Review: Resistance 2 potentially best FPS of 2008
Resistance 2 is about to hit the store shelves tomorrow and it looks like PS3 owners are in for a rare treat. Considering the complexity and scope of Resistance 2, this is one title that is a bit tricky to review.
The title is a first person shooter with extensive MMORPG components to the game. It is almost like reviewing two different games in one. However, considering that Insomniac Games managed to deliver on each component, they may have a winner on their hands.
Story
I have been burning the midnight oil playing through Resistance 2 and the game is huge in practically every way possible. As mentioned by a Sony rep, it can take over 400 hours to fully complete the game. The scale of the online component is also massive, with 60 player online matches and a eight player co-op mode.
The single player campaign in Resistance 2 is vastly improved over Resistance: Fall of Man. The third person narrative has been removed and cut scenes involving Nathan Hale are now in place.
This definitely helps improve immersion over the original game. The game starts you off where the original game ends in Iceland, the last refuge. You are recruited into a Special Forces team called the Sentinels, which encompass other individuals who are infected with the Chimeran virus.
Without giving too much away about the single player story, Resistance 2 is about Hale’s personal journey to the brinks of death to fight for the survival of the planet.
The co-op mode also has a story that parallels to that of the single player campaign’s story. However, unlike the single player mode the missions are given to you in the form of briefs. You read the briefs before the game plops you into a co-op game. This breaks up the story a bit, but you will soon realize that it was necessary in order to make the massive, eight player co-op mode work seamlessly.
Controls
The controls retain much of the feel from the original game, with several improvements. The iron sight/zoom feels more fluid and natural as well as the character movements. The addition of a sprint capability helps get through some of the larger levels quickly as well.
The only complaint I have with the controls is that there’s no prone option. There are times when the closest object to duck behind is too low to provide an effective cover. However, if a prone option were to be implemented, taking cover behind any nearby objects while fighting hordes of Chimeran soldiers would have been a chinch.
Visuals
Overall the game looks stunning, especially the jaw dropping San Francisco invasion scene. However, there are some inconsistency issues with the textures. Textures on enemies look spectacular, while some textures on walls and objects look bland. It looks like Insomniac Games did not have enough time to focus on the environmental textures.
Design
Resistance 2 pushes the bar for FPS, from its 60 player online matches to its eight player online co-op mode. Other games usually tack the co-op onto the single player campaign. However, Insomniac Games took it a step further by creating a whole new campaign just for co-op.
The co-op doesn’t play out like your traditional mode as it plays more like a MMORPG. Gamers who are usually intimidated by the online multiplayer will love the co-op mode. Leveling up your character(s) and finishing up the co-op campaign could take you close to 100 hours.
The co-op mode also has a way of sucking away all of your time. You might jump in for a quick game, but find yourself spending hours playing the co-op. There is also a sense of comrade, where you feel as though your teammates truly depend on you to succeed.
Read here for a detailed impression of the co-op mode
The multiplayer mode is massive with 60 player matches. The meat of the multiplayer mode is skirmish. In skirmish, you and your squad mates are handed objectives that must be completed. After completing an objective, another one will pop up taking you across the huge map to another goal.
After so many objectives are completed the game will bring all of the smaller squads into a massive 60 player war. The squad break-down works fairly well, keeping your squad and the rival squad tied around an objective.
Only until the final objective appears, will you actually glimpse how epic the battle is. During the final objective, your team consisting of 30 players, will battle it out with the other 30 player team.
Read here for a detailed impression of the multiplayer mode
Wrap-up
Resistance 2 is definitely a solid first person shooter. With the single player campaign, co-op campaign and multiplayer mode, the game has enough content packed in to last a very long time.
Considering that the average gameplay time for a first person shooter is around five to 10 hours, Resistance 2 stands head and shoulders above the rest. I highly recommend that all PS3 owners give Resistance 2 a try.
