• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2008
User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2042 Ratings

User score distribution:
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Aug 31, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Resistance 2, the sequel to the acclaimed Resistance: Fall of Man, stood out as a memorable PlayStation video game in 2008. It brought a shift in narrative tone and gameplay, in particular its bold choice in the ending sparked debates, while gameplay changes received mixed reactions.

    Resistance 2 switched from third-person to first-person narration. The plot is well-written, expanding the series lore through the narrative and collectibles while maintaining the immersive quality of the first Resistance. The game starts with intense action, depicting the Chimera invasion of the US and conveying a mood of "lost hope" as America faces utter destruction. The presentation is akin to a Hollywood blockbuster, contrasting the subtler tone of the first game, and I appreciated both of them. Insomniac Games used effective plot-based viral marketing, but some plot elements lack in-game explanation and also require completing the co-op side-campaign. The ending of Resistance 2 is impactful, defying expectations with Nathan Hale's demise from the Chimera virus. This bold creative choice, even if divisive, demonstrates the developers' courage, which I find commendable.

    Resistance 2 brought about notable gameplay changes. Firstly, it adopted a healing mechanism akin to Call of Duty, where players fully heal after avoiding damage for a brief period. This means a more forgiving and average shooter experience, but also dropping the unique healing approach of the first game. Secondly, the game limited players to carrying only two weapons, aligning (again) with Call of Duty's mechanics. While this arguably added a touch of tactical realism, it came across as overly restrictive compared to the first game's freedom of choice. These changes, made in 2008 to attract a wider audience, sparked valid comparisons to the first game's mechanics. Rather than evolving distinct gameplay elements, these alterations compromised the core identity that set the Resistance series apart. Risks taken with the storyline weren't taken with the gameplay, not as many gamers expected at least. That being said, Resistance 2 excels in its shooting mechanics, offering seamless movements and precise aiming for a satisfying shooting experience, while the auto-aim can be annoying and unfortunately can't be turned off. The game's single-player campaign spans seven varied chapters across locations like Iceland, San Francisco, Chicago, and Louisiana. Unlike its predecessor, the game skips vehicle sections, which could have added more variety. However, there are some design issues, such as the lengthy and static section with three Titans on a stranded boat in Louisiana, among others. The game maintains weapon variety with additions like the Magnum handgun, Wraith minigun, and Marksman semi-automatic rifle, each featuring primary and secondary fire functions. The AI impresses with smart behaviors—Chimeras flank, take cover, and advance strategically, resulting in dynamic and diverse combat. Notably, battles against massive Chimeras like the Kraken, Leviathan, and Goliath, which loom large in the game's background, add to the game's grand scale, dwarfing Hale in comparison. Single-player campaign can be finished in less than 10 hours; I finished the game on "Superhuman" difficulty. Resistance 2's omission of main campaign local co-op feature from the first game is truly regrettable, as the co-op experience in this installment is undeniably enjoyable.

    Resistance 2 had impressive graphics upon release that aged nicely. It outdid its predecessor with enhanced visuals, particularly excelling in scenery, particle effects, lighting, water rendering, and texture detail. Although some character models were less impressive, the overall visual quality remained excellent, while maintaining a steady 30 frames per second even in intense scenarios.

    In conclusion, Resistance 2 remains a noteworthy and nonetheless courageous sequel, at least in part. Its immersive yet divisive storytelling, gripping yet arguable gameplay, and technical goodness stand as a testament to its place in the world of PlayStation gaming. Of course, one would need a PlayStation 3 to play it, or a remaster for new platforms.
    Expand
  2. Jul 28, 2023
    9
    A well improved sequel about this fantastic FPS sci-fi genre on PS3,amazing coop mode too bad there no more server this time but main campain and gameplay are still pretty solid and enjoyable to play...still worth it to play nowadays.
  3. Jun 25, 2023
    8
    Improved graphics thanks to some nice lighting effects embellish what is otherwise pretty much more of the same. A good, solid FPS that'll please fans of the original.
  4. Apr 14, 2023
    8
    Nota Final: 7.5

    Resistance 2 implementa uma melhor jogabilidade, mais checkpoints e inimigos menos ''esponjas de balas'' se comparados ao seu antecessor.

