As one of the earlier Xbox 360 first-person titles, reviewers probably judged the first Condemned with slightly rose-tinted glasses. As such, we were a littler unsure what the response would be to Monolith's follow-up, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. So far, the game seems to be faring really well with improved crime-scene investigating and combat, as well as plenty of scares.
1UP(91/100): "This first-person action-shooter-cum-supernatural thriller follows the events of the first game. But while the spooks are similar -- think ambient sounds, disrupted vision, and yes, monster closets -- developer Monolith has fine-tuned the gameplay."
GameTrailers(80/100): "The original Condemned was really the first of its kind. The first-person pugilism, investigative challenges, and somber tone have been expanded for Bloodshot. Still, the experience remains relatively the same-just more supernatural and less plausible this time around."
Game Informer(88/100): "Condemned 2: Bloodshot is probably the best survival horror title we've seen this generation. The online multiplayer modes aren't going to blow your mind, but they are a thoughtful addition. It's got a higher level of action than its predecessor, and some gorgeous horror backdrops."
What, are you surprised? The featured game this week is none other than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We'd almost like to give it to George of the Jungle for going toe-to-toe on the Wii with Smash. Keep on chasing that rainbow, George.
If you're in the mood for something a bit less brawly, this week also marks the release of Condemned 2: Revenge of the Zombos Bloodshot. We've got a full list for you right after the break.
Information leaked earlier this week highlighting achievements in the upcoming survival horror romp Condemned 2: Bloodshotleft us scratching our heads as we pondered precisely what "5 scoops of everything" or "You never forget your first time" really meant. Now, Sega has clarified things a bit, sending over a detailed synopsis of what we can expect to have to do in order to feed our Gamerscore with an additional 1000 zesty points.
In total, the game will offer 565 points in the single player campaign, with the remaining 435 requiring players to take on the game's new multiplayer modes. In the interest of soiling virgin eyes, we've moved the complete breakdown of Condemned 2's 40 achievements after the break.
Not through pummeling your pixelated pals with PAIN? Well, this week the PSN update will allow you to procure for a pittance a pirate to persistently pound into pavement. Skurv Dogg is a new downloadable character for PSN's PAIN at a mere $.99. Beyond that there's your normal serving of Rock Band DLC with a side order of No Doubt for Guitar Hero III. Want more? Um, there's the Star Trek teaser trailer in glorious HD to fill your television screen for a little over a minute.
Check out the complete list of content after the break and go say hi to the gentlemen at PS3 Fanboy for European update details.
Sink your hooks into Condemned 2 come March 11, Sega says. If that's not enough to whet your appetite for macabre delights, the publisher has also revealed several multiplayer modes that look standard on paper, but are decidedly vicious in practice (see videos after the break). Aside from the usual Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes, there's "Bum Rush" (one team has 3 minutes to survive a ... bum rush) and "Crime Scene," which attempts to incorporate Condemned's analytical investigations into the otherwise chaotic blood sport as one team tracks evidence while the other 'protects' it – Quick! Lose that 2x4 and grab a mop for that bloodstain! Multiplayer matches support up to eight players on both Xbox Live and PSN.
Although there are some obvious differences in Condemned 2from its predecessor (Greg Grunberg we hardly knew ye!) it seems from this new trailer that those who liked the first title are going to be pleasantly satisfied with what the sequel has to offer. Grisly crime scenes? Check. Bizarre weapons including but not limited to prosthetic limbs? Check. Zombos, that dark marriage of zombie and hobo? Sadly for those especially attached to their brains or Wild Turkey, check.
If we have one reservation it's Grunberg's stand-in and the pseudo tough guy dialog he's given to say (we're looking at you "the rest of these jerks are too scared of getting killed". Blech.) We'll withhold judgment for now, but if anyone starts talk of brick parking in zombo toilets, we'll be very put out.
There's not a whole lot to see in this new trailer for Condemned 2, but it seems to be hitting on all the "scary game trailer" cylinders. Threatening, disembodied voice? Check. Annoying but creepy alarm-like sound effect? Check. Getting your head smashed in by a brick-wielding zombo? ... Check.
The one thing we're still questioning is the point in the clip where the hero appears to be wielding a prosthetic arm. Either that's a weapon (sort of cool) or the damage in the game is so realistically modeled that injuries can result in infection, amputation, filing an insurance claim for a new limb and months of rehab (not as cool). We're pulling for the first one.
