It's a 2-star game (out of 4). Neither bad nor good, it simply feels uninspired compared to the first one. The core gameplay remains the same, so if you didn't like playing the original, you won't like this one. Still lots of walking and clunky combat. The graphics and "cinematography" are splendid, but the dialogue and storytelling are often hammy and over-the-top.
It's not a walking simulator. Let's clear that up. There's real strategy here in navigating the terrain, plus a range of combat opportunities. It's also unusually strange and original for a AAA game. Where it falters is in the director's indulgence, especially in the last 10 or so hours when you reach the west coast. Just endless exposition and poor dialogue and silly, convoluted twists. It really obliterated much of the good will I had towards the game.
It's hard to overstate just how impressive and original this game was back when it first released in 1998. When it comes to cinema, you could make arguments for other earlier games, like the Lucas Arts ones, but this game felt like the true arrival of Hollywood in games, despite it being made by Japanese. Plus, it pioneered the 3D stealth genre. Really hard to overstate the influence of this game. Kojima stories will never not be a bit wacky, but that's part of the charm, at least sometimes.
It's a strong game, especially if you love Persona games like I do, but it never fully escapes the shadow of that series. Much of the time it plays like a reskinned Persona in a fantasy world. It has some interesting thoughts about democracy and governance on its mind, but if you can't make it through the JRPG grind, you may not get to appreciate them.
For as much hate as this game has gotten for essentially ditching the RPG style of gameplay for Devil May Cry action, I found myself pleasantly surprised. The combat is never less than engaging, especially the spectacular boss fights, and the story is unusually mature and grounded for a Final Fantasy, with wonderful characters and family dynamics -- at least until the end, when the focus shifts to a more typical, cheesy metaphysical realm.
Just a bright, joyful burst. It's not really breaking any new ground in gameplay or narrative, but it will keep you charmed throughout its relatively short 10-hour main story. There are some real bangers in the soundtrack, too!
There's just not much there with the gameplay. And in these sorts of situations, it's vital that the story and dialogue be truly compelling, and that's simply not the case here. I was turned off right away by the glib, snarky radio back and forths between the main character and his boss. And it just never improved.
Breezy, fun, funny, brilliant, and just such a joy to play through with your best friend. If you're like us, you'll be bickering with each other like the characters in the game. The biggest issue is simply that it's a very "on-the-rails", amusement park ride kind of game. Not much exploration, and probably not a huge amount of replay value.
I was about 40 hours into this game when I was finally able to admit to myself that I simply wasn't having any fun playing it. I marvel at the game's commitment to realism, and the strong voice performances, but the gameplay is a persistent chore.
It doesn't really do anything you haven't seen before. The gameplay is a mix of Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid. The storytelling borrows from the film, Children of Men, and your favorite zombie shows. But it combines those influences so exceptionally well that it is the most perfect survival horror game ever.
I have no problems with the "shocking twist", and saw it coming after playing the first game. I also have no problems with the inclusion of diverse characters. It's simply that this game is a relentlessly grim slog to play through that I can't fully recommend it. It is, however, extremely technically accomplished.
Takes you back to the golden era of Final Fantasy, but with more difficult and engaging combat + mature characters. Deeply moving story, gorgeous visuals and music, and addictive gameplay. Grips you right away, and then somehow keeps getting better. After you finish it, its themes linger in your mind.