    Graficamente, inova, mas no quesito história, carece. O final é divisivo, mas a jornada é minimamente decente para quem gostou do antecessor. Envelheceu bem melhor que seu antecessor.
  5. Mar 17, 2023
    9
    This is the best Resistance game in the franchise, just wow, I've played all the Resistance games, and this one always left a good, and satisfying feeling.
    I believe I played this 10x over to full completion.
    This is one of those poorly rated hidden gems that Sony will not bother with, what a Shame. I hope one day a Pure soul at Sony leads them to create an Open world Sequel with
    This is the best Resistance game in the franchise, just wow, I've played all the Resistance games, and this one always left a good, and satisfying feeling.
    I believe I played this 10x over to full completion.

    This is one of those poorly rated hidden gems that Sony will not bother with, what a Shame.

    I hope one day a Pure soul at Sony leads them to create an Open world Sequel with the gameplay of the Last of Us Part 2, making this into a Horror, Survival, 3rd/1st person Shooter game

    Only the fans can dream, I guess.
    Expand
  6. Dec 21, 2022
    10
    The evolution over the first game is quite remarkable, more depth in the characters and with more action, a bigger and more balanced Multiplayer, a new cooperative mode that is unique, its visuals and animations are a huge improvement.
  7. Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Um jogo muito bom recomendo uma história bem feita e bem desenvolvida a Sony sabe criar grandes Franquias poderia reviver essa em Dona Sony
  8. Nov 9, 2022
    8
    Mejoró todo lo visto en la primera entrega sabiendo que la historia era una burrada.
  9. Jun 27, 2022
    8
    Resistance 2 is inventive with its weapons even if it isn't as inventive with its story.
  10. Apr 10, 2022
    10
    amazing game super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  11. May 26, 2021
    8
    This successor of the original Resistance game kind of abandoned the features of the first one, however it still turned out a fun game indeed.
  12. Feb 15, 2021
    8
    I was play in 2021. Graphic is very nice and game play is much better than first game.
  13. Sep 1, 2020
    8
    Resistance 2 is a great shooter game. Graphics and story are unimpressive but the gameplay rocks heavy. The single-player as well as the multiplayer are very thrilling despite of the game`s little flaws. Not bad at all!
  14. Feb 27, 2019
    10
    In 2008 i got my mind blown by Resistance 2. The high quality of graphics, the horror elements and cool enemy designs made for an astonishing experience.

    This game is a single player player game about a alternate history where a virus called Chimera has infected most of the planet, and turned them into monstrosities out of nightmares. They are conquering the world and are eradicating
    In 2008 i got my mind blown by Resistance 2. The high quality of graphics, the horror elements and cool enemy designs made for an astonishing experience.

    This game is a single player player game about a alternate history where a virus called Chimera has infected most of the planet, and turned them into monstrosities out of nightmares. They are conquering the world and are eradicating humans in the proces. In resistance 2 they are taking this to the next level in the United States.

    To keep it Short:
    Story: Pretty darn amazing and exciting, with a cliffhanger done right.
    Gameplay: So much fun, challenging and addicting
    Characters: All characters are military, so there's a lot of testosterone going on. But it all works.
    Enemy design: Freaking amazing and scary. i love it.
    Multiplayer: Yes, this game even has a mutiplayer. And it's a pretty darn good one as well.

