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Simply Boring

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: April 14, 2002
Author: Amazon User

In Blood Omen 2, you again take on the role of Kain. Hundreds of years after the original Blood Omen, you awaken in Nosgoth in the company of a group called the "Vampire Resistance." As it turns out, the Sarafan have taken control of the land after Kain destroyed the pillar of balance and was defeated by none other than the Sarafan Lord. Kain begins, guided in his journey by an only-in-the-game-because-she's-supposed-to-be-hot female character called Umah. This only mentioned to show how lame the game direction went. In that light, Kain eventually finds that the Sarafan are only puppets on the strings of a load of aliens. What the --? Aliens? So the Sarafan Lord is actually the head alien and their purpose is to eliminate the vampires as revenge for getting whooped a long, long time ago. There's the plot. You're a vampire and you've got to kill the head alien. How weak is that? I swear, monkeys write this stuff.

As far as gameplay is concerned, things are generally pretty cool. The game looks almost identicle to Soul Reaver, aside from the altered HUD. In opposition to the original game, in Blood Omen 2 your 'stats' increase by drinking bloods and filling a 'lore' bar. No blood fountains or anything cool like that. Also, no matter how strong Kain gets, his health will always decrease periodically. This game is completely hack'n'slash in nature, as you don't have to think about who to kill and who to save for when you come back through the town. Instead of selectively feeding only to refill your health, you must tear through every enemy and civilian you find to increase that lore bar. Oh, and the reason you can just tear everyone up is because you never back-track. After you enter a room, the door closes behind you and you can not go back. You never hit the same area twice, which doesn't give you a very good opportunity to explore. In combat, there is this horrible "combo" attack that results from pressing the attack button three times in a row where you strike three times and then you need to take a second to relax. Very annoying. As far as bosses go, the boss fights are generally pretty difficult. When fighting the first boss, you will become unbelievably surprised after the boss' 'first defeat' to see the boss come back for more. Each boss fight is composed of three different stages where you need to defeat the boss three times. Oh, and the bosses generally have at least twice the health that you do. When you finally defeat a boss, you gain a special power called a "dark gift." The dark gifts are pretty dumb and only two of them will get much use out of you. You have the ability to transform into mist, jump really far, use mind control, or something really stupid called 'telekenisis.' The latter works to control switches from a distance that are in your vision. Oh, and only special kinds of switches that are completely unnecessary. You also eventually gain three 'rage' attacks that do massive damage. The first being a super hard punch, the second being many super hard punches, and the third where you can light your enemy on fire.

The game looks really nice, honestly. Unfortunately, it lacks what it needs to be a really good game. It's full of bugs (clipping seems improperly configured as enemies are constantly running 'inside' of the walls, the speech over the movies is off and if your game is loading too slowly there will be no speech at all, the game stalls and freezes), there is a very limited weapon selection (in the whole game you will only encounter 6 different weapons: a dagger, a sword, a pirate sword, an axe, a switchblade pole weapon, and something I call "The Beast"), the puzzles were way too easy, there wasn't any "dark diary" (the coolest thing ever used in the original of the series), and the game seems to be generally poorly thought-out in some areas (there is often an invisible "wall" surrounding the enemy which causes you to be unable to jump OVER your enemies, the same such wall exists over many jumpable objects in the game [a table or merchant stand], and for some reason or another Kain is unable to stand on even the slightest slant).

But it does have it's good points. Kain can do some awesome "sneak attacks" while in mist form and can behead people if he has certain weapons. It seems like they kept some of the original speech samples from the first game, which was really cool to hear (stuff like, "Help me, kind sir!" and some of the moaning). Kain also got to try out four different outfits during the game, the last of which was wonderful. It looked like Marilyn Manson's costume in the "Rock is Dead" video. Kain's dialogue was unbelievably [censored] cool and he said some things that were so bad that I had to smile (in his final confrontation with Uma, for example).

All in all, a crappy game. It has its moments, but it really made me bored silly. The worst thing of the game, though, which I saved for last, is that Kain gets to use the Soul Reaver sword only ONCE at the very end of the game. You don't get it until the very end, and then you get just a couple of hits with it to kill the boss. Game over.

BOOOORING

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: January 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

From what I had heard of this game from my friends, I expected to be glued to the Ps2 for hours or even days till I finished this "best game ever." Then I realized something... this is definately not the best game ever. While the idea of slicing the heads off mutant creatures and rogue vampires and then drinking their blood seemed appealing, I soon found that that is all you do!!! This game is extremely monotonous and don,t get me wrong, I love hack and slash but this game is not even worth the [money] they are asking. Go rent it.

Pah! Horrible.

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: July 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is fun initially, but gets old really fast. Completely linear. 'Nuff said.

