Resistance 2 Review

Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Designer: Ted Price
Engine Insomniac Engine v.2.0
Native resolution 720p
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: NA November 4, 2008
JP November 13, 2008
AUS November 27, 2008
EU November 28, 2008
Genre: First-person shooter
Mode: Single-player, co-op, online co-op, multiplayer, online multiplayer
Rating: BBFC: 18
ESRB: M
OFLC: MA15+
PEGI: 18+
Media Blu-ray Disc
Input methods Dualshock 3

Its May 15, 1953 and the United States and the world, as we know it has come under a full scale invasion by an evil and heartless entity call the Chimera. Resistance 2 starts off with our lead hero Nathen Hale crash landing into a mean fire fight against the ruthless Chimera. Resistance 2 picks up form the first game this time the fight continues state side. Your alien killing spree will unfold during ten gruelling chapters. You will fight your way out of deep shit from Iceland to San Fransisco, along the way you will visit,Twin Falls Idaho, Bryce Canyon, Utah, Chicago, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Gulf of Mexico and around the Yucatan Peninsula.



Before we go any further, I'll have to admit I am a sucker for an engaging story filled with great sound design, compelling game play with pretty graphics thrown in for good measures. Many people have tried to link Resistance with Microsoft over hyped killer app Halo. Resistance and Halo are two different games altogether. The two games may share the same mythology with aliens trying to destroy the human race but Resistance 1 and 2 feels superior in scale, scope, and production value. I just had to get that off my chest, Resistance is Sony's answer to Halo and its a damn good answer.



Insomniac Games has a passion and genius for creating some very interesting weaponry in their previous games, such as: Ratchet and Clank and the first Resistance. Most of your favorite weapons have made it back into R2. You have the M5A2 Carbine, Rossmore 238, L23 Fareye, HVAP wraith, HE.44 Magnum, LAARK, V7 Splicer, Bellock Semi-Automatic, Bullseye MK II, Auger MK II, Hedgehog Grenades, Frag Grenade and Air-Fuel Grenade . My favorite piece of destruction for inducing some serious pain was the HE. 44 Magnum and the Bullseye MKII. This time around Insomniac Games decided to drop the weapon wheel in R2. You are only allowed to carried two weapons(guns) and multiple grenades at the same time. Many people has balked at this new method of carrying weapons(sarcasm)this is standard for most FPS. I prefer having only two weapons, because it adds a level of tension during combat espically big battles you know are right around the corner. You will have to decide which two weapons you would like to carry into your personal living nightmare sometimes its a hard choice. There are times when you have exhausted all your ammo and now you are running frantically around looking for anything to shoot everyone. Sometimes you may have to part with a favorite weapon to ensure that you are well prepared for the next instant hell.



Resistance 2 has made a significantly graphical leap from its predecessor. One of the things I love about the Resistance series is the amount of things that happens on screen all at once. Resistance 2 uses the Ratchet and Clank engine and according to Insomniac Games Engine Director Mike Acton R2 is currently a third-generation PS3 title. Resistance 2 does scale and scope like no other game before it. The invasion of San Francisco is an amazing sight be behold. This is the most common game play footage played on the Internet. Many games fail to recreate size and this goes for all type of games, PC, Arcade and Consoles. Resistance 2 at time makes you feel like a small piece of insignificance that can be negated in a blink off an eye and that's scale baby. There are segments in R2 where the textures are pixel perfect and some parts where the textures feel flat and unfinished. There is absolutely no slowdown in frame rate no matter how intense things gets on screen( A pretty damn good feat) and to top it off there is no such thing as pop-ups.



Sony PS3 excels in the sound department especially on Sony exclusives. Resistance 2 has some of the best atmospheric sound this generation. If you have the fortunate chance to own a digital surround system you will be in for a treat. Everything in the game that has a sound attached would be heard all at once.



Multiplayer is where Resistance 2 has super excel it's expectation. There is cooperative and competitive. Each mode will track each players performance as you play through the ranks you will benefit from experience points that will eventually lead to rewards and benefits. One thing that may disappoint a few would be the lack of Single player co-op campaign but you will live. Co-op can support up to two to eight players. Depending on the total of players that is currently in the game the difficulty would be set accordingly. So if they are only three people playing you would not be overcome by the hordes of Chimera. Now if there is the maximum amount of player(eight) currently in the game the difficulty level will be greatly increased to ensure a competitive experience. During online co-op you play as a member of the special forces grouped called the "Specter Team". Your goal in co-op is to collect intel by tackling random objectives around the map. There will be three classes available to choose from: Special Ops-long distance specialist and provider of ammo to all, Soldiers aka "tanks"-provide the heaviest firepower and a shield that can be used to protect those around and the Medic-drains life from the enemies to weaken them, can revive faster than anyone, and able to dish out magical beams of health to teammates.



Online competitive mode in Resistance 2 can support up to 60 players through custom rooms. 60 players all at once on one map may sound like total disorder. To ensure shit does not get too insidious in the four online modes available Deatmatch, Team Death match, Capture the Flag(Core Control) and Skirmish players are split up into squads of six and take part in objective base combat. Player have the choice of Humans or the Chimeran and a slight taste of customization( very limited) and have the ability to preload there weapons of choice and their special ability.



Resistance 2 has lived up to the hype and at the same time has raised the bar for the calibre of content offered in a game. R2 is cemented with a riveting story, digital Hollywood sound production, competitive on-line and some of the best online co-op experiences on any game system has to offer. Resistance 2 is a game every Sony PS3 owner should go out and buy for a few reasons: one to support Insomniac Games for their love for PS3 owners, and to be part of an experience that will in no doubt blow you away( play on words).


Graphic:A-
Sound:A
Replay Value:A
Control:A
Fun Factor: A
NanoGeekTech Overall Score: A


Should you buy Resistance 2 or rent it: You should go out and purchase Resistance 2 now or at least put it on your Christmas list so someone else can get it for you. I currently own Resistance 2 and so should you. What are you waiting for head to NanoGeekTech Shops or your local video game dealer and make it happen people...

P.S. I love the ended, it was something I was not expecting.