The Increased Difficulty of Boss Battles in Ghostrunner 2

Article Key Points

Ghostrunner 2 introduces enhanced visuals, gameplay variety, and focus on storytelling, and reworks boss battles for more player freedom and strategy.

The boss battles in the first game were inflexible and necessitated memorization, whereas in Ghostrunner 2, the bosses possess conventional health bars and adaptable AI, resulting in a more captivating and difficult experience.

Certain enthusiasts may value the fresh dynamism and unpredictability of the boss battles, while others may lean towards the consistent array of factors from the initial game; nevertheless, the revamped battles ultimately present more intricate and demanding challenges.

One More Level has just released Ghostrunner 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2020's Ghostrunner. Building upon the foundations set by its predecessor, Ghostrunner 2 offers improved visuals, diverse gameplay, and a stronger focus on storytelling. However, one major aspect that has been revamped is the boss battles.

Ghostrunner has gained a reputation for its challenging gameplay. It takes the high standards of demanding titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and pushes them even further, requiring players to master the mechanics and understand enemy behavior to avoid a swift defeat. While boss battles in Ghostrunner are intense, they often restrict players' strategic freedom. This differs from the rest of the game, which allows players to utilize Ghostrunner's various techniques and tricks to navigate through enemy hordes. In Ghostrunner 2, the aim is to incorporate some of this freedom into the boss encounters.

How Ghostrunner 2 Ramps Up Boss Battles

Boss Battles Are Not as Restrictive in Ghostrunner 2

With the expansion of Ghostrunner 2, it comes as no surprise that the bosses have undergone significant transformations. Nevertheless, the innovative approach taken towards these confrontations not only grants players a greater sense of freedom and self-expression, but also elevates the level of difficulty in these battles.

Boss battles in the first Ghostrunner were often about deflecting a predetermined series of enemy attacks to create an opportunity for an attack. However, Ghostrunner 2 takes a different approach by introducing traditional health bars and attack sets for many bosses, which are adjusted based on the player's actions. This new system allows players to employ strategic tactics in boss battles, rather than being limited to deflecting or blocking a predetermined set of attacks. As a result, the game avoids feeling too linear or predictable. While this change enhances the engagement of boss battles, it also introduces a considerable increase in difficulty in certain aspects.

Ghostrunner 2's Dynamic Fights Offer a New Challenge

Boss battles in Ghostrunner pose a significant challenge, similar to the rest of the game. However, this challenge comes with a drawback. The lack of variation in boss attacks means that fights often come down to memorization. As a result, the battles can feel repetitive, straightforward, and easily understood after a few attempts, especially in subsequent playthroughs. On the other hand, bosses in Ghostrunner 2, such as Ahriman, offer a much more dynamic experience. This adds variety and unpredictability to the fights, making them more challenging even for seasoned players. While the demand for precision remains, relying solely on memorization is no longer sufficient for victory.

Whether this new approach to boss battles is an improvement over the first game is a subjective decision for players. At first glance, the added dynamism and player freedom may seem universally appreciated. However, some fans may argue that it deviates from the formula of Ghostrunner. The first game was more centered around lightning-fast reflexes and pursuing perfection within a consistent set of variables, rather than creativity and problem-solving.

The sequel of Ghostrunner retains most of its core mechanics, making it a natural progression of the successful ideas from its predecessor. Even those who are loyal to the original Ghostrunner will likely find something to enjoy in the redesigned boss battles. While the strict combat rules of the first game have their merits, Ghostrunner 2 introduces adaptive AI and unpredictable fights, offering more depth and complexity in the challenges.

Ghostrunner 2 can be played on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Ghostrunner series, I am thrilled to see the increased difficulty of boss battles in Ghostrunner 2. The first game was already known for its challenging combat, but the sequel takes it to a whole new level. The bosses in Ghostrunner 2 are more dynamic and unpredictable, requiring players to think on their feet and adapt their strategies on the fly. This makes for a much more engaging and rewarding experience, as players feel a true sense of accomplishment when they finally defeat a boss.

However, I can also understand why some fans might prefer the more structured boss battles of the first game. The new approach in Ghostrunner 2 does require more memorization and practice, which can be frustrating for some players. Additionally, the increased difficulty may make the game less accessible to newcomers. Overall, I believe that the increased difficulty of boss battles in Ghostrunner 2 is a positive change, as it adds more depth and challenge to the game. However, I can also appreciate why some fans might prefer the more straightforward approach of the first game. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide whether they enjoy the new boss battles or not.