Condemned 2: Bloodshot

(untitled review)

It could be said that of all Xbox 360 launch titles that Condemned was the one with most originality. With brutal Hand to hand combat, interesting story and the feel that you were a detective.

Over two years later we have been blessed with a sequel to the cliff-hanger ending of the first. This experience is more fluid with some choices to be made on the way.

The first game pretty much told you what to do in terms of the investigating progress but in this one you decide on the tools and also use your noggin to answer some questions. Once you’ve found the blood splatter or the rogue head lying around you talk to Rosa and you can ask questions ranging from stupid to the right answer to get you the “perfect” rating. You only get one chance unless you replay so choose wisely. At the end of each level you achieve one of three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold, each unlocking a new ability like a kick to the nuts (seriously) or an upgrade in health. This adds to the replay aspect. Unless you score perfect every time and achieve all sub-objectives like destroying all sonic devices in the area.

The combat has been improved; you can now use your fists and even throw weapons. Especially amusing with bricks, bowling balls and gumball machines. Firearms are back and you get a little more ammo as some stages do require a gun or you’ll obviously get smoked. Its all fun though as to aim properly you must drink alcohol. That’s right our previously upstanding agent is an alcoholic. It just adds to the challenge and is actually fun.

The story twists and turns and you sometimes wonder “What the _____ am I doing here?” but it just wouldn’t be Condemned without a little Random Sauce. You even find yourself In an abandoned wildlife reserve. You’ll see when you get there.

The graphics are stunning and provides an atmosphere that I’ve only ever felt in Silent Hill. So, prepare to be scared and have that light switch ready. The sound also adds to the tension with thugs screaming and yelling insults as they lunge and you with ancient battleaxes (another thing you’ll have to see).

A nice added extra is the fight club which includes a nice practice arena where you can practice combos and shooting skills on all the enemies. Plus a few other mode such as destroying exploding dolls within a time limit. Online features death match as standard, plus a mode where a group of thugs hide evidence as the agents try to find it.


This game is worth it even if you didn’t play the first title. Everything from the first has been improved, some new characters thrown in; some old ones make a return in the most surprising ways. If you’re an action junkie or a horror fanatic or even both then you’ll certainly need to try this game.