Ghostrunner 2

The game is played from a first-person perspective. The playable character Jack is very agile, being able to traverse dangerous environments by dashing, jumping, wall-running, and sliding. He can also utilize a grappling hook to swing through the environment, and use "Sensory Boost", which briefly slows down time, allowing Jack to strafe through the air.[1] The game also introduces a stamina meter, which dictates how frequent players can dash and deflect attacks. While a sword is the player's primary weapon, Jack also has access to several special abilities, which can be used in both combat scenarios and solving puzzles. For instance, the "Shuriken" ability, which allows Jack to throw multiple electrical throwing stars, can be used to stun enemies as well as hitting distant switches.[2] Both Jack and his enemy have very limited health, and both can be killed in one hit.[3]

In the game, Jack must venture beyond the Dharma Tower to defeat a group of violent cyber ninja AI cult.[4] Ghostrunner 2 introduces vehicular combat. During certain levels, Jack is able to ride a motorcycle while combating enemies and avoiding obstacles. Levels in the game are more non-linear, with players being able to plan their own routes before confronting the enemies.[5] As players progress in the game, they can purchase upgrades that further enhance Jack's abilities. The motorcycle, however, cannot be upgraded.[6]

One More Level, which is based in Poland, served as the game's developer. Game director Radoslaw Ratusznik described the game as an "evolution" to the original Ghostrunner.[7] While it was designed to be challenging, the team introduced various gameplay enhancements to make it more approachable to new players. For instance, the team introduced an active blocking mechanic for players who were struggling with the game's fast movement system. Samurai Jack was cited by lead gameplay designer Lukasz Wabik as one of the game's inspirations.[6] Jack's motorcycle was added to the game because the team felt that it aligned with the game's fast-paced combat and its cyberpunk aesthetic.[7]

In March 2021, 505 Games, the co-publisher of original game, announced that they had acquired the intellectual property from All In Games for €5 million.[8] The existence of a sequel was first confirmed by 505 Games in May 2021.[9] The game was officially revealed in May 2023.[10] The game is currently scheduled to release for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 26 October 2023. Players who pre-ordered the game or purchased its more expensive Deluxe Edition will have access to several in-game weapon and character skins.[11] A demo for the game was released for PlayStation 5 on 15 September 2023.[12]

Ghostrunner 2 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[13][14][15]

Lauren Bergin of PCGamesN scored the game 9/10 saying "I am so glad that I took on this Ghostrunner 2 review – it may just be one of my favorite games of the year."[23]

• Official website