Key Distinction Sets Ghostrunner 2 Apart from Its Predecessor

Highlights

Ghostrunner 2 aims to separate itself from its predecessor with changes to gameplay, world-building, and narrative, expanding upon the framework of the first game.

Ghostrunner 2 brings an exhilarating motorcycle experience to the game, highlighting quick reflexes and creating visually stunning moments that can alter the course of a level. It retains the simplicity and difficulty that players loved in the original game.

In addition to the intense combat sequences, the sequel provides more opportunities for players to relax and explore, with the introduction of a new central hub area where they can engage with non-playable characters.

Ghostrunner 2, developed by One More Level, aims to recapture the intense, gripping gameplay of its predecessor while also introducing significant changes. Although the sequel may initially appear similar to 2020's Ghostrunner, the developer has taken steps to differentiate Ghostrunner 2 in terms of gameplay, world-building, and narrative.

The original Ghostrunner game was a standout success, particularly among fans of indie games who appreciate challenging and polished experiences. It heavily prioritized gameplay, with minimal cutscenes or instances where control was taken away from the player. This design choice proved successful, as the game's ruthless and fast-paced combat, along with its satisfying movement mechanics, created an addictive, brutal, and intricate experience. The narrative of the game was mainly conveyed through radio communications, with minimal interaction with non-player characters. Additionally, there were a few brief environmental puzzles, but the focus remained on combat and movement. While this approach worked well for the first game, Ghostrunner 2 is expanding upon this foundation.

Ghostrunner 2 Seems to Feature More Variety

Ghostrunner 2 aims to enhance its cyberpunk setting by introducing new gameplay opportunities. Some of these scenarios offer moments of downtime, contributing to a more balanced and immersive experience. Alongside the series' signature high-octane gameplay, there are various twists that add a fresh twist.

The most significant change in Ghostrunner 2 is the addition of a new hub area. In between missions, the protagonist, Jack, will have access to a makeshift headquarters where players can interact with friendly NPCs and explore a safe environment. This departure from the core gameplay loop of the original Ghostrunner provides a contrast to the relentless action, allowing players to engage with the story and characters. Although the extent of the hub's content is yet to be seen, its mere existence adds a new dimension to the game. While some players may prefer the non-stop action of the first Ghostrunner, these narrative-focused environments serve to break up the gameplay and foster a connection with Ghostrunner 2's NPCs.

Ghostrunner 2's reveal trailer caused a stir by showcasing the game's new motorcycle, which takes the thrilling traversal gameplay to the next level. In Ghostrunner, movement is heavily influenced by parkour, with the nimble protagonist effortlessly jumping between walls, sliding under obstacles, and using a grappling hook for safety. The motorcycle gameplay takes this movement system and amplifies it, propelling the player along linear tracks at high speeds, leaving little room to pause and recover. This creates exhilarating and visually stunning moments that require quick reactions rather than precise movements, offering a refreshing change of pace within the game.

One of the key appeals of the original Ghostrunner is its simplicity. While players can discover various tricks and exploits to make the game easier or more stylish, the overall experience remains straightforward. The challenge lies in achieving perfection rather than adapting to different scenarios. The sequel aims to capture this sense of brutal simplicity while also expanding the game's framework. This allows Ghostrunner 2 to maintain the successes of its predecessor while introducing a more diverse range of gameplay and narrative moments, making the overall experience even more captivating.

Ghostrunner 2 is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.