ShellShock 2: Blood Trails

The sequel to the controversial Vietnam first person shooter abandoned the use of torture and atrocities to civilians. It also abandoned good graphics, atmosphere and almost everything else needed for a good game. Dumb enemies, exaggerated splatter effects, boring levels and graphics right from the last century - Shellshock 2 has nothing interesting to offer.

A terrible shooter with pretty much nothing to like about: the level design is horrible and the AI turns out to be foolish at best. Explicit gore does not make up for bad game design, in fact it makes this games mistakes stand out even more. If it weren't for the acceptable cutscenes and some halfway spooky level sections, this game would be an even bigger disaster than it already is.

Shellshock 2 is a short game with nothing that's worth a try. It lacks a plot, action and tactics and all it's asking to you is to accept the imprecision of the control system.

Frantic shoot-outs in the Vietnam jungles and tunnels return in a game that has not much to show besides an amazing level of gore. Enemies often lose limbs, and during the close quarters combat blood starts to overflow the field of vision, but the confrontation with legions of mindless drones (only some of them have an excuse) is simply tedious. [Apr 2009]

A budget title and it shows. The visuals, level design, AI, and just about anything else you can think of can't match up with the top-tier first-person shooters. On top of that, you only get 10 brief stages and no multiplayer options.

If you want something to put on the box, Mr. Marketing Man, try this: "This is so bad, it is like beating old ladies to death with hammers." [May 2009, p.77]

You can enjoy the straightforward gameplay, in some moments you can be surprised by the horror atmosphere. But those are only small details in the overall game of boredom, disturbing mini-games and a bunch of bugs. [Mar 2009]

Zombies in jungle and abandoned temples – that’s a nice setup for a Left 4 Dead campaign. Unfortunately, Rebellion is not Valve. “Repeatedly press button on-screen to survive torture”, says a hint message during one of the interactive cutscenes. Oh I wish there was a button to erase Shellshock 2 from my memory.

While it’s not all bad it is hard to find any aspect of the game that is particularly praiseworthy.

No shock, just schlock. Almost impressively dreadful. [May 2009, p.67]