Gaming Generations :: Resistance 2

DeuceGG · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject: Resistance 2

Whats up all. Just finished the single player campaign in R2, and had a few thoughts. If you haven't played the resistance series on the PS3, they are worth a look, since there aren't many good FPS games for the console. If you have played R:FOM, and liked it, then grab this game ASAP. Updated graphically, new secondary fire choices for all the guns and just overall looks like Insomniac learned from their mistakes. Oh, and I say there may be spoilers, but it all comes down to what you call a spoiler. The "spoilers" listed are only info, and not very in depth (and NO, I don't give away the ending...thats for you to look up elsewhere). Alright Ill split this into 2 sections:

PROS:
As I just said, R2 looks much, much better than the first installment, with awesome new bosses, weapons and a pretty satisfying story line. I haven't played the online coop or multiplayer, but I heard the coop is kinda like FPS meets an RPG, giving experience for enemies killed, etc. Definitely worth the money if you are in the market for a good online/offline game, and it has something for everyone. Consider it the "Halo" of the PS3, and in that right its a must have. For the sake of not wanting to spoil the best parts, Ill leave them out, and instead mention most of the "spoilers" in the cons section.

CONS:
(This is going to be long, just so I can explain it all):
1) While this game rocks, it is not without flaws. When I say flaws, I don't mean glitches or anything graphically, I mean there are things that seem broken or unfinished. First of all, enemies are rarely killed by your allies, and the second you enter a combat area, you are the main focus. R2 implimented a regenerating health bar, which is nice because finding a health pack in battle sucks, but Nathan Hale is the weakest "elite soldier" that I have ever played with. There would be times where I would have to replay an area 10 or so times until I figured out a method/got lucky enough to stay alive long enough to kill all the enemies. It does add a feeling of accomplishment, but at the same time cheapens it a bit.
Along with the first comment on enemies only targeting Nathan, there are 2 real gripes I have about this. First, there is a gun called an Auger (don't worry, you find this shortly after you start. Its not spoiling anything), that has ammo that can bore through any matter. This is nice when you have the gun, but when enemies have it, it makes parts of the game almost impossible. At one point, I tried running halfway back through the level, and bullets were still coming through walls to hit me. There are also swarms of literally brainless creatures that come at you, and will run right through your frontlines in order to attack you. Of course, your worthless allies wont kill them, and this will probably lead to a few restarts.
2) Ammo shortage in games always profane me off, especially when facing HORDES of enemies with inaccurate weapons, and R2 is no different. There are times where you will have to leave cover just to find 20 more rounds for your gun. THis adds challenge, but seems unfair at times.
3) There are some pretty cheap moments in the game. Invisible Chameleon enemeies are invulnerable to fire until you see their white outline (there isn't a cloak effect to speak of, they just show up a bit right when they attack), and not having FAST reflexes will result in an instant death. Of course, these things live in swamps mainly, when you will be waist deep in muck making turning difficult. Some will like this aspect, because it does add some intense moments, but it can also be terribly frustrating.

Aside from a few individual moments that game me troubles, there are few other problems with the game. I caution casual gamers though: PLAY ON EASY unless you WANT a challenge, because it will challenge you. I played on Normal, and that was hard enough...I cant imagine what Hard is like. Despite the long cons section, the game plays very well. The single player story line is epic, charting the whole world, and every level feels fresh. Ridiculous bosses add for intense moments (one boss is as big as a skyscraper), and really makes you feel like something bigger than you. I have gripes about the ending as well, mainly because I like long endings that tie things up. It does set up for a 3rd game, but it just feels short for such a massive game (Game took me around 20-25 hours to complete, final movie is about 2 mins long). Definitely worth picking up if you like shooters.
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