Ghostrunner 2

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,330 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • music
Ghostrunner 2 Game Cover
You’ll suffer hundreds of deaths in Ghostrunner 2, but every single one is worth it to move you forward step-by-bloody-step.
Starting at $3.63Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on PS Store

In Ghostrunner 2, players can look forward to the Dragon Pack DLC, free Chinese VO update, Roguerunner.exe Mode expansion, and Hardcore Mode. The Brutal Edition offers a game upgrade with additional sword and hand skins, a motorcycle skin, and a season pass, while the Deluxe Edition includes the game with fewer add-ons. Experience intense, fast-paced parkour combat in this anticipated sequel. *Note: this summary was created without confirmation of the game's content and should be treated as a general description based on available information.

  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Play Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,330 reviews
gameplay270 positive mentions
optimization72 negative mentions
  • Fast-paced and fluid gameplay that retains the core mechanics of the first game.
  • New abilities and mechanics, such as the motorcycle and wingsuit, add variety and excitement.
  • Improved boss fights that are more dynamic and engaging compared to the first game.
  • Performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, especially in open-world sections.
  • The addition of a hub area disrupts the flow of gameplay and feels unnecessary.
  • The story and character dialogue are often considered weak and uninteresting.
  • gameplay775 mentions

    The gameplay in Ghostrunner 2 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and the introduction of new features like the motorcycle and wingsuit, which add variety to the experience. However, some players feel that the game has become slower and more cumbersome due to the addition of mechanics like blocking and a stamina system, which disrupt the original's seamless flow. Overall, while the core gameplay remains engaging and retains much of what made the first game enjoyable, the execution of new elements has led to a perception of inconsistency and occasional clunkiness.

    • “The gameplay is some of the best I've ever played in any video game, and the story is a step up from the original.”
    • “Gameplay is fast, fluid, challenging, skillful, and expressive.”
    • “The gameplay is tight as it was in the first game, with new gameplay and upgrade mechanics being a welcome addition.”
    • “It slows down gameplay to a slog where you are forced to talk with NPCs when facial animation is pretty bad and the writing is even worse. Dialogue doesn't flow; you can tell when a line starts and one ends, and you have dialogue options for more exposition.”
    • “The gameplay feels way more janky and unfinished than the previous game.”
    • “The game went from being a quick-paced, pedal-to-the-metal game in Ghostrunner 1 to now stopping gameplay to show long uninteresting and poorly acted cutscenes, a hub, and stopping gameplay just to shove their poorly written story down your throat.”
  • story753 mentions

    The story in Ghostrunner 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it is more expansive and character-driven than its predecessor, it often feels forced and detracts from the fast-paced gameplay. The introduction of a hub area for character interactions and story exposition has been criticized for breaking the game's flow, leading to a less engaging experience. Overall, while some players appreciate the deeper lore and character development, others find the narrative lacking and less compelling compared to the first game.

    • “The story is a bigger part than the first game, which is both good and bad.”
    • “The voice acting of the lead and a couple of other characters is also top notch and pulls you into the story.”
    • “The story is much more ambitious than the first game, and I don't know if I like it more?”
    • “The story is garbage and is really confusing.”
    • “The story was expanded upon but I feel like that somehow made it worse, especially with all of the hub dialogue and random characters that I don't think anyone cared about.”
    • “The story is mid, voice acting terrible, upgrade system sub-par, but the moment to moment gameplay, movement, combat all make this game soar above the rest.”
  • music296 mentions

    The music in "Ghostrunner 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its energetic and immersive soundtrack that complements the fast-paced gameplay. However, several players noted a significant drop in quality compared to the original game's soundtrack, citing moments of silence in levels and a lack of memorable tracks. While some tracks are highlighted as standout pieces, the overall consensus suggests that the music does not consistently match the game's intensity, leading to a less engaging experience in certain sections.

    • “The soundtrack is fantastic, and the art style is great while also giving more of a variance in the environments that you encounter.”
    • “The music seamlessly transitions from adrenaline-fueled combat sequences to moments of quiet contemplation, underscoring the game's themes of isolation and resilience.”
    • “The soundtrack, a pulsating blend of electronic beats and industrial symphonies, perfectly complements the game's frenetic pace.”
    • “The techno music that used to blare constantly and add fuel to the action goes dead quiet and every level just becomes a drab, quiet affair.”
    • “I kept thinking I had accidentally unchecked some 'play music' option in the settings, or had turned the 'music' setting from 100% volume to 0 by accident, but the case was it just suddenly decided to stop playing once you're out of the tower.”
    • “The only downgrade is the OST which doesn't pack a punch like the first one.”
  • optimization219 mentions

    The optimization of the game 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 performance over time, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, leading to a frustrating experience for many, especially on high-end PCs. Despite some positive aspects, the optimization issues remain a major drawback that detracts from the gameplay experience.

