The Suffering: Ties That Bind

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    If you like lots of guns that feel the business, lots of demons who look the business, lots of tension, lots of suspense, a great plot that keeps you guessing and interested, and buckets and buckets of blood, then you'll probably love this.
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  2. PC Gamer
    89
    A chilling sequel that improves on its forebear in almost every way. [Dec 2005, p.66]
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  3. BonusStage
    87
    Everything in Ties That Bind creates a solid experience that still scares the ever-loving crap s*** out of us all in the office.
  5. Gaming Age
    83
    It’s the kind of sequel that gamers look for, just as if you were to see a great horror film and then anxiously await the next installment to get all the answers.
  6. IGN
    81
    Unfortunately, while Ties That Bind should stand proudly beside its older brother, it doesn't do a whole lot to expand on the theme of the original -- nightmare prison visions come alive, ghosts that kill, and churning violence.
  7. Stuff
    80
    Playing the game is like watching an episode of "Oz" while a priest performs an exorcism on your liver. And if you like your gore served up hot and fresh, you've come to the right place.
  8. Maxim Online
    80
    Sure, the action is pretty basic—it's still kill or be killed—but with more open spaces to run around and new foes to fight, Ties is like a weekend with Russell Crowe: disturbing, bloody, and a damn good time.
  9. Play Magazine
    80
    Quotation forthcoming. [Nov 2005]
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  10. Pelit (Finland)
    76
    A decent horror FPS that is let down by its poor control scheme. The PC version looks a bit dated, but sound is used well throughout. [Nov 2005]
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  11. 1UP
    75
    Few developers have been able to master the horror aspects of games as well as Surreal has done in the two Suffering games thus far, and with a bit more balancing, this could have been a great current generation sendoff for players looking to move on to the next-generation terror of "F.E.A.R." and "Condemned."
  12. Computer and Video Games
    75
    Excellently scripted set-pieces and dialogue perforate a seemingly endless store of enemies, the surroundings soon become all too familiar and the console-restricted engine disappoints graphically.
  13. Game Chronicles
    75
    It all gets kind of boring about halfway through, especially after those hallucinations make you a little too dizzy.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best PC Game of 2005
100
#100 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
53
#53 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 48
  3. Negative: 6 out of 48
  1. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    8
    Not as good as the first part, but the game delivers the goods. It's more action-based than the original, everything is more packed with gunsNot as good as the first part, but the game delivers the goods. It's more action-based than the original, everything is more packed with guns and fights. Some might consider this a flaw, it didn't bother me, the scary moments are still here. New enemies look creepy as hell, the voice acting is great as always, the story is not on the same level, that the original had, but still an amazing game. Pick it up. Pickens approves!… Full Review »
  2. KapralDominik
    Jul 30, 2022
    6
    На редкость, действительно мрачное и жестокое путешествие по сюрреалистичному Балтимору которое незаслуженно забыто игроками и держится лишьНа редкость, действительно мрачное и жестокое путешествие по сюрреалистичному Балтимору которое незаслуженно забыто игроками и держится лишь благодаря доброй памяти (как и первая часть). Атмосфера скорее напоминает более поздний Condemned, по своему отображению пороков и грязи большого города, еще и обрабатывая это через призму городских легенд, недвусмысленных аллюзий образов монстров и страха перед дном социума. Геймплейная формула не устарела по сей день- стрелять весело, моральных выборов хоть и не так много, зато они решающе влияют на набор способностей вашего внутреннего чудовища. Оценка: 6.… Full Review »
  3. Marick
    Feb 2, 2015
    3
    The Suffering: Ties That Bind is a psychological horror video game, developed by Surreal Software and published by Midway Games.Ties That BindThe Suffering: Ties That Bind is a psychological horror video game, developed by Surreal Software and published by Midway Games.Ties That Bind features a number of gameplay changes from the original The Suffering. The player can no longer carry around xombium bottles to refill their health whenever they need to, and instead must rely on stationary pickups located throughout the level. When critically injured, the player may also heal a very small percentage of their health by hiding from the immediate battle to recover. The player is also now limited to only carrying two weapons at a time, which now adds a sense of strategy to the gameplay.… Full Review »
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