In depth review for Resistance 2.
Resistance 2 continues the story of Nathan Hale, a Resistance fighter fighting it out againts the evil Chimera. The story picks off where it ended in the first Resistance title. You are picked up by another team of Resistance fighters, and your thrown straight into battle, on a hectic battle ground. The game really kicks off from the first level. You get given a machine gun, which you used in the original game. However, for as many secrets that are discovered by the player, it seems as though just as many, if not more, are left unanswered. This brings up one of my primary issues with the story, which is that I feel like it needed a narrator with some kind of perspective on the events of the mission like the first one did. While Rachel wasn't omniscient, she did manage to tie together a lot of elements that weren't fully covered or highlighted in your missions. By contrast, Resistance 2 is very Hale-centric, and focuses much more on his actions and what he wants to do. That's fine, but his motivations behind what his decisions are or why he chooses to act a certain way or go to a specific location aren't fully explored. As a result, some elements of the story aren't fully cohesive, and a large number of questions are left unanswered, which could potentially confuse players until the hypothetical Resistance 3 eventually is released.
There are story issues, as some plot holes are left open (carried into the next game perhaps) and some characters bio never explained. But, overlooking that the sheer scale of the game is massive. levels are as huge as ever. You explore vast forests, dark underground chambers, spaceship corridoors and lakes. And Resistance 2 has really brought you some evil, horrible enemies to deal with. I won't spoil it to much for you, but there are alot of horrible invisible nasty's to shoot up further into the game. The graphics are really nice on Resistance 2. I used the word nice, because they are really that well pollished off, and there has been alot of work put into this final masterpiece. Cut scenes take the player into a third person perspective of Hale, while the game you play is actually first person, as like the first Resistance title. I think graphically, this is stunning. looking accros a woodland area, and seeing massive space ships and drones flying past you look awesome, aswell as big set peices, and a even bigger boss battle in the middle of the game. Which, is the best boss battle I have ever been in. That is the honest truth! Voice acting has improved in the game, with members of your squad screaming at you, and shouting. It is very realistic. The huge battles that erupt across the various levels will definitely give you an adrenaline rush. While the scale of the battles in the first game was large, the numbers present on screen at one point in time is simply incredible. You'll find yourself and a dozen or more soldiers squaring off against twenty or more drones, a number of Chimera, and a couple of turrets, all firing bullets at you. Facing down these incoming attacks can be daunting, but when you throw in the fact that the frame rate is rock solid without a hiccup, it's a pretty impressive feat that brings you into the action of the firefight. What also stands out is the fact that there are sections where you'll feel as though you've been through a massive battle – after you and your squad have blasted hordes and hordes of monsters that descend on your position, you'll wade through the bodies of the fallen enemies that litter your path. Details like this help to convey the situation that this is a larger cataclysmic battle in humanity's last days. Fall of Man was eye-catching in its battle sequences, but Resistance 2 blows it out of the water.
Part of this is due to the AI, which is solid for both enemy and NPC soldiers alike. In Resistance 2, the kinds of Chimera that you'll face off against will force you to approach a fight with different tactics, because they will attack you in different ways. Once again, Hybrids will team up with other soldiers, toss grenades or attempt to flank your position. Spinners, on the other hand, will charge forward and try to overwhelm you with large numbers and powerful melee attacks. Additionally, the game will frequently throw thirty or more of these beasts at you at one time, forcing you to quickly react and adjust to incoming strikes. Luckily, you're not forced to find a corner and face this threat alone. The NPCs in Resistance 2 are just as smart, returning fire at enemies and frequently eliminating some enemies for you, including some creatures that you hadn't seen coming for you until it would be too late. Your Sentinel squad in particular is extremely skilled in this manner, targeting some creatures and blasting many of them that try to surround your position as you focus on the beasts charging directly at you.
Overall, Resistance 2 is a mind blowing piece of fine gaming, with great visual effects and a story to die for!
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Graphics: 5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Story: 5/5
Enemie AI: 4/5
Online: 4/5
Replay Value: 5/5