Blood II

Life

Unfortunately, where most game sequels are able to do things bigger and better than their predecessors, Blood II only goes halfway: the graphics and new weapons are the highlight, but most everything else was done better the first time around.

Not so fresh fun
Blood was a very fun and very violent corridor shooter with sprite graphics similar to Doom; but that was part of the game’s allure – the tacky graphics made Blood the equivalent of playing a B-grade horror film. But what Blood lacked in visual flair, it more than compensated for with intense action, screen-filling carnage, and wry humour. Blood was the most fun you could have on a trip to hell. Blood II keeps most of the elements of the original game, and it’s very fun to play. However, some of the freshness is gone: Turning zombies into hamburger with a shotgun isn’t as fun as it used to be, and some clever details, like zombies chanting ‘more brains’ as they ambled toward you, are sorely missing. Blood II also lacks the clever level design of the original game; most of the stages are fairly straightforward and, although there are four playable characters, it’s the same path through the game regardless of who you choose.

Pluses and minuses
But Blood II isn’t all minuses – it does have a few strong pluses. Front and centre is the new graphics engine. Blood II looks spectacular with its plethora of awesome lighting and special effects. For the most part the graphics are sharp and smooth, although the sweet eye candy does turn sour – especially in the case of some bulky character polygons. Another notable enhancement over the original are new weapons. The most enjoyable new toys are the sniper rifle, that lets you pick-off enemies from several yards away, and a flying sphere, that clasps to an enemy’s head and drills their skull (ala the movie Phantasm). And, yes, there’s plenty of blood to spill – more than in the first game.

The last drop
Despite its alluring new graphics and other new game elements, Blood II pales a bit in comparison to the first game. Corridor-shooter gamers in general should be pleased with Blood II, but bloodthirsty fans of the original game may be disappointed. Spilling Blood is still a thrill, but it was more fun the first time around.

Requirements: Pentium 4 PC or AMD equivalent

Rating: 60%
Contact: Gamestop 01 872

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