Although Ties That Bind is a disappointing follow-up to an amazingly unique game, Suffering fans will probably enjoy it.
All this SHOULD make Ties That Bind a much more satisfying experience, but unfortunately, it is plagued with some critical weaknesses. The story just seems sort of 'tacked together', and doesn't end up making a lot of sense. You'd need a pretty compelling reason to endure all the punishment Torque takes through out this game, and the plot simply doesn't provide one. Sound is still excellent, but there has been no real improvement in the graphics, and while that's ok because the gritty visuals are part of the fun, the lack of upgrades doesn't help to provide higher marks for TTB. In addition, I found some of the new game mechanics somewhat irritating. For example, why would the developers give me several new, cool weapons, then proceed to limit me to just two? I realize this type of inventory system is intended to make the game more realistic, but c'mon...TWO? If I had an M60 HMG, a rocket launcher, a shotgun, and dual magnums, I wouldn't leave ANY of them behind...trust me, I'd figure out a way to lug those suckers around with me. Finally, several key battles, particularly the ending, can be frustratingly difficult, and I for one completed the game feeling slightly cheated, as none of the different endings provided any sense of resolution or closure to the story.
The Bottom Line...as I said earlier, if you're a die-hard fan of The Suffering (as I am), then you'll probably still have a lot of fun with Ties That Bind, despite it's short comings. But first timers would be well advised to go back and experience the original first, because as a stand-alone game, TTB is only mediocre at best.