Great For Fans, Bad For The Curious

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: January 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Let's face facts: the only real saving grace for this game is the story, which is amazing. For fans of the series, this installment is required playing to find out what's going on; however, the game itself is very lackluster. The graphics, while nice, are nothing to write home about (although the level design is pleasant), and the gameplay has a lot to be desired. The combat system, although a nice step in the right direction, needs serious work, and the camera can be disorienting, as it's locked directly behind you at all times. The camera is also unfortunate in that for 90% of the game (with the exception of FMVs) you are stuck staring directly at Kain's back. The puzzles in this game are also relentlessly monotonous and boring (pull the switch, follow the green light to the door).

What you end up with is a game that has nothing to offer to anyone other than fans of the series. It seems as if the developers made the game to try out a bunch of different gameplay ideas that they had, rather than attempt to develop a game that could stand on its own merit. There are plenty of better games in the genre, so, unless you are a Kain fan like myself, look elsewhere.

Kain returns...with a vengence.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 26, 2002
Author: Amazon User

If you are a fan of the first Blood Omen for the PS1, or a fan of the Soul Reaver games, then this game is for you. Rich atmosphere surrounds a story of ambition, and betrayal. Kain, the ultimate anti-hero, leads the gamer though a labyrinthine city built on corruption and dispair, pausing only momentarily to feed on Meridian's hapless victims. If you like your games Goth, with a twist of dark humor, Blood Omen 2 is your ticket. Excellent graphics, with only the occasional hiccup, solid voice acting, and a rich musical score await those brave enough to follow Kain on his journey. You will love it every step of the way.

Wickedly Entertaing and Irrisistibly Designed

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 5
Date: May 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Upon awakening 200 years after his supposed death, Kane is lead forth once again....

Kane is Wicked. It is refreshing to find a character that is both evil and arrogant, yet so highly likable. His personality and convictions were ingeniously crafted. Along with the entire history of Nosgoth relayed through the "Legacy of Kane" series.

As to the game, I'll put together several points:

.Graphics: The imagery is illustrious and astounding. The game looks very good. One of the outstanding aspects of the game is the spectacular architecture for fleeting moments. You'll gaze around an incredible landscape, and spend perhaps only a minute in the area. Large scale.

.Music: Immaculate score, considering the subject matter and imagery the player experiences throughout the game. There is never a falty moment. The music consists mostly of dark atmospheric and sombre orchestral ambience....while battles explode into intense orchestral kettle rolling. Very impressive. Then again, I have an effinaty for for dark music.

.Voice acting: I found the voice acting to be very well done, yet lacking a bit in editing it together. Although above standard, Soul Reaver 2 was done better. This is not to damper any oppinions. The voice talent is very good....especially Kane, his voice has that edgey quality, that seems like it'll explode yet remains calm and lucid. Very fitting to the character, and I couldn't see him any other way.
The ingame voice talent is great and well written, like two workers talking: worker one: " I keep herin' these farts, and then a thump!" worker two: "what koind a thump?" worker one "like the thump of a fallin body" worker two "that's an evil toip a thump." All out english accents.

.Gameplay: Like I sayed earlier, Large Scale. The gameplay is irresistible. Stylishly dark. The gore is quite satisfying, as opposed to too many games cutting short of my alotted bloodiness requirement. Kane is capable of many different pain inflicting moves, that you, with extreme pleasure may excersise at will. These include the stealth moves: sneaking up on somebody, and thrusting your arm through their chest, and by doing so removing the victims heart, and then letting it drop to the ground. Or simply chop the head off, twist his/her neck, impale with sword, cut the stomach open....ah the possibilities are endless, as he does several different fatalities with each weapon. One of the most gratifying of all, after having faught with an opponent which is no longer able to deal out death to you, and is now desperatley attempting to pull himself/herself away like a slug on the ground, go over to 'it' and give it a disdainful last kick. Die like the Dog you are!
The obstructions in the game are well done. Obstacles take no great time to figure out. No tedious puzzles or riddles. Finding the way is a good experience. Alot of detal and immense density go into the archetecture....amazing for the time it takes to simply surpass the area. Amazing.
The enemy resistance is not difficult either, Kain is god, they are worms. This makes a game great. Progressing fast, not getting old, but the inevitable one great flaw: it has an end.
Kain will become more powerful as he progresses. By drinking the blood of the fallen, he not only replentishes his health, but also adds to his experience bar, which when filled, will grant Kain more life energy. In addition to these enhancements, He also gains knowledge of the "dark gifts" these including some ideas that other games have only tantalized about.

.Plot: The plot is good. Amazing, if you have played the whole series, as the game build upon the lore of Nosgoth. I have to admit, the Soul Reaver's are by far superior in this field.

Blood Omen 2: The game is incredible. It's attention to detail and design are greatly appreciated. The atmosphere created ranges from horror, to surreal and everywhere in between, resulting in a spectacular and immense eperience. I highly recommend this game.

