtime, which could help with the pacing of the overall experience, while others maintain the series' signature high-octane gameplay, just with a few different twists that keep things fresh.
Perhaps the most significant changeGhostrunner 2brings to the formula is the new hub area. Between certain missions, protagonist Jack will visit a sort of makeshift headquarters, where the player can interact with friendly NPCs and explore an environment that is ostensibly free from hostility and risk. This is a major departure fromGhostrunner’s core gameplay loop, which didn’t feature many opportunities to relax and take in the story. Time will tell just how content-rich this hub area is, but its mere existence already stands in stark contrast with the rest of the package. While some players may find these narrative-focused environments lackluster in comparison to the non-stop action of the firstGhostrunner, it will likely help break up the gameplay and hopefully allow the player to connect withGhostrunner2’s NPCs.
Ghostrunner 2’s reveal trailer made a splash with the reveal of the game’s motorcycle, which seems to up the ante when it comes to thrilling traversal gameplay. Movement inGhostrunneris mostly parkour-inspired, with the agile protagonist leaping from wall to wall, sliding under obstacles, and grappling into and out of safety. The motorcycle gameplay takes the design philosophy of this movement system and presses the fast-forward button, shuttling the player along linear tracks with little to no opportunity to catch their breath. The result is a selection of gameplay segments that place a higher focus on reaction time than precision, while serving as impressive and visually appealing set-piece moments that can change the flow of a level.
Part of what makes the firstGhostrunnerso appealing is its simplicity. While there are various exploits andtricksGhostrunnerplayers can useto make the game easier or flashier, the experience is mostly straightforward, with the challenge revolving more around achieving perfection than adapting to a number of different scenarios. The sequel attempts to recapture that sense of brutal simplicity, but the content on offer also expands the framework of the game. This letsGhostrunner 2recreate the successes of its predecessor, while keeping the experience even more engaging via diverse gameplay and narrative moments.
Ghostrunner 2is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
