Written By: JP Developer: Winter Wolves Games Platforms: PC, Mac and Linux Genre: Science Fiction, Drama Release Date: April 13, 2013 Official Website | Well, it's been far too long since I've reviewed something from Winter Wolves. So far this year, the group has not been quiet releasing two sequels to their long-running franchises: the first being Heileen 3 (and there is a review coming for that one) and the other is the one up for review today. Unfortunately, due to a issue with the servers, there was some confusion when I tried to copy this page so I could start on another review. So as of June 16th, 2013 this is not the uber-detailed review I originally put out. It's more compact, cliff notes version but should still get across the original point. So, shall we begin? |
Story
BH2 is split on two paths among four different protagonists: Tanya and Tina on Earth and Tom and Luke on Mars. Ultimately, in order for half of the plot to work the world must be believable and one of its greatest failings is that it isn't. The Mars section borrows heavily from Atlas Shrugged but what made the concept acceptable in Rand's work (and also in another game it inspired: Bioshock) is A) The inhabitants of Galt's Gulch (or Rapture) cut all connections to the outside world and made it impossible for the outside world to connect with them. B) Both Bioshock and Shrugged take place in the 1950s and 60s: a time where it was not only possible, but probable that people could disappear off the face of the Earth without a lot of explanation for various reasons. BH2 takes place in 2099: making both stakes needed to make the concept work inconceivable just on the basis of the era, but what makes it worse is that there is regular travel by the Mars elite to Earth...so much for the secret.
However, a critique of the Randian theme would only matter if the game tried to actually do anything with it. The truth is that the use of this 'Objectivist' society is to show how all of the world's problems can be directly linked to the wealthy and Capitalism. "JP HOW DARE YOU!" Before you type that into the comments, I can prove it. The current situation of the world's climate could have been fixed but the man responsible for developing technology to reverse the effects of climate change wanted to sell it instead of hand it over to the government. The game's main villain, Richard Meier IV, is a standard issue corrupt corporate executive who maintains his position because he pays off or kills anyone who can challenge him. Meanwhile the Mars colony elite have no issue releasing a bio-weapon on Earth if it means they can somehow profit on it.
Do you see the recurring issue? If those evil rich bastards weren't in the way the bulk of the world's problems could be addressed. And it is handled without an ounce of subtlety or interest in making the issue any deeper than that. In fact, just being around the sheer evilness of all of these rich folks is enough to turn Luke insane near the end. BH2's world is drawn into class lines and what separates good and evil is your bank account. Even Tanya's rap sheet from one hundred years ago appears minor through the slanted screen this game's world exist it.
Speaking of our leading lady, in the original review I kept referring to the key character of Tanya Vanic as Sammiches. Again, if you don't understand the references: here. This is vital because Tanya's storyline has the feel of a Summer blockbuster with its core being action, a hint of revenge and a little inflection when things slow down. And just like the real life Sammiches, Tanya brings little to the table of that bare minimum story arc. Any type of self-discovery arc is ridiculous and to try and tack on a back story of sexual abuse and murder near the end is...ineffective at best. At the same time, the game offers me little reason to root for her as you are forced to watch her plans fall apart repeatedly and lead her along the same mistakes because NO ONE CAN BE TRUSTED. Why? (Say it with me now) RICH PEOPLE. While it can be said that focusing on making this sort of action flick only in the EVN might have improved it, it cannot make up for the fact that Sammiches 2.0 simply isn't interesting enough to carry the water for it.
That leaves us with the two remaining characters: Tina and Tom. These two are at least likable and their story lines don't attempt anything out of it's presented soap opera inspired melodrama. Tina is the one decent cop left in the world trying to bring justice to an unjust system and Tom is dealing with his crush on Luke long-time fiancee. Nothing here will surprise you but it is handled well and it carries the emotions it wants you to feel with more understanding of the audience than the previous two story lines.
So yes, there are good things in this EVN. However the overall shallow experience keeps those good things well underground. Say what you will but a story that has to rely on both its own fandom and class politics to succeed isn't a strong enough tale.
Oh, I'm Sure She'll Make you The 'Athletic' Type
Presentation & Gameplay
As for the gameplay not only does it play very smoothly BH2 introduces a mechanic it calls the Social Boss Fight. Basically you pick a series of dialogue options in order to defeat an enemy or get out of a tricky situation. It is a welcome addition as the difficulty curve challenges the player every time and gives some fresh air to the bloated narrative. It's amazing how it never felt repetitive and forces you to think of different scenarios that will work in the situation outside of your normal thought processes. Maybe, in a better game, it'll be put to much better use.
Same Argument Worked For Harvey Dent
Replay Value
Overall
Final Score
4/10 | - Story Is Muddled And Flounders Between Soap Opera Drama And Action Moie Cliches - Characters Are Stock At Best + Presentation Is Decent + Social Boss Fights Have Some Merit |