Only for fans of the series

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This game was quite hyped up since I first heard about it. But, don't believe the hype. This game has more bugs than any other game I've played on the PS2. It runs choppy every time more than 3 people are on screen at the same time. Also there are glitches during cinematic scenes which make the voices go about 2 seconds before the animation, leading towards a VERY annoying experience. Although not total trash,(especially if you have followed the series from Blood Omen) gamers who are fans of the Kain series will enjoy this game slightly. I myself have followed the series since the very first Blood Omen so the technical issues on this game are almost tolerable, however the story has many pacing problems. Not to mention that there are plot holes. I wont comment on the ending to prevent any mishaps. Fans deserve to learn the facts. But, I'd say just rent this one unless you are a LoK fanatic.

Slight let down but still good

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I definitely love the Legacy of Kain series. I was expecting a little more from Blood Omen 2 though. First of all the slow downs are annoying, I would even go as far to say thats why I give it 3 stars instead of 4. The puzzles thus far are way to easy granted I have only made it to the first boss so far. I also wish there was more freedom to move around, I mean its the middle of a city and you can only go one way. Other than those slight let downs of my expectations the game is cool. I like the idea behind the weapons, that they break after you use them for a long time. However, if this game had more opportunities to perform stealth kills it would be much better I think.

Decent Level Design, AWFUL Game Play

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: October 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This series keeps getting worse. The first game, for the PS1, was good. The second in the series, Soul Reaver, was fairly entertaining. The third, Soul Reaver II, was so-so, but far too short. Blood Omen II is just plain bad. On the plus side, the urban feel of the level design is a nice change from the rest of the series where the developers focused more on ancient ruins, canyons, and forests. On the down side, game play is sluggish, at best. The controls are not responsive, making fight sequences tedious. The dialog during the cut scenes is totally off. I don't mean by a second or two, I'm talking about voices coming from the wrong characters. Sometimes the soundtrack is nonexistent. On top of that, ambient sounds have a tendency to get stuck in a loop, repeating themselves over and over, drowning out every other sound. The only remedy is to restart the game. I have also had some problems with the graphics. On occasion, when I enter a new area, the entire screen, aside from Kain, goes blank. Once again, the only effective remedy I have found is to restart the game. I've used other discs on my console, so I know my system isn't on the blink. Last, but not least, this game suffers from the curse of mandatory cut scenes. I'm tired of having to sit through long, drawn out movies with no bypass option every time I replay a section of the game. I really wish I could give this game a better review, seeing that the developers must have put some sort of time and effort into making it, but I can't

Enjoyable Vampire Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

When I read about this game, I thought the idea of playing a vampire was intriguing. I had never played the first Blood Omen game which was released in 1996, so I didn't know what the series was all about. Your character, Kain, was cast down by a mysterious warlord centuries ago, and has now reawakened to seek vengeance. The game is very violent and not for the weak of heart. Since you play a vampire, you must drink blood to survive. If this isn't morbid enough, for the early levels, you must rely on killing innocent villagers for blood, and their screaming and pleading for mercy was almost enough for me to quit playing. However I kept with it, and in the higher levels, you rarely need to feed on innocent people for survival.

What I liked about this game was it's challenging, but not overly frustrating. You can pick up weapons from dead enemies to help with your battles. There are many different enemies, including demons, knights, thieves, and more. Their difficulty to kill, range from painfully easy to incredibly challenging. Fortunately, you get to save your game at each checkpoint, and checkpoints are pretty plentiful throughout the game. There are 11 chapters total, each with 2 or 3 objectives to fulfill. The puzzles are pretty easy to figure out, but a couple of times I did have to consult my strategy guide for help.

The sound effects and music in this game were well made. During battles, the music would speed up to give you some good fighting music. The sound effects were realistic and added immensely to the gameplay. The voice acting was actually very good and professional. Simon Templeman does the voice of Kain, whom I have seen guest star in a few TV shows, and I could hardly believe it was him. His voice talent brought so much to the character of Kain, and I have to say I was quite impressed. Kain's nemesis, the Sarafan Lord (the ultimate boss of the game), is voiced by Earl Boen, probably best known for playing Dr. Silberman in the Terminator movies. He is a talented actor, and was a wonderful choice for the role. We all know bad acting can really spoil a good game, but the acting in Blood Omen 2 added a great deal to the plot and gameplay. The graphics in the game were very good as well. They were very detailed and beautifully rendered on each level. There was lots to see and take in, making certain areas of the locales quite memorable.

All in all, if you are used to violent games and can handle it, I would recommend Blood Omen 2. It's sort of a RPG/Action/Horror game, and it's sure to keep you busy for days. A very interesting game with lots of action and even spells to cast. I really enjoyed it.

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