    All in all i loved my experience with this game and will always think fondly of it. I give this game a 10/10.
    Expand
  15. Jun 18, 2017
    9
    i've played now, in June of 2017, for the first time. It is an impressive and grandiloquent game. very high end graphics and much, much better in all senses than killzone 2. killzone 2 has bad graphics for a newer game than resistance 2, maybe because was the first incursion of killzone into the ps3, but even the gameplay is repetitive and stupid, just going into cover to cover and aimingi've played now, in June of 2017, for the first time. It is an impressive and grandiloquent game. very high end graphics and much, much better in all senses than killzone 2. killzone 2 has bad graphics for a newer game than resistance 2, maybe because was the first incursion of killzone into the ps3, but even the gameplay is repetitive and stupid, just going into cover to cover and aiming on the hordes of enemies that pops on the screen. Going back to resistance 2, the Chicago level are, indeed, an ispiration that Naughty Dog took for The Last of Us. The level design, i mean, the "set desining, art direction and props" is not good. The game feels like taking place in nowadays, not in 1953. The buildings and wooden houses in small cities are very like today houses, and Chicago level it is like the same of today. Just the cars, but excluding the vans, are a very piece of old times. I gave an grade 9 or 9.1, but it is below the 9.4 i gave for Resistance Fall of Man. The first installment doesn't have tense music and terror moments like this one, but is a more unique game, with good 50's architecture, music and sound effects more memorable. i don't know why they took away the heatlh system and put a adrenaline stuff in resistance 2, but it is amazing to see a small glowing yellow cannister and hear the sound of when you take one. One big issue, in my opinion, about resistance 2 is because has too much things happening on the screen in a lot of moments, like killzone 2 and uncharted 2; a lot of stuff exploding, a lot of soldiers dying and parallel events occurring, it is difficult to concentrate on your character. Expand
  16. Apr 2, 2016
    8
    Great gunplay, fun weapons, a solid campaign with a tight narrative and fast-paced combat, meaning, you can die quickly but so do enemies. One of the essential arcadey singleplayer-centric FPS's of the time along with its sequel and the Killzone series.
  17. Feb 19, 2016
    8
    Resistance 2 is a fun and enjoyable FPS and proves to be a worthy sequel to RFoM (Resistance: Fall of Man). R2 is much more intense and all the battles are bigger and better than the original. I loved the settings of San Francisco, Chicago, and Louisiana in this game and how they were incorporated into the overall story. This was one of the most fun single person campaigns that I have goneResistance 2 is a fun and enjoyable FPS and proves to be a worthy sequel to RFoM (Resistance: Fall of Man). R2 is much more intense and all the battles are bigger and better than the original. I loved the settings of San Francisco, Chicago, and Louisiana in this game and how they were incorporated into the overall story. This was one of the most fun single person campaigns that I have gone through. Expand
  18. Feb 18, 2016
    10
    Dont believe the sheeples. Restistance 2 is a good game, you should pick it up today, not because I say so, but because you owe it to yourself to check it out yourself before you believe the others.
  19. Dec 18, 2015
    9
    Awesome game. The storyline is top notch and the level design really sets it apart from a lot of other games on the PS3. The multiplayer modes are good as well and the musical score weaved throughout the campaign is some of the best I've heard yet in a shooter. My only qualm with the game was that I thought the graphics weren't much better than the first resistance, and the swarm levelAwesome game. The storyline is top notch and the level design really sets it apart from a lot of other games on the PS3. The multiplayer modes are good as well and the musical score weaved throughout the campaign is some of the best I've heard yet in a shooter. My only qualm with the game was that I thought the graphics weren't much better than the first resistance, and the swarm level didn't really fit the rest of the story. Besides that though you'll love the epic boss battles as well as the clever enemy AI and spectacular weapons design. A must play for sure for any true shooter fan. Expand
  20. Sep 3, 2014
    8
    es un juego muy bueno en la historia y la jugabilidad la música me parece apropiada para algunos momentos las muertes nos enojan a mas de uno el multijugador no tengo nada que decir simplemente no funciona el cooperativo es una broma la conexión con resistance retribution de psp no funciona
    y aparte de vez en cuando los controles no responden
  21. Jul 26, 2014
    10
    This was by far my favourite game on PS3 and the nearest FPS to get near the Half Life series. Wish it would come over to PS4, then I would have some use for the console.
  22. Jun 13, 2014
    9
    I love this game and I recommend it to any one, its got a great action-horror atmosphere and lovely graphics. The fact that this game is more linear and only allows you to carry two guns doesn't mean the game sucks , each and every gun is cool in its own way and especially the enemies and the co-op system is another great way for every one to enjoy the game and its story.
  23. Apr 6, 2014
    9
    The best console shooter i've played. Neat setting, cool guns, nice story, giant bosses. Enjoying multiplayer (too bad it's pulled off on 8th of april, but you can sstil try to play splitscreen co-op).

