Obscure: The Aftermath

"Obscured Nostalgia"

Despite being playable, the first Obscure game didn't create mega sales or even cause critics to stop and stare. So did we really need a sequel? Does Obscure 2 actually expand on its predecessor to produce a truly horrific, addictive and chill to the bone experience? Well in spite of this, Obscure 2 is actually a hard to find game even though it was released in late 2007.

Developed by Hydravision, this sequel to the 2004 original is set 2 years later where the survivors of the Leafmore High tragedy are now attending Fallcreek University. Shannon was able to adapt to the poison that affected her body whilst both Stan and Kenny have to take regular medication to counter the effects. However, life has generally gone back to normal and teenagers will be … well teenagers. Partying and drug abuse are all part of their extracurricular activities and everything seems to move along smoothly.

Nonetheless in true teen horror style, the drugs they have been taking are actually discovered to have come from a strange unknown flower and as a side effect forces their bodies to mutate and turn in monsters. And so Obscure 2 begins, with a host of new characters as well as the original survivors as they set off on a sickening quest to uncover the truth about this new drug and to try and fins a way to stop it before it takes over Fallcreek altogether.

I've got to admit the storyline in Obscure 2 isn't shattering and mostly relies upon its original to score as the basis in this sequel. It's predictable and a little bland, but to be honest it is entertaining. It plays out very much like a teen horror movie, one that's not really scary, original nor astounding but easy to watch over and over again. What Obscure 2 does well is match its direct audience extremely well and the pace of the storyline lets you play on and on.

As a horror game, you have to ask the question whether or not it provides and shock horrors or even any jumpy bits and the simple answer is not really. You may come across a few moments in cutscenes that are a little edgy but never terrifying. However it is important to note that not many retailers in the UK stock this anymore because it includes a cutscene of the first videogame teen suicide, but on the whole you can't help feel an overwhelming sense of being rushed through events to finish the game.

It is nice how the original characters are integrated with a horde of new ones, all each having a different personality that somehow is put to good use throughout. Hydravision have done well to create a strong sense of depth to each of the characters by exploring them each to a degree in the game, which overall balances adequately with the main plot. Like a true teen horror film, Obscure 2 does kill off some the characters, but it always remains a guessing game as to which ones it will be. The effect of this certifies it as a playable and believable game and actually adds a little touch of originality – something many horror games doesn't really do.

Visually, Obscure 2 doesn't do anything groundbreaking, but does provide a crisp, clear set of animations and characters that at times suffer from a little roughness around the edges. In fact things have rarely changed from the original as it is evident that the same engine has been used, but on the whole this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Background objects are somewhat plain, but mostly 3D that does the job well. What's important here is that the background aesthetics do create a sense of realism in terms of the intended atmosphere that Hydravision wanted to enforce. The abondonded school really does look and feel like an abondonded school with a vast array of clinical white corridors, shelves upon shelves of tattered bookcases and smashed up trophy cases, plus overturned classrooms and clogged up toilets.

Character animations are generally smooth and all designed equally well with a detailed face engine. Emotion can be seen extremely well with eyebrows reflecting anger, whilst cheek bones reflect a strong sense of pragmatism. It is a little ‘cartoony' at times, but it is easily forgiven however with the abundance of cutscenes, heavily detailed with a dark tone, but an airbrushed feel.

Apart from a select few though, many of the mutant monsters lurking throughout the game are mostly disappointing, simply because of their straightforward design and lack of shade and creativity. They all seem to be the same colour which isn't really a major issue, but it does become tiresome and samey. You also can't help but feel like you've seen them somewhere before which takes away some of the shock appeal.

One aspect of a horror game that truly makes it a great encounter is the sound effects and this is where Obscure 2 fails to compete with the bigger players. Not one of the lame sound bytes captures your attention or gets your heart racing. This is really second-rate because it doesn't set the game alight and falls short to establish a tense atmosphere, which these types of games so desperately need. So instead of a well times thud or groan you get obvious style creaky door and dripping water.

Despite this, the soundtrack fairs much better with teen angst rock tunes, guitar fuelled verses and at times a heavily catchy air to match the pace of the action happening on screen. There are no exclusive bands with this one unlike its original's vast array of well known groups such as Sum 41. It does do well for the game in setting a basis for the fights but it doesn't let you forget about the other sound problems mentioned above.

The voice acting is pretty much average and a tad bit over the top, but you can't expect anything much else really and it fits in well with the likes of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Some parts are underperformed whilst others are over dramatic that sometimes you get the impression it's more of a parody than a serious game.

It seems that in this instalment the action part of the Gameplay has been up tempered with an increased selection of weapons to use, some only available at certain points. This works tremendously well for the game because effective tension is created throughout, whether it is when you're surrounded by crawling insects with only a baseball bat to protect yourself with or when you are given a machine gun to unload on a series of mutant lizards that ambush you. Crossbows, pistols, shotguns and even chainsaws are available to pick up and use each with their ups and downs so this adds a slight tactical view within the Gameplay.

A major holdback for Obscure 2 however is the lack of freedom available to you to wander off and go exploring across the plethora of school rooms, graveyards or empty roads. It's entirely linear with a definitive set path to follow and this takes away a certain depth that games such as Silent Hill and Resident Evil 3 offered. What this does is force you to carry on with game at a pace Obligated by the storyline rather than on at your own will. This results in an overwhelming sense of being rushed.

Multiplayer options have rarely been offered with games like this, but just like the first, Obscure 2 invites you to play along with a friend by taking control of one of the eight characters that appear throughout. This means when it's fighting cockroaches or solving the loads of puzzles you'll always be doing it with someone. This is a very nice touch, one that allows you to enjoy the game even more. Despite the linear Gameplay, the events unfold at an even pace and it is entertaining to play especially given the chance to do it with a friend.

The puzzles in the game aren't exactly difficult or even original but fit in well with the game to provide something that flows quite well. Crates need moving, codes need searching for, pipes needs turning off etc and each character has a special ability to help solve these puzzles. Corey for example can jump up to high ledges, Stan can pick locks, Mei can hack codes whilst Sven can move heavy objects. Its simple but well thought out. It can be frustrating at times however when you have to run all the way back just to switch characters to move ahead. You also get a feeling that the puzzles are simply copies of similar ones from games such as Dino Crisis or the original Resident Evil.

Replayability is lacking mostly however simple because of the exclusion of a difficulty setting. This may help beginners where you get undemanding singular enemies to kill at the start and more difficult groups of enemies towards the latter stages of the game, but on the whole it's a very straightforward play through that will last you roughly 5 – 7 hours. You can't unlock extra costumes, levels, weapons or any special features either and to fans expecting more, this will be a let down.

Overall, Obscure 2 is a highly entertaining and enjoyable game despite the lack of any real horror moments. For a game to be released so late into the PS2's life it has effective dark graphics and a great feel to it. The multiplayer option really sets the game on fire despite its linear Gameplay style and simple puzzle system, but it all fits together nicely into a tight package. Beginners can find an element of enjoyment in this, whilst others can take pleasure in it addictive manner. I doubt another game would follow, but Obscure 2 is a fantastic starter whilst you wait for the main course to come.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/17/08

Game Release: Obscure II (EU, 09/07/07)