Ghostrunner 2

The story in Ghostrunner 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it attempts to expand on the narrative and character development from the first game, it often feels forced and less engaging. The introduction of a hub area for dialogue and story progression disrupts the fast-paced gameplay that fans enjoyed in the original, leading to a perception that the story detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the deeper lore and character interactions, finding the story serviceable and a step up from its predecessor, even if it remains secondary to the gameplay.

The music in "Ghostrunner 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its energetic and immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. However, several critics noted a significant drop in quality compared to the original game's soundtrack, citing a lack of memorable tracks and instances of silence during gameplay that disrupt the flow. While some tracks are highlighted as standout pieces, the overall consensus suggests that the soundtrack does not consistently match the high-octane action of the game, leading to a less impactful auditory experience.

The optimization of Ghostrunner 2 has received significant criticism, with many players reporting frequent stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, particularly in later levels and during intense combat scenarios. While some users noted improvements in loading times and occasional smooth performance, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, leading to a frustrating experience for many, especially on PC. Despite some positive aspects, the game's performance issues detract from its enjoyment and gameplay flow.

The graphics in Ghostrunner 2 have received significant praise for their stunning visuals and vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, with many reviewers noting improvements over the original game. However, performance issues and optimization concerns have been highlighted, particularly for players with lower-end hardware, leading to frame rate drops and glitches. Overall, while the graphics are considered beautiful and immersive, the game's optimization may detract from the experience for some players.

The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the experience. Common problems include freezing, imprecise controls, and frustrating mechanics, particularly during motorcycle and platforming sections. While some players found enjoyment despite these issues, many described the game as a "buggy mess," indicating that stability remains a major concern.

The reviews highlight a significant amount of grinding in the game, often described as tedious and uninspired, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Boss fights and certain levels are frequently criticized for their lack of engagement, while some mechanics that initially seem promising become monotonous over time. Despite some quality of life improvements, the game is perceived as requiring excessive effort to achieve completion, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its engaging mechanics, collectibles, and additional modes like roguelike gameplay, which enhance replay value significantly. However, others feel it lacks the depth and speedrun-friendly design of its predecessor, leading to concerns about its long-term replayability. Overall, while many find it enjoyable enough to revisit, opinions vary on whether it matches the replayability of the first game.

The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and others criticizing it as inconsistent or poorly executed. While certain characters and their interactions, particularly Jack's sarcastic personality and the comedic exchanges between Victor and Butch, are highlighted as enjoyable, many dialogues are described as cringe-worthy or unfunny. Overall, the humor adds a light-hearted element to the experience, even if it sometimes falls flat or feels out of place.

The atmosphere of the game has received high praise for its captivating and beautiful design, particularly in its cyberpunk setting, which many players find immersive and engaging. However, some reviewers noted inconsistencies and a lack of the seamless flow present in the first game, with criticisms aimed at the level design and pacing that disrupt the overall experience. While the music complements the atmosphere well, it is seen as less memorable compared to the original, leading to mixed feelings about the game's atmospheric execution.

The emotional aspect of the game has been criticized for lacking depth and impact, with many players feeling that significant story moments fail to resonate due to a reliance on exposition rather than immersive storytelling. Characters are described as static, with little development or emotional engagement, leading to a disconnect from the narrative. Overall, while the gameplay is praised, the emotional weight of the story is seen as a major shortcoming, resulting in a disappointing experience for many players.

Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while Jack is praised for his compelling growth and is considered a standout protagonist, the overall execution suffers from poor dialogue and lackluster emotional impact during key moments. The villains, though distinct in their traits, are overshadowed by a weak narrative that fails to take risks, resulting in a less engaging experience.

The monetization of the game is perceived as a potential cash grab, especially compared to its predecessor, but it is appreciated for lacking microtransactions and battle passes, offering a straightforward purchase model for £9. Overall, while there are signs of passion in the game's development, some players feel it has diminished over time.