    • “The developers did a great job with optimization so when you die there is no long loading, you just respawn immediately.”
    • “While there are some performance and optimization issues later in the game that come with large amounts of enemies, overall the game provided a reasonably bug-free experience.”
    • “Great gameplay, overall interesting story, sometimes really poor dialogue, bit buggy, performance goes from good to terrible.”
    • “Optimization is lacking; there is stuttering in the game when doing certain actions, and it's really annoying considering I have a pretty beefy PC.”
    • “The performance is absolutely abysmal; the game is borderline unplayable.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized, especially in the open world segments, which is ridiculous because this game doesn't look any better than the first, which I could run at max settings without issues.”
  • graphics185 mentions

    The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their stunning visuals and significant upgrades from the original, showcasing a vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic with detailed environments and impressive effects. However, many users have reported performance issues, including frame drops and optimization problems, particularly on lower-end systems, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these technical challenges, the game's art style and visual design are often highlighted as standout features, contributing to an immersive and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The graphics have seen a significant upgrade, and the soundtrack is even more immersive, making every moment feel larger than life.”
    • “The enemies look fantastic, the world looks just as great, the blades are easily my favorite visuals with all the colors and lights.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, with neon-drenched environments and a sleek cyberpunk aesthetic.”
    • “Another huge downgrade were the graphics.”
    • “I have a beefy PC for this game's specs sporting a 12400F paired with a 3060Ti and the FPS simply dropped from 120 to 30 and 40 randomly, ruining streaks, combos, etc. Probably an Unreal Engine issue, but come on, optimize it before releasing it. The first game didn't have those issues at all and had better graphics.”
    • “Graphics don't feel like much of an improvement; mainly it's the character models that got the most touches, and yet the game runs worse than the original.”
  • stability75 mentions

    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, getting stuck in the environment, and inconsistent enemy behavior, particularly in later stages and during motorcycle sequences. While some users found enjoyment despite these issues, many described the game as a "buggy mess," indicating that stability remains a major concern.

    • “This game is amazing; the story is easy to follow and it runs great even on older PCs.”
    • “While there are some performance and optimization issues later in the game that come with large amounts of enemies, overall the game provided a reasonably bug-free experience.”
    • “The game runs completely fine with no glitches (so far) and I love the changes they've made with the little hub world and all.”
    • “The game had so many performance issues; all levels took a while to load, at the end of any cutscene you get a 25-second black screen, and many times the game just freezes for a second to finish loading a level.”
    • “Frankly, the game is a buggy mess.”
    • “The huge maps are way too buggy to be enjoyed and appreciated properly; furthermore, they basically don’t work with the Ghostrunner’s gameplay style due to the fact that they completely eliminate the fast-paced gameplay and turn it into a slow, sluggish mess.”
  • grinding34 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant issue with grinding in the game, describing it as tedious and often requiring excessive time investment, with some players feeling it detracts from the overall enjoyment. While there are moments of satisfaction, many aspects, such as boss fights and level designs, are criticized for being uninspired and monotonous, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the grinding mechanics seem to overshadow the game's strengths, making it feel like a chore rather than an engaging challenge.

    • “Enemies vary more and the 100% achievement isn't as tedious.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It just feels too tedious to play.”
    • “Ghostrunner 2 moves away from the flowing parkour and combat of GR1 in favor of calm segments and tedious arenas.”
  • replayability29 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its potential for infinite replay through collectibles, hardcore modes, and competitive elements, while others criticize it for lacking depth compared to its predecessor. Many enjoy the challenge of speedrunning and perfectionist playstyles, but some feel the design choices have diminished the overall replay value. Overall, it offers enjoyable replay opportunities, particularly for dedicated players, but may not satisfy everyone seeking extensive replayability.