Score:
5/5
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36 Responses to “Review: Resistance 2 potentially best FPS of 2008”
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November 4th, 2008
Resistance 2 is probably the best PS3 game out right now.
As for ‘Shooter of 2008′? I think Gears 2 will have plenty to say about that.
November 4th, 2008
Lol typical, it was always going to cause outrage that GOW2 would be outshadowed by R2 even without a review or anyone playing it. The game could be crap and you’d still vote it for shooter 2008.
Mike, i’m not sure if this is an error or not, but i thought the game starts off in Iceland not Alaska? Thats what i’ve heard and thought at least…
November 4th, 2008
Awesome review man. Love it <3
November 4th, 2008
Bourne – R2 has only “outshadowed” GeOW 2 because you ps3 fanboys don’t get GeOW 2. Look around you, GeOW 2 easily outshadows any ps3 game coming up. Heck even LBP hype has fallen to a trickle…
the difference between r2 and geow, is that 1. Cliffy B is a legend in the industry and 2. it’s already proven itself with the first GeOW setting the benchmark for other games to follow.
Resistance has done no such thing and is not even in the same league, quality wise, as GeOW. Check the reviews…
besides, it’s funny watching you ps3 fanboys first claim “all the 360 has is shooters” then celebrate your own shooters… ps3 fanboys… lol…
November 4th, 2008
tatsu – maybe i should have written that… apparently the local “gaming journalist” *cough* don’t have enough cajones to post my post….
not suprised….
gamerblorge.com= ps3 fanboys = no common sense = no backbone.
November 4th, 2008
Hey guys…. Incase you didn’t know Gears is a third person shooter…..
At any rate, I can’t wait to go pick this up. My only complaint is that I am still in the middle of creating my LBP level. There is just too much to play right now. It’s hard being a PS3 owner.
November 4th, 2008
Im glad you said that kev “it’s already proven itself with the first GeOW setting the benchmark” because the resulting reviews will be based entirely on that which will be ridiculous. The fact that the game may suck won’t be based on the actual sequel, rather the first game. Those points you raised are hilarious though, you failed to give a valid point as to why Gow2 may outshadow R2. The simple fact is that R2 is going to own Gow2 and you cannot stand it. Multiplayer, story, Campaign, gameplay, Graphics, R2 beats it hands down.
November 4th, 2008
Bourne,
Your so jelous that you wish you could play Gears of War 2. Denial is a Bitch. Lets just see what the Reviews say about R2 when it comes out. Gears scored 95 on Metacritic.
November 4th, 2008
Lol i could go out and buy a 360 but i don’t want to waste my money on that when i could spend it on R2 ,LBP ,Motorstorm 2, KZ2, MAG, GT5 etc etc.
For the record: IGN = R2: 9.5, GEoW2 = 8.9,9.2,9.5
November 4th, 2008
@kev: PLease, Cliffy B is a tool and a half.
Did you guys even read the article above? Resistance 2 offers hours upon hours of game play. 60 player matches? Over 400 hours to complete the game? This hasn’t been done before, hence the fantastic review.
Most first person shooters tack on a 10 hour story…. COD4…. Gaylo3… Resistance 2 is raising the bar very high for what a first person shooter can/should be. This bar will end up being raised yet again in February when KillZone2 releases.
November 4th, 2008
@kev: Please, Cliffy B is a tool and a half.
Did any xbots actually read the above review? No. I didn’t think so. 60 player online battles? 400 hours to complete the story? MMO style co-op? This hasn’t been done in a FPS before, hence the fantastic review.
Way to often FPS’s have a quick tacked 10 hour story. I loved COD4, but I beat the story in a few sittings. Gaylo only had a cheesy 10 hour story. Resistance has both an amazing story, and unparalleled online features. Resistance 2 is raising the bar for what a FPS can/should be. This bar will end up being raised yet again in February when KillZone2 releases.
November 4th, 2008
@ Bourne, would you like some salt for your foot?
