Follows the steps of "The Suffering" very closely... perhaps too close. Despite that, it's simply a really goo

User Rating: 8.1 | The Suffering: Ties That Bind PC
By Beechbone666 | Review Date:
The first part of "The Suffering" released back in 2004 really surprised me. In Poland it was released as a game bundled with PC games magazine "CD Action". It was in the regular magazine's price so I bought it thinking that if it's not a good game then I don't loose much money. It soon appeared that not only I spent my money right but also that "The Suffering" was one of the best horror games that I played at the time. Therefore, I was very anxious to play the sequel.

"Ties That Bind" is very much like the original game. Frankly, it's so similar to it's predecessor that it could as well be released as a stand-alone expansion pack instead of a sequel. Graphics is enhanced but it's not a huge improvement. Characters and monsters models are more complex and there are some new visual effects but that's it. Pity there are no things like normal mapping or other advanced technologies used in modern games but fortunately all the art is designed really, really good which creates great atmosphere of terror and wickedness. So it actually doesn't matter whether or not the game is technically a flawless achievement in comparison to other 2005 products. There are of course some new monsters and some good old enemies :) Either of them are designed with great creativity.

As far as the story is concerned "Ties That Bind" is a direct sequel to "The Suffering". It's opening moments take place just after previous' game finale. Once again we plunge into the depths of Torque's consciousness and what's worse his twisted subconsciousness. If you played the first part, you know what I mean. The story is quite well written especially that this is an action-oriented game, and it fully lives up to the one from first game. There are also multiple endings and moreover multiple beginnings if only one have saved game states from "The Suffering". Moral choices and all that stuff is still here.

Like the rest part of the game gameplay doesn't differ from Torque's first adventure. We have variety of weapons but can carry only two at the same time plus grenades or molotov cocktails. The biggest change is with the beast that lurks within us. Now it's attacks are upgradeable which makes the game more interesting. Also one difference I noticed about gameplay is that it's a little bit more difficult this time, making the game quite challenging at some points. But I can count that as a positive.

"The Suffering: Ties That Bind" is a good successor to an excellent game and should meet the expectations of the fans of the original "Suffering".

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