Ghostrunner ( One More Level, All in! Games SA, 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironwork) Video Game Review
INCLUSIVE TALLY (Overall): 8.9/10
"An Exemplary, Swift & Anarchic FP Slasher of Split Second Judgements"
Bang for your Bounty (Value): 8/10
*Frodo Baggins Folds Arms* "You're late!" I am only about a year late on this game but I enjoyed it so much I had to pop a review on the ole blog. Ghostrunner released at $29.99 and still holds there but at the moment (10/14/2021), the game is free on PSNow and Amazon games if you have prime. (through GOG) Recommendation: If you can grab it for free it's a no brainer, I also feel the game is worth 30 rupees - but first check the review. (the appeal is style specific)
Ocular Pleasure (Graphics): 8.8/10
Crisp and buzzin just like Neon. What a fantastic job of inserting me into the Post-Apocalyptic Cyberpunk Ninja realm. The high-def environment looks fantastic and triumphs in matching the game's intent. The level transitions and back and forth keep it fresh and exciting while still maintaining the same direction. I especially loved the "Downtown Coruscant" vibes in Dharma City. I found the blend of piercing lambent billboard signage and dark tower city architecture captivating.
Butter or Stutter (Gameplay/Mechanics): 9.5/10
Sleek, smart, fast and Egyptian cotton smooth . Once you get used to the controls and get a couple dozen deaths out of the way everything clicks and feels amazing. The responsiveness of the controls and smooth layout design allows you to keep up with "balls to the wall" pace and just react. This is my first combative experience with a control layout like this and I am very very pleased.
Body of Expression (Story): 6.9/10
I brought a sword to a gunfight? Ghostrunner tells the all too classic tale of a cybernetically heightened samurai who wakes up with no memory and feels the need to plunge steel into the guts of the riot patrol while some all-knowing "mystery man" is in his ear with questionable and calculated advice on what we should do. You know, that old chestnut? While the story itself is mediocre, you may have gathered that the reason to play is the challenge and gameplay. Without giving too much away, just sit back and enjoy the worthy voice acting as you unravel this predictable tale of Ghostrunner and "The Architect".
Harmony of Workings (Balance/Interest/Gameplay): 9.6/10
Are you the gamer that likes to hate themselves over and over again just for that rush of dopamine in a gratifying moment of success? Ghostrunner might be your huckleberry. While the game is rather linear and the concept is easy to pick up, the execution proves to be bit trickier. Enemies die in one hit but rest assured that you do too. Time to put on our big boy pants, keep moving and gitgood. There is only one speed in Ghostrunner and you don't need to mash R3 for it. The fact is we're gonna die alot. (unless you're some cracked out speedrunner super sweat) Good thing the respawning is instantaneous and checkpoints are plentiful allowing us to keep our petal to the metal and our attention in the game. If you do give it a chance and get past the original frustration the game, it does get easier. As you progress and gain access to new skills the dismemberment of the enemy becomes damn near routine. In fact, once you are dialed and have some key skills it becomes more fun than frustrating chaining combos and pull off insane moves. Ghostrunner did a phenomenal job of introducing fresh enemies and skills to keep the combat and approach diverse and challenging. The theme is ever-changing and just about every level has a new introduction that allows you a new combat experience. All in all there is only one argument that can be made when it comes to gripes. The "Cybervoid" space where we learn skills tends to drag ass a little and feel borderline repetitive as you solve the basic puzzles. Really though, just chalk it up to an essential training exercise where we let the story dialogue play out. Seems less of a gripe and more video game 101.
Unique Entities (Characters): 7.0/10
Protagonist, Antagonist and some chick named Zoe?? Yeah that's it, a little shallow but in this story that's all we need. Essentially that’s everyone that’s really left in the world as the rest of the characters end up being just piles of meat.
Triumphs/Keepsakes (Achievements/Trophies):
6/10 difficulty. This shiny one will run you about 8-15 hours depending on your skill level. There are a few challenging trophies but with a little practice they are manageable. Nothing in the game is worthy of pulling your hair out over. Everything can be cleaned up via chapter select after credits roll.
Undefined duty (Other Criticisms or Praise):
Props for being different and outside the box. Nothing but praise from me on the brand new gameplay style. Comparable games that pop into my head are Mirrors Edge or Ninja Gaiden but Ghostrunner leaves them in the dust and is on a whole other level. Thanks to the developers for this fast and unique gaming experience.
Comments
Post a Comment