The story continues from its prequel. Ethan Thomas, who has quit being an investigator with the Special Crimes Unit (SCU), is dragged back and put on the trail of Serial Killer X.
Except now, Ethan has degenerated into a bitter misanthrope who relies on a stiff drink to steady his aim. As you take him through many claustrophobic levels of gritty and poorly lit urban ruins, be prepared for unnerving moments that haunt you even after the game is over.
Condemned 2 pits you against terrifying enemies which include depraved street thugs wearing creepy clown or pig masks, robotic dolls and even a mediaeval knight. The heavy emphasis on melee combat forces you to fight these fiends face to face, bringing the horror too close for comfort.
The game's much improved, innovative combat system deserves acclaim - you wallop enemies using fists or familiar junk items such as pipes, electrical conduits and even toilet seats. More bizarre items include circular saw lollipops, prosthetic limbs and antlers.
Using the left and right triggers that correspond to Ethan's fists, you can execute combos and chained attacks. The learning curve is steep so be prepared to die many times before getting the hang of it.
Condemned 2 flaunts its brutality in the many creatively demented ways you can finish off your foes, such as impaling them on a metal bar, crushing their heads with a machine press or smashing their faces into a TV set.
Breaking the monotony of body bashing are CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) moments when you use your brains and forensic tools to study grisly crime scenes. Gamers who like to leave no stone unturned will enjoy optional quests such as destroying all sonic emitters and finding TV or radio sets for situation updates. Each completed level rewards you with useful items like protective vests or stun guns.
Much of the game is linear. You wander around seeking the next plot-advancing action while getting creeped out by masterfully scripted events, such as enemies emerging out of nowhere, unexpected vibrations on your controller and scary apparitions flashing onscreen.
Gameplay is extended through Bloodshot Fight Club which lets you practise your attacks and challenge yourself by killing as many foes as you can within a time limit. Its multiplayer mode comprises Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch, as well as Capture the Crime Scene and Bum Rush in which the SCU has to survive a timed onslaught.
Condemned 2's well-orchestrated scares and gut-wrenching violence is not for the faint-hearted but is a must for survival horror fans. Be warned that the biggest scare of all comes from a glitch - if you forget to sign in to your profile, your saved game will seemingly "disappear". The remedy? Exit the game and sign in again.
