Soul Reaver 2

"Great story, graphics, and gameplay!"

The reason I gave this a 9 is because there are absolutely no bosses except near the end. You just go around killing everything in sight and doing puzzles. These puzzles are very complex and require alot of thought. Although that may be a bad thing for you, it is actually a good thing for me because it makes the game harder and longer. Anyways on to the review.

Gameplay

The gameplay in this game is great. It is very fun to go around slashing and cutting off heads of demons/humans. The controls are very easy to use and navigate. Also, the camera is pretty damn good for this sorta game. You get various weapons in this game and all of them are fun to use. The puzzles in this game may seem very overwhelming at first, but as you get into them, they get easier. Don't get me wrong, they are pretty hard, but the game pretty much gives you hints to the puzzles. The Soul Reaver blade is fun to use but the only feature I didn't like was when you use the blade, and it gets too aroused (as they say) and as soon as the meter fills up, it starts to drain your life. Also, if you have the Soul Reaver equipped, it will suck the souls so you can not suck them yourself.
Overall: 9/10

Graphics

The graphics in this game are incredible!!! When I first bought this game, being a fan of the Legacy of Kain series, I expected nothing too big from the graphics department, seeing how old it was and such. I popped it in to my PS2 and I said, ''HOLY CRAP!'' I literally opened my eyes wide and was dazzled by the graphics. There is much more blood in this game than in the first one. Also, there is more violence too so this game gets a M rating instead of a T for the first one. You can cut guys heads off, pull out their heart, and various other things. The weapons add a great deal of fun to the killing. As for the cinematic at the beginning of the game, HOLY CRAP! That is probably the best cinematic I've seen since.....ever! It's very detailed and contains voice-overs. The special effects, as for when you get new blades like the light blade and the dark blade, are awesome! I just can't get over the graphics in this game. Totally incredible!
Overall: 10/10

Sound

The sound in the game isn't anything special or to drool over, but it adds that creepy, Legacy of Kain game feel. Not much to say about it except that none of the tunes get stuck in my head or anything so it's not really special.
The sound effects are great. Like when you swing the Reaver Blade and it makes this cool hissing noise. Its pretty cool when the demons/humans get blown up by the Reaver Blade and the sound effect for it is pretty cool. I think they did a pretty much good job on the sound effects, but the music could have used a little help.
Overall: 9/10

Replay Value

I would have to say the replay value is a little low. I don't think I would want to play this game over 5 times, maybe 2 or 3. There is nothing really special about playing it over except that you might understand the story a little better. I think I would if I did. I still haven't beat it yet, but when I do, I will most definately play it again. Again, not much else to say about it except that I would play it 3 times at maximum.
Overall: 8/10

Overall

This game definately deserves a 9, even if the replay value is bad.
The gameplay is really good. Nothing bad there.
The graphics are awesome, nothing needs to be fixed there.
The sound effects are well done but the music needs a little help.
The replay value is. . .eh, okay. Still, I would play it a few times over.

To Buy or Rent?
This is a hard one. Some people may be able to beat this in one renting. Some people may get stuck on the puzzles and not get very far. Some people don't play too much.
If you are a person who is very good a videogames and can beat some of them in a renting, then you definately have to rent this!
If you are a person who isn't too good at puzzles and likes to do easy ones, you should probably rent this twice. If not, buy it. It's very fun.
If you are a person who isn't that good at videogames or doesn't like to play too much or just isn't intrested in them and rented it to try one out, most definately buy this!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/24/02, Updated 11/24/02