    It has some strange nods to CoD with 2 weapon slots, but there are always few guns lying under your feet. And health regen, well, no big deal. If you haven't played Resistance games,
    The best console shooter i've played. Neat setting, cool guns, nice story, giant bosses. Enjoying multiplayer (too bad it's pulled off on 8th of april, but you can sstil try to play splitscreen co-op).

    It has some strange nods to CoD with 2 weapon slots, but there are always few guns lying under your feet. And health regen, well, no big deal.

    If you haven't played Resistance games, it's probably best to start with the 1st to keep up with the story.
    Expand
  24. Mar 29, 2014
    9
    Resistance 2 is a landmark game for the PS3. The atmosphere and universe is great the bosses are epic and the weapons are unique. This is one of those games that balance single and multiplayer too so there is plenty to do when the single player is over.
  25. Mar 4, 2014
    10
    Should u still give this a shot in 2014? If u haven't played already, u'll miss out on one of the finest FPS ever!

    The story feels disconnected, the cut-scenes are crap and I really didn't care about the characters (Nathan Hale = having Drake's name and looks like Cole, but nowhere near likable as them). That is literally the Only complain about the game. Everything else is a blast!
    Should u still give this a shot in 2014? If u haven't played already, u'll miss out on one of the finest FPS ever!

    The story feels disconnected, the cut-scenes are crap and I really didn't care about the characters (Nathan Hale = having Drake's name and looks like Cole, but nowhere near likable as them). That is literally the Only complain about the game.

    Everything else is a blast! The variety is what impressed me the most. The game-play sections, guns (so cool!) and enemy types and boss fights which include Titans, Sharks, Zombies, Dinosaurs, Krakens and a goddamn Godzilla (they're just Chimeras, I'm just giving names! ). Both Ally and Enemy AI are superb with actual help from allies and the enemies using cover and flanking. Graphics considering it's from 2008 still stand out beautifully especially the environments.

    On top of the mind-blowing campaign, is the enjoyable multiplayer with up to 64 players (yes, 64 on PS3 back in '08) which surprisingly is still active!

    The game literally screams Epic right from the moment u pick up the box with one of the best cover arts I've seen! Another PS3 Exclusive that is pure quality! It's a shame that Insomniac Games is now working on an XBox One exclusive, but I still hope Resistance 4 will come on PS4!

    Verdict : 9.5/10
    Expand
  26. Jan 16, 2014
    8
    This game is truly epic! More enemies, better guns, updated game mechanics. Let's start with the core gameplay. One thing I did not like about this was the sudden change of the gun system. In Fall of Man and Resistance Retribution (PSP), once you pick up a gun, it's yours to keep forever. Here, they removed that and made it more like Call of Duty. You can now sprint (something you couldn'tThis game is truly epic! More enemies, better guns, updated game mechanics. Let's start with the core gameplay. One thing I did not like about this was the sudden change of the gun system. In Fall of Man and Resistance Retribution (PSP), once you pick up a gun, it's yours to keep forever. Here, they removed that and made it more like Call of Duty. You can now sprint (something you couldn't do in FoM and Retribution) and you can only carry two guns at a time.I guess that's not a bad thing, but I played this game the second after I completed the first, and the wacky controls surprised me.

    Storywise, the Chimera have gotten stronger, and now have giant airships capable of leveling cities. How Hale escaped London alive is a mystery (but it probably can be answered via ingame intel and the wiki).
    In my opinion, the Chimera have become almost godlike. Fall of Man showed that their survival depended on humans, or they would not be able to produce any more soldiers, but in Resistance 2, they seem to have gotten past the Conversion problem. There are also a hell of a lot more non-humanoid creatures. The damn spinners, chameleons, krakens and more. I also don't like how they removed the cutscenes which explains what is happening (and narrated by a soothing british accent). Resistance 2 and Retribution came out at almost the same time (hooking your PSP up to the PS3 with R2 gives your PSP game extra stuff), yet they are completely different.

    Regarding weapons, the Auger is far more powerful than it was before. You can see your enemies from behind walls, the bullets are much faster and deal far more damage. There are also new guns that really should have been in Retribution, but were left out.

