Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2

"I have a DS, and a new best friend for it"

Trauma Center is possibly my favorite series in video games and for a reason. It's fast-paced, a deep story that connects you to the characters, and give an incredibly challenge. As I learned of a new (Direct sequel) coming to the Nintendo DS I was jumping in joy. The first DS game was my favorite, and now Atlus was finally making a direct sequel!. Naturally, on the afternoon of the release I ran out and picked up a copy of the game, definitely was I pleased.

For those who remember the original Under the Knife, they'd probably first note the character models, which have been redrawn and smoothed out in order to look more like the sprites from Second Opinion. They'd also remember the look of the patient's organs (Feels awkward to compare that) has been remade also, resembling the parts from New Blood. Many people I know had played Under the Knife and complained about the items being a tad too touchy. The items have had an overall improvement and are more accurate and overall sharper. Additionally, one would comment on the music, which is remixed from the first two games (Or simply replaced with another incredible song). What have I said to myself after that? "And THIS is only the third mission! Finally, one thing that many will be overjoyed about, is that there are now DIFFICULTY SETTINGS! I don't know anyone who said Under the Knife should have been easier and our wishes have been granted. With an Easy setting that can allow anyone to play the game, a Normal mode that still provides a worthy challenge, and Hard mode that may literally leave you with sweating hands and faster reactions.

One of the best video game duos make their reappearance, Derek Stiles and Angie Thompson! With an entirely new look and entirely new... voice acting! That's right, this game has something I rarely see in a DS game (Frequently, anyways). Though it isn't complete acting (The DS would probably overload from that, unfortunately), it has frequent tidbits that pop in every now and then. Compared to Second Opinion, it's much more frequent and almost everyone has voices. Even those only appearing here and there out of operations (Such as Tyler or Leslie) have their own voice.

What about the new characters, you ask? There's several of them. Not characters that due to a lack of originality they said, "Okay, spin the color wheel." "Hm...It landed on red." "Okay! She'll have bright red hair then!" Try characters that they spent a complete amount of time on and gave a notable story to each. One of the advertisements for this game is "See the aftermath of GUILT!" so you can expect a nifty return of them? Well, if you wanted to see them, you're in luck! If you hated them... Sorry. Three of the original seven come back, and four new (Epic) ones make their own return.

Music and sound
All music has been totally remade and now in a more techno style. New songs are present too, of course. Allow me to say, if you think the final songs in previous installments are good, just wait! The song played in the final operation in this game is one of THE all-time best pieces of video game music I can name. So good that I've almost wasted a total of almost an hour of my DS's battery simply listening to the music.

Graphics
Brilliant, realistic, and 3D. Detailed backgrounds, and characters with no lacking detail. Heck, even the bid bad GUILT that you operate has had a pretty freaking cool graphic upgrade. Just a little pixelly, but basically it's one of the Wii games (Only in your hands!)

Gameplay
Not for the faint of heart. This game requires reflexes, a fast reaction time, and a hand that can move back and fourth very quickly. The type of game that makes you think "Dang, that was a pretty fun mission...Ah, heck! I wanna do it again! That tool was so fun to use right there!"

Replayability
This is what'll keep you on your toes. This game has more than enough to replay. I acquired as much time playing and replaying this game as I have with a large RPG. You beat it on Easy. Want more? Play it on Normal! Still not done? Play Hard! What, you want the true challenge? Do the Extreme missions. Well, now you just have bragging rights to acquire. Replay every mission and get the best rank possible on them! Possibilities are just about endless.

Buy/Rent/Don't bother
In a review that all I've said was compliments and improvements, as well as give it a 10/10 score, what do you think? BUY IT! Heck, learn another language if you have to! Just find it, pay for it, and play it. You love it or...uh...I'll let bad things happen to myself!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/01/08

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