Ghostrunner 2

Returning from the original game, Ghostrunners are technologically enhanced humans who work as a peacekeeping police force in the new post-apocalyptic but coolly cyberpunk world. In this game you get to explore outside Dharma tower, and you have a motorbike which is less vehicle and more mobile arsenal, boasting a huge array of weaponry of its own.

You’re playing Ghostrunner character is Jack, returning from the first game, and in your guise as Jack, you will use speed and offence to solve puzzle-like combat situations, and it is not an easy or leisurely playthrough: you have to consider all your options as fast as possible, making sure that no enemies are sneaking up on you, so you will skate on the edge of a catastrophe-curve of near-panic and action from start to finish.

The platforming style of the game makes it feel like parkour with weapons, basically – and you will be sliding, swinging, wall-running, air-dashing, rail-grinding, and grappling in a non-stop dash towards your goal. Enemies go down with just one or two blows, which is satisfying in an Insta-kill kind of way – but be warned, you are just as susceptible to your enemies.

As well as the above parkour feats, you will slide down metal tubes for a brief roller-coaster thrill, and learn to throw shuriken stars at flammable barrels for a satisfying boom, even as you parry bullets and cyber-samurai your way through the game.

The Nitty Gritty

Within the game, you have a certain amount of leeway this time, a step away from the strict linear progression of the first Ghostrunner. You can choose which of three or so targets you want to tackle first, and there are a couple of different ways to accomplish this so you always feel like you have plenty of options, even as the game gently steers you along the storyline.

You will die often as you learn and play, but respawning is fluid and seamless – you almost don’t mind dying, mainly because you barely notice it, popping up close to your death spot, and now with the knowledge of what not to do this time.

There are new and challenging modes to master to become the cyber ninja of your dreams. The game offers bigger and better (badder?) bosses that actively react to your moves, adjusting their strategy according to yours - which makes for an intense and unique battle experience no matter how many times you play through.

The leaderboards will show not only you and your friends, but everyone on the same platform so you get a good idea of where you stand against the wider community.

All About the Beats

As you grapple and hop your way around the steel towers, be ready for an onslaught of pistol-wielding baddies to take out. Timing is the key and one-strike kills are joyful to master, especially when the action is heightened by exciting synthpop tunes from a host of artistes:

Arkadiusz Reikowski: this Polish composer has won multiple awards for his work laying down soundtracks for games, films and television shows.

Daniel Deluxe: An electronic music producer, Daniel was born in Russia, but now lives in Copenhagen. He has worked on video game soundtracks and has produced three albums to date.

We Are Magonia: A French Electronic music group, with a heavy and powerful sound that will enhance your gameplaying.

Gost: A darksynth music producer from the USA, Gost is as mysterious as their name, only ever appearing in a ghost mask – they’d make a fitting addition to any video game!

Dan Terminus: Hailing from Lyon in France, Dan has released five albums to date and has a distinctive sound.