Point Blank 2

"Entertainment at Point Blank range"

'Point Blank 2' is a light gun game for PlayStation, but in a very different style to that of other games in its genre such as 'Time Crisis.' Here we are presented with numerous challenges that will have even the most seasoned shooting fan glued to the screen for ages, attempting to crack each of the different challenges on all four difficulty levels. But what makes 'Point Blank 2' so much fun? Is it the varied gameplay or its addictive nature? And is it worth your time and money?

'Point Blank 2' is not a story based game, although there is a theme park mode which has you finding the King's daughter who disappeared. To find out where she is you must complete a series of shooting challenges. As far as stories go, this one is terrible. This isn't a problem though, because you don't need a complex story to enjoy this game, or even this mode. Otherwise the game has no other story to speak of, which is probably a good thing because you need only concentrate on the tough shooting puzzles.
Story: 1

Quirky, odd and very colourful are probably the best way to describe the graphics in 'Point Blank 2.' While hardly anything special they fit the quirky theme of the game well, and it actually plays a bit like a cartoon in many ways.
Each scene is composed mostly of non-animated targets, or simple cardboard cut outs, leaving next to no animation per scene. When there is animation however, it's not great, but often rather funny, such as shooting the fleece off sheep as they bounce along the screen.
Everything is easy and clear to see in each scene which is important, especially in the one hit rounds, and the quirky look and feel of the game makes it feel much like a cartoon that you are a part of.
Otherwise the graphics are rather simplistic, but also extremely effective.
Graphics: 5

As for sound, 'Point Blank 2' had me reaching for the volume control.
In keeping with the cartoon theme, all the games sounds aren't really realistic but more what a child may expect them to be. For example the sheep and cats all have stereotypical noises that are what people ASSOCIATE with those animals, but aren't actually what they sound like.
The gunshots are another example, and while hardly realistic were effective. The shattering of the glasses and targets was good though, like some one breaking a glass window.
The music was easily the lowest point of the game though, it was so terrible I was reaching for the volume control the minute the game started. To best explain it would be to say that it's a mix of classical music and Japanese techno. While some may find the combination interesting I found it down right awful, and had turned it off at the first chance I got.
Sound: 2

'Point Blank 2' is both a test of skill and reflexes. There are multiple modes to choose from, such as theme park mode where you must do a set of levels to find the king's missing daughter, Point Blank Castle which has a series of challenges, Party mode for multiple players, Tournament mode as the name suggests and finally training mode. Theme Park mode is supposedly the 'beef' of the game so to speak, but I found myself playing mostly the training mode. This mode allows you to choose any of the games sections and levels, and try to beat them in four different difficulty levels.
Some of the sections include one hit pressure rounds, rapid fire, animal targets, gangster hunts, black and white targets and more. The levels are truly unique, challenging you to do all kinds of things such as sheering sheep by shooting them, hitting a flipping coin, keeping a can hovering above the moon by shooting it, blowing up a car before it hits you and many more. The different difficulty levels are great as you can try to beat each level on the set difficulty, which can become extremely hard yet strangely addictive.
The multiplayer modes are another great addition to the gameplay, challenging you to beat your friend and get the highest score.
There are a few problems with the game as a whole though. As with most games of this genre, the gameplay is limited as is the life span. It's easy to lose interest after a while. Another problem lies with the controls. If you don't have a G-Con compatible light gun don't even bother getting this game. While the controller does work well it defeats the point of the game completely.
Gameplay: 7
Life Span: 5

Pros
+ Good selection of game modes
+ Varied levels
+ Challenging
+ Colourful graphics

Cons
- Awful music
- Poor sound effects
- Limited appeal
- Short life span
- Only for owners of G-Con's

All in all, 'Point Blank 2' is a challenging light gun game that is also family friendly with no violence to speak of, unless you believe shooting cardboard cutouts is violent. If you liked the game in the arcades and have a G-Con compatible light gun then this game is for you. If you don't have a G-Con don't even bother with this game, as it defeats the point of it altogether. 'Point Blank 2' is also a great party game provided your friends have G-Cons.
Overall: 6

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/02, Updated 12/20/02