    • “It's simply a great time and very replayable, and I intend to replay it right away.”
    • “The shards and secret spots allow for further replayability in the main story levels.”
    • “There's a lot of replayability in this game, and I aim to 100% it just because it's that enjoyable to go back to.”
    • “The replay value is borderline non-existent and the lower number of speedrun submissions reflects that.”
    • “It's not designed for replayability like the first game and combat design went from advanced to basic.”
    • “It is not as replayable as the first game and is - in a strange move - notably very anti-speedrun in its level design compared to the haven that was the first game.”
  • humor27 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and enjoyable, particularly in character interactions and dialogue, while others criticize it for being inconsistent and sometimes cringe-worthy. Notable moments include sarcastic humor from the protagonist and amusing character dynamics, though some jokes fall flat or feel forced. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch to the experience, even if it occasionally veers into awkward territory.

    • “The dialogue is so funny that I died multiple times in some parts just laughing.”
    • “Jack's personality in this game is an awesome fit: sarcastic and funny in some parts, but still serious when needed.”
    • “However: Victor and Butch... their interactions are f***ing hilarious and they carry the hub world.”
    • “The dialogues are terrible with unfunny jokes and stupid characters.”
    • “The humor falls flat and feels forced, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “The attempts at humor are cringeworthy and detract from the overall experience.”
  • atmosphere23 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its beautiful, dystopian cyberpunk world and immersive music that enhances the experience. However, some players feel that the atmosphere lacks the cohesive flow and intensity of the first game, citing issues with level design and inconsistent pacing that detracts from the overall immersion. While the game showcases a wider variety of atmospheres and improved visuals, it struggles to fully capture the essence of its predecessor.

    • “Fantastic atmosphere, probably the best I've ever experienced in a video game.”
    • “Incredibly atmospheric and very beautiful world of a dystopian future will not leave anyone indifferent.”
    • “The atmosphere and aesthetic of this series is incredible.”
    • “The game's fun, however you can easily tell this game tries to have an atmosphere and feeling it can't reach.”
    • “However, the music is not as memorable as the first game and the overall atmosphere is inconsistent.”
    • “I'll give the devs props on the atmosphere and the music, but this game leaves me nostalgic for the first game with levels that are tightly designed, adrenaline pumping missions seamlessly leading into another with no downtime at all.”
  • emotional11 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth and impact, with many players feeling that significant story moments fail to resonate due to poor character development and dialogue. While the gameplay mechanics are praised for their excitement, the narrative is described as uninspired and lacking emotional weight, leading to a disappointing overall experience. Players express a sense of missed potential, feeling that the game could have delivered a more engaging and heartfelt story.

    • “When I played Ghostrunner, I cried tears of joy at a game that did not lack in visual aesthetic, interesting narrative, tight gameplay and mechanics, and an all-banger soundtrack.”
    • “Heartbreaking, but I'm chopping this up as a miss.”
    • “The best example of this I have is a spoiler which I'll include below, but in summary they took zero risks with the story to the point that significant moments of character development had zero emotional impact when they should have been a huge deal.”
    • “The levels are enjoyable, but the storyline is one of the more boring ones I've encountered, and the side characters are forgettable.”
    • “The emotional depth of the game is lacking, making it hard to connect with the characters or care about their journeys.”
    • “While the gameplay is engaging, the emotional aspects feel flat and uninspired, leaving me uninvested in the narrative.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is mixed; while some characters like Jack are praised for their compelling growth, others suffer from poor design and lackluster emotional impact due to weak storytelling and dialogue. The overall execution fails to deliver significant moments that resonate, leaving players feeling disconnected from the characters' journeys.

    • “Jack especially, now one of my favourite protagonists in the video game industry, had such a great character development, I hope to see more of him.”
    • “The story is terrible (technically also not really cyberpunk, more like science fantasy wearing a cyberpunk suit), they added some really bad dialogue, with weird pauses, zero facial expression, and very mediocre character design.”
    • “The best example of this I have is a spoiler which I'll include below, but in summary they took zero risks with the story to the point that significant moments of character development had zero emotional impact when they should have been a huge deal.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization of the game is perceived as a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and battle passes, others feel that the game's passion has diminished, leading to a sense of it being a cash grab despite its reasonable price. Overall, the game is seen as straightforward in its monetization approach, with no misleading advertisements.

    • “There are no microtransactions or battle passes, which is a refreshing change.”
    • “I appreciate that the game doesn't push any pay-to-win mechanics.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't disrupt the gameplay experience.”
    • “I can tell that there are sparks of passion there, but I feel as if it has faded from the burning blaze present in the first game. It feels a little like a cash grab, and that's the reason I bought this game for 9 pounds.”
    • “Unlike other products, the ads don't lie about this game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

Buy Ghostrunner 2

Play time

7hMedian play time
16hAverage play time
5-17hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 15 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News