    Regardless, a fantastic sequel!
    Expand
  27. Dec 21, 2013
    9
    I enjoyed playing this game more than the first one, mainly because the campaign was much more epic. The number of enemies and amount of action going on at any one time is tremendous and really pulls you into feeling like you are in a war. Fighting huge enemy bosses was also very cool, reminds me of old school games. The story was a nice continuation from the first game and the graphicsI enjoyed playing this game more than the first one, mainly because the campaign was much more epic. The number of enemies and amount of action going on at any one time is tremendous and really pulls you into feeling like you are in a war. Fighting huge enemy bosses was also very cool, reminds me of old school games. The story was a nice continuation from the first game and the graphics and sound are a lot better.

    There are some changes I didn't care for. I missed the gun wheel, the health packs, and the loss of vehicle play. These made resistance 2 feel more like other games. Other than that I really enjoyed everything else about the game and continue to highly recommend it.
    Expand
  28. Sep 29, 2013
    9
    "Resistance 2" en mi opinión tuvo la capacidad de afrontar la nueva generación, después de una encantadora primera parte ("Fall of Man"). Si gustan del género de videojuegos ciencia ficción y first person shooter, te prometo que será bienvenido a tu colección de juegos de PlayStation 3. Alrededor del juego hay muchas sorpresas y sin hablar del final que es excelente. Por otro lado, un"Resistance 2" en mi opinión tuvo la capacidad de afrontar la nueva generación, después de una encantadora primera parte ("Fall of Man"). Si gustan del género de videojuegos ciencia ficción y first person shooter, te prometo que será bienvenido a tu colección de juegos de PlayStation 3. Alrededor del juego hay muchas sorpresas y sin hablar del final que es excelente. Por otro lado, un multijugador excelente y uno de mis juegos favoritos del año 2008. Expand
  29. May 28, 2013
    10
    After Resistance FoM, I was hoping this game would be really good and capture the same feel as the first one. Did it fully capture it? For the most part yes. The story was wonderfully put together, with great characters, plot, set pieces, and AI.
    The MP was of course of the chains. With the massive matches going on and crazy clan battles, the game was great. The new COOP experience was
    After Resistance FoM, I was hoping this game would be really good and capture the same feel as the first one. Did it fully capture it? For the most part yes. The story was wonderfully put together, with great characters, plot, set pieces, and AI.
    The MP was of course of the chains. With the massive matches going on and crazy clan battles, the game was great. The new COOP experience was great as well. The only down side was the lack of support by Insomniac. No new COOP DLC, and well over priced maps for MP. But there was no incentive to get those DLCs.
    Aside from that, the problems that existed were with the somewhat cartoonish graphics, bodies exploding in to the chunks of intestines and organs, no arms or legs, those were rare when it came to certain enemies. In Multiplayer there were only organs all over the place. The fire physics and textures in this installment were terrible. The did a great job on the water physics. To some people these are laughable things to pick on, but when you are looking for a good looking game, these things count.
    Over all the game was enjoyable, great story, great graphics, characters you could relate and care about.
    There was a lot of hate on this game because it was nothing like Resistance Fall of Man. But truthfully it was more of a Resistance title than Resistance 3.
    Expand
  30. May 21, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The single player is epic in scope and in story, which is practically worth the price of admission by itself. Then you throw in the extremely engaging co-op and competitive play, which expands on replayability in just about every way possible. Toss in a generous number of unlockables, trophies and community support, and you've got a phenomenal experience. Expand
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 79
  2. Negative: 0 out of 79
  1. 95
    The single player is epic in scope and in story, which is practically worth the price of admission by itself. Then you throw in the extremely engaging co-op and competitive play, which expands on replayability in just about every way possible. Toss in a generous number of unlockables, trophies and community support, and you've got a phenomenal experience.
  2. It succeeds because it doesn’t just try to throw more humans into the same old environments and gameplay. It offers a smart three class system that encourages savvy team-work, an experience meter that builds to enable special attacks and uses levels designed specifically for the mode to maximise the resulting gameplay. It also dynamically shifts the action to take into account the number and skill of players in each game, making for near endless replayability. It’s a hit, pure and simple.
  3. 92
    Resistance 2 is gutsier, it’s gorier, and it’s much, much bigger.