This game surpasses the first one in every way, shape and form, except it lacks the horror of the first game. This is one of those games where once you start playing, you don't want to stop, even though you get very frustrated at certain points, I'll get to those later. I would say this is better than Silent Hill 2, I felt it was more enjoyable and had better replay value. Now lets get to the game.
The game: The game opens really fast, and already has a high intensity level. The first thing you will notice is Isaac moves around much smoother, and mêlée is actually useful. The game no longer has those intermissions between levels, it just goes through continuously. The visuals are incredible, and atmosphere and lighting are top notch. Power nodes are much easier to come by now, which means I could completely level up my suit and weapons. The plasma cutter is still the best weapon at your disposal, but the Javelin/spike gun that impales and electrocutes enemies is the most fun to use. There are some new enemies, the most annoying being those Velociraptor things. This game features an assortment of set piece moments that are absolutely exhilarating, very memorable moments to be had. The violence isn't as shocking this time around, nothing compared to the brute ripping Isaacs head while is screaming from the first game. The game does have some Oh S**t moments, the best being when you return to the Ishimura, I'll let you experience that for your self. The game moves along at a great pace, but starts to suffer towards the end, they literally through countless enemies at you and feels too much like a mindless action game. The final stage before the end boss was extremely frustrating, swarms of Necromorphs and those regenerators. Once you complete the game you get a great feeling of peace, but they ruin by setting up a sequel. This should have been the last game, I've started playing the third game and it is a real let down, it should have been over, but no it just goes on and on. I'll review it once I have completed it.
The multi-player: This is going to be quick. It was fun for a couple of hours, but wore thin fast. I think it should have been left out, because this game succeed's when you are isolated, not in a big group that cheese spams their stasis.
The verdict: This game easily ranks as one the best games of 2011. It feels less like a horror game and more like a action game, I'm not saying all of the horror is gone, it's just over shadowed by the action. It's a great game, and enjoyable enough for you to start a new game plus, highly recommended.
