Good Game, but disappointing ending.
Keep in mind this will contain spoilers.
Graphically, the game was fantastic. I enjoyed the modeling, textures, particle effects and lighting. Definitely a huge improvement over the first game.
Sound was excellent as well. The atmosphere was surely heightened because of it. Alma's shadowed whispers to the cue of the light music of dread and suspense. Very well done.
Spook factor really depends on the person when it comes to gaming, movies, books or anything really. Alma is a character, maybe one of the only characters, that has actually made me jump or let loose a salvo of rounds in her direction hoping against all hopes she won't eat my face or something.
This second game really captured more the psychic abilities that Alma possessed and through that they created more of an atmosphere than a total scare factor. There are plenty of jump out at you moments, coming around a corner and such. Also they played more with the shadows of her looming behind you, glass windows breaking as you walked by and her eight year old form standing with her gaze tunneling into your soul. You know, that fun stuff.
One other thing I enjoyed was all the intel left about. It filled out the story so much and answered so many questions I know I personally had at the end of the first game. So Kudos for that one.
The only real issue I've had is with the ending of the game. So yes, Spoiler Alert folks!
I expected more or less to be dead by the end of this game. It really seemed to be going in that direction. Alas, when you are in the telestethic chamber in the end, as well as in your final battle, she isn't trying to absorb you per-se....she is raping you while your strapped into the chair.
Yes, that's right. Your getting raped. She wants your naughty bits. I thought perhaps it was some messed up battle of wills at first. She does tend to enjoy strangulation of various people. I could of been right....right? I definitely wasn't expecting to be feeling the swollen womb of my crazy seed in her belly. In this fact, i'm disappointed.
I was hoping for an ending, or at least something epic and spooktacular to maaaaybe leave another sequel open. Not that this didn't leave things open....it was just terribly disappointing. I was waiting a long time for this game. I'm a huge fan of the horror and survival-horror genre. Looks like this will unfortunately get a sigh, tossed on the shelf and back to waiting for Dawn of War 2 and Resident Evil 5. It's worth a play, but don't get your hopes up over the ending.