I loved the first House of the Dead game so much that I could not wait to try the sequel. Similarly, I tried the second game, analyzed the difference between the first and the second, and checked out the new stuff they added. Before I break down this review, I will add that it is an excellent game with memorable moments. Every gamer should play this game at least once.
Beautiful Graphics
House of the Dead two improved upon its first release, delivering beautiful, contemporary graphics. The color palette suits the environment, and the model designs are smooth and clean. I also loved the boss designs and graphics, as the 3D art used in those bosses was very appealing. Moreover, the overall art style was a massive improvement that refreshed the game's look, elevating the horror element of an undead shooter.
Interesting Story
The sequel picks up where the first game ended. I loved the location they chose: Venice. The story, character introductions, and ending were well done. The narrative had no plot holes, was simple yet exciting, and fit within the environment. Lastly, I also found the game's ending very satisfying; it was a perfect ending to the story.
Satisfying Gameplay
Since it’s a rail shooter, the objective of this game is to shoot and reload within time so that you don’t get attacked. I found the gameplay to be very satisfying, thanks to the responsive reactions from the enemies. It was much more improved than the first games as the enemy animations are much more detailed, making the gameplay more interactive and satisfying.
Diverse Enemy Types
House of the Dead is famous for its versatile enemy types. Similarly, House of the Dead 2 improves on that aspect much more. I discovered new interesting enemy types that are scary. Also, the animations have been vastly improved, and the new enemy types were amusing and annoying to deal with simultaneously. My favourite enemy types were the mutant frogs from the second level. They were scary, but I loved the design and their animations.
Superb Boss Fights
House of the Dead is unique for its interesting boss fights. I found new boss types in the sequel that differ from the first game. However, they returned one classic boss from the first game, the Magician. Apart from that, some new bosses are much more challenging. Also, in terms of some bosses, there are different routes you can take to defeat them, making it much more enjoyable. I loved the fourth boss, the chainsaw-wielding mutant.
Final Thoughts
House of the Dead 2 is a faithful sequel that improves every aspect. It does not taint the franchise and remains a classic. This contributes to the nostalgia factor for gamers, as this game is a part of most people's childhood. House of the Dead 2 is an excellent rail shooter game, and I recommend everyone try it once.
