Having just finished the credits, I want to share my immediate impressions of Ghostrunner 2. While I’m not a professional gamer chasing platinum trophies, I still feel compelled to speak out. In summary, the plot feels dull, and the gameplay comes across as oddly structured. Let me elaborate on these two main points.
The Plot: A Lack of Depth and Motivation
Recycled Setting and Minimal Expectations
The first Ghostrunner rode the wave of hype surrounding the Cyberpunk 2077 release, debuting with a compelling cyberpunk aesthetic and fresh gameplay ideas. While the original’s story about a cyber tower in a post-apocalyptic world was serviceable, the sequel’s lack of narrative evolution is disappointing.
Motivational Black Hole
In Ghostrunner 2, you’re up against other ghostrunners bent on humanity’s destruction, assisted by an uninspiring cast of NPCs. The protagonist, Jack, is devoid of personality and meaningful motivation, reducing him to a hollow shell. Attempts at self-aware humor fall flat, failing to make Jack more relatable or engaging.
Even the supposed emotional anchor, Zoe, contributes little to the narrative, offering no meaningful development or interaction with Jack. Ironically, the more compelling dialogue emerges between Jack and Bakunin, a former antagonist.
An Unexplored Climax
The story’s culmination is equally unsatisfying. Jack ventures into the desert, ostensibly seeking meaning in the ruins. However, this outcome feels disconnected from the preceding events, leaving the player questioning its purpose or context.
Supporting Characters and Villains
While characters like Kira and Bakunin are decently fleshed out with a semblance of motivation, most of the cast—including the villains—feel like cardboard cutouts. The antagonists’ motives are generic, revolving around revenge or chaos, offering no depth beyond their destructive goals.
Gameplay: Between Precision and Casual Play
New Abilities and Features
The sequel introduces new mechanics, including a motorcycle section, block holding, and multiple bosses—something the first game notably lacked.
A Confusing Gameplay Philosophy
Combat and parkour sequences are designed with a rigid “intended path” for completion. This could have created a satisfying challenge, but the game’s leniency undermines the experience. Frequent checkpoints and minimal penalties for failure create a disjointed balance between hardcore precision and casual accessibility.
Lack of Satisfaction in Success
This leniency also robs victories of their weight. Instead of feeling accomplished after a tough section, I often felt like I had simply worn down the game until it let me pass. This grind-heavy dynamic drained much of the enjoyment from the experience.
Final Thoughts
Ghostrunner 2 isn’t a bad game—it’s simply mediocre. The story lacks depth, the characters are unmemorable, and the gameplay teeters awkwardly between challenge and casual design. Despite my frustrations, I finished the game in about 10 hours, which speaks to its brevity and underlying charm.
That said, any enthusiasm I have for a potential third installment is tempered by skepticism. I’ll rely on others’ reviews before diving back into the world of Ghostrunner. For now, I’m content to leave it behind.