Ghostrunner 2
Developer(s)One More Level
Publisher(s)505 Games
Director(s)Radoslaw Ratusznik
Designer(s)Lukasz Wabik
EngineUnreal Engine 4[1]
Platform(s)
Release26 October 2023
Genre(s)Action, platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Ghostrunner 2 is an action platform video game developed by One More Level and published by 505 Games. A sequel to Ghostrunner (2020), the game was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 26 October 2023. Upon release, it received positive reviews from critics.

Gameplay

The game is played from a first-person perspective. The playable character Jack is very agile, being able to traverse dangerous environments by dashing, jumping, wall-running, and sliding. He can also utilize a grappling hook to swing through the environment, and use "Sensory Boost", which briefly slows down time, allowing Jack to strafe through the air.[2] The game also introduces a stamina meter, which dictates how frequent players can dash and deflect attacks. While a sword is the player's primary weapon, Jack also has access to several special abilities, which can be used in both combat scenarios and solving puzzles. For instance, the "Shuriken" ability, which allows Jack to throw multiple electrical throwing stars, can be used to stun enemies as well as hitting distant switches.[3] Both Jack and his enemy have very limited health, and both can be killed in one hit.[4]

In the game, Jack must venture beyond the Dharma Tower to defeat a group of violent cyber ninja AI cult.[5] Ghostrunner 2 introduces vehicular combat. During certain levels, Jack is able to ride a motorcycle while combating enemies and avoiding obstacles. Levels in the game are more non-linear, with players being able to plan their own routes before confronting the enemies.[6] As players progress in the game, they can purchase upgrades that further enhance Jack's abilities. The motorcycle, however, cannot be upgraded.[7]

Development and release

One More Level, which is based in Poland, served as the game's developer. Game director Radoslaw Ratusznik described the game as an "evolution" to the original Ghostrunner.[8] While it was designed to be challenging, the team introduced various gameplay enhancements to make it more approachable to new players. For instance, the team introduced an active blocking mechanic for players who were struggling with the game's fast movement system. Samurai Jack was cited by lead gameplay designer Lukasz Wabik as one of the game's inspirations.[7] Jack's motorcycle was added to the game because the team felt that it aligned with the game's fast-paced combat and its cyberpunk aesthetic.[8]

In March 2021, 505 Games, the co-publisher of original game, announced that they had acquired the intellectual property from All In Games for €5 million.[9] The existence of a sequel was first confirmed by 505 Games in May 2021.[10] The game was officially revealed in May 2023.[11] The game is currently scheduled to release for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 26 October 2023. Players who pre-ordered the game or purchased its more expensive Deluxe Edition will have access to several in-game weapon and character skins.[12] A demo for the game was released for PlayStation 5 on 15 September 2023.[13]

Reception

Ghostrunner 2 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[14][15][16] The game was nominated for "Best Action Game" at The Game Awards 2023.[29]

Lauren Bergin of PCGamesN scored the game 9/10 saying "I am so glad that I took on this Ghostrunner 2 review – it may just be one of my favorite games of the year."[24]

References

  1. ↑ "What engine was used to create Ghostrunner 2?". Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  2. ↑ Denzer, TJ (September 14, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 is keeping everything the original did well & cranking it to eleven". Shacknews. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  3. ↑ Green, Jarrett (September 2, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2: The First Hands-On Preview". IGN. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  4. ↑ Gould-Wilson, Jasmine (August 25, 2023). "I played Ghostrunner 2 and totally sucked at the running part". GamesRadar. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  5. ↑ Romano, Sal (May 24, 2023). "Ghostrunner II launches in 2023; first trailer, details, and screenshots". Gematsu. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  6. ↑ Borthwick, Ben (September 7, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 preview – two wheels are even slicker". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Comrie, Sam (September 5, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 is a 'more approachable' sequel, but not any 'easier'". The Loadout. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Ghostrunner 2's Flashy New Motorcycle Pushes the Sequel To Breakneck Speeds. IGN. August 26, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023 – via YouTube.
  9. ↑ Kerr, Chris (March 31, 2023). "505 Games acquires Ghostrunner franchise and tech licenses for $5.8 million". Game Developer. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  10. ↑ Stewart, Marcus (May 13, 2021). "Ghostrunner 2 Confirmed For New-Gen Consoles And PC". Game Informer. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  11. ↑ Nightingale, Ed (May 24, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 revealed at Sony's PlayStation Showcase". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  12. ↑ Hesse, Brendan (August 30, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 Physical Edition Preorders Are Live, Save 17% On Steam Keys". GameSpot. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  13. ↑ Tailby, Stephen (September 15, 2023). "Slick Action Sequel Ghostrunner 2 Has a Demo Available Right Now on PS5". Push Square. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Ghostrunner 2 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Ghostrunner 2 for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Ghostrunner 2 for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  17. ↑ Gonzalez, Andrea (October 23, 2023). "Review: Ghostrunner 2". Destructoid. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  18. ↑ Franzese, Tomas (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review: ultra-stylish sequel sometimes overstays its welcome". Digital Trends. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  19. ↑ LeBlanc, Wesley (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 Review - Finding The Utopia In Dystopia". Game Informer. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  20. ↑ Jones, Ali (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review: "a new frontrunner in its genre"". GamesRadar. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  21. ↑ Shive, Chris (October 23, 2023). "Review: Ghostrunner 2". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  22. ↑ Saltzman, Mitchell (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 Review". IGN. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  23. ↑ Kemp, Luke (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  24. 1 2 Bergin, Lauren (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review – a surprise GOTY contender". PCGamesN. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  25. ↑ Ditchfield, Jaimie (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 Review (PS5)". Push Square. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  26. ↑ Chandler, Sam (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review: Slo-mo thriller, katana killer". Shacknews. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  27. ↑ Makar, Connor (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review: an imperfect game that understands the rule of cool". VG247. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  28. ↑ Bardwell, Tom (October 23, 2023). "Ghostrunner 2 review – to die for". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  29. ↑ Spangler, Todd (November 13, 2023). "The Game Awards 2023 Nominations: Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 Lead the Pack With Eight Noms Each (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.