Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2

"Heal the World"

Introduction

In 2005, the first Trauma Center was introduced to the Nintendo DS. It was quickly crowned alongside with Phoenix Wright as two of the better simulation games ever released in the handheld system. Trauma Center introduce us to the character of Derek Stiles; a junior surgeon who quickly rise in rank once he discover the 'Healing Hand' ability; an ability that allows him to work faster than other normal doctor. A creative story, combined with a very original gameplay that can only happen in the Nintendo DS / Wii help this game create a market for its own. Now, after three years, the true sequel of the game Trauma Center was released. How does it fare up?

Gameplay

Gameplay-wise, there was no big difference between the first and second Trauma Center. When you are familiar with the franchise, then playing it the second (or third time if you play the Wii version) won't be hard. You'll adapt immediately and perform operation after operation. For those who just jump on board, don't worry much, the first chapter of the game was basically a tutorial incorporated cleverly to the storyline.

In Trauma Center, you are provided with the basic tools you need to use in an operation. The game allow you to use scalpel, serum, bandage, antibiotic gel, and even laser. All of this can be accessed by using a stylus and scribbling in the screen. For those who played the first Trauma Center, they will know that the true danger of the game lurks in the form of GUILT, a man-made virus that Derek and his friends has been battling.

GUILT operation is a little bit different with the other operation in the game as the virus will continually damage the host body. It is up to you to save the patient, eradicate the virus, and heal all the effects that the GUILT cause. There are some old faces of the GUILT appearing here (given a new touch though) while some new variation also appear. I won't spoil much, but the final battle of GUILT are as challenging as ever!

For those who fear the quite insane difficulty of the first game, worry not, for this time the game allows you to challenge it with three separate difficulty mode (interchangeable in the course of the game). For those who loves challenge, try the HARD level, while those who just want to play the game for the storyline can check the EASY level. I pretty much cruise through the NORMAL level just fine.

Story

I must say that the storyline of Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is much better than its predecessor. The first game was just too fast and before we know anything we are suddenly already transferred to Caduceus (a organization that fights GUILT) and we are suddenly in the middle of a biological virus war. The sequel this though, give more room for character development and more realistic doctor job.

After the disaster of GUILT was prevented three years ago, some patient that contracted the disease starts showing up strange symptoms and sickness. This is what will then be called the PGS (Post GUILT Syndrome). The operations in Trauma Center 2 will then touch on many different subjects, from treating normal accident, treating a PGS patient, until finally start to find old GUILT faces and new variant as well.

The dialog in the game was also far smoother and better translated. Every character personality comes into live better this time. They also explore further the possibility of Derek Stiles and her nurse (Angie Thompson) future relationship. I won't spoil more of the fun of the storyline for you. It's safe to say that the theme in this game was more in-line with the second Spider-man movie. I know it's a strange comparison; but you'll understand when you play the game.

Graphic / Sounds

This is the biggest difference of the first and the second game. The second Trauma Center actually decided to follow the graphic style of the remake game in Wii instead of the original predecessor. The character in this game became more 'shoujo'ish rather than 'shonen'ish (girl-ish rather than boy-ish). The in-game was much better this time around with the patient organ easier to be spot and operate.

The music is a great improvement! I totally love the final music battle of the game. It gave such a grand feeling that can only be compared fighting RPG final boss battle. There was truly an epic feeling in it (and considering that I'm fighting viruses instead of fighting monsters, that's quite an achievement). Too bad the same cannot be said for the voice-over. It's still as annoying as before that I decided to disable the voice-over.

Play Time / Replayability

I manage to finish this game in around 10 - 15 hours in the NORMAL difficulty setting. For those who love the challenge of this game, there are a lot of reason to play it again. First, you can try the challenge of getting S in every operation mode from EASY to HARD. After you finish the game, you are also allowed to play the Confidential Operation that have a much-much harder difficulty than the storyline operations.

However, if you only want to play this game in order to watch how the story develops, and decided that whatever is done is done, then there isn't really much replayability left in this game after you finish it.

Final Recommendation

My recommendation? If you are one who play the game for the sake of the gameplay then buy it, you won't regret it. If you are not, then just rent it for some fun time to spend in your weekend. The sequel is just as much fun as the old brother even after all these years!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/07/08

Game Release: Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 (US, 07/02/08)