Metacritic;
Gears Of War 2 – 95
Resistance 2 – 89
You are indeed an idiot.
November 4th, 2008
Also in regards to Cliffy P Pants…. making two games does not make one a legend in the industry. The unreal engine is used by many.
On the topic of legends, Mr. Kojima on the other hand, has a two decade proven track record of time and time again revolutionizing every thing we perceive to know about games. MGS 4 was built from the ground. Mr. Kojima does not need to rely on the Unreal Engine as a crutch for development.
November 4th, 2008
CAD,
Jealousy works both ways. Obviously if you like shooting things, you would want Gears AND Resistance. At least Harry is begrudgingly capable of saying something nice about a PS3 exclusive, albeit still in a backhanded way.
Just from reading about R2, I don’t see how anyone could find fault with the game, especially if you like shooters.
-Arvis
November 4th, 2008
Lol i love so called “reviewers” who give GOW2 a higher score than resistance. They are simply comedic. They give GOW2 a higher score, not becuase of the game, rather that the implications for not giving it a ridiculous score would end in ridicule by the Xbots/Microsoft and seeing as there is a large user base it would spell disaster. I simply find it hilarious that GOW2 can out score R2 considering the whole packages. But If i had ever listened to Reviews i would be stuck with RROD and paying for an internet service which is totally overhyped, So i make my own decisions on what to buy.
November 4th, 2008
@harry,
Gears 2 has over 22 reviews on Metacritic, Resistance 2 only has around 10… this will change by the time you probably look at it but the point being, scores will change over time.
Case in point, you write that GEars 2 was 95 on MEtacritic, right now it is 94 because PAlgn gave Gears 2 a 8.5/10
Gear 2 was sitting at 90 a few days ago when IGN UK gave it a 89. It changed with the surge in reviews.. currently REsistance 2 is lacking in reviews in Metacritic to give it a balanced score..
Both games are good though, sites like IGN and Eurogamer gave good scores to both games.
So stop arguing people just enjoy the game.
November 4th, 2008
Oh Bourne I did not know you were a mind reader. R2 may be good but Gears of War 2 is Awsome, Bigger, Badder and More Bad Ass. That is something R2 wishes it had. I’ve Played Resistance and it just did not have that feel. It does not even use the trigger for the gun what an ironic thought. Not even Halo has that feel that Gears Captures. Once you play it there is something about it that gets you and gives you this rush when you play it. I plan on getting my copy today right after work. I got a connect. Then I’m going to a buddies house and were going to have a system link party. Does PS3 even do system link? I’ve never heard that term associated with the PS3.
November 4th, 2008
Back to RROD Bourne. You guys love to use stale old arguments. I’ll take RROD any day over waiting for games to come out on the PS3. RROD is a week or two downtime and RROD is pretty much a thing of the past so just stop the cry baby responses. R2 did not get the better review and that is that. Sony has been know this time around for being over the top and where has that gotten them. IN LAST PLACE!!!
November 4th, 2008
@ Dirk,
Fine, i’m more than happy to wait for more reviews to come in, I am confident in knowing what game will be coming out on top.
Not that I have anything against resistance 2, I think it looks tits, but Gears 2 looks even titser…heh
November 4th, 2008
It will take more than an A+ to make me play a console shooter.
But VATs in it and we’ll talk
November 4th, 2008
The cheesy, macho, hammed up dialog and characters in Gears is nothing to brag about. I will admit that the game play is pretty solid, but there isn’t really much of a story. The character (Marcus) is one dimensional…. Master Chief (aka General Character) was probably the most worthless lead character ever, but I am getting off point…. While I will admit Resistance FOM was told through a narrative, the voice acting, dialogue, and characters were all solid.
November 4th, 2008
@Cad
The PS3 uses the lan adapter for local games I think.
E.g I think warhawk can be played over LAN.
November 4th, 2008
@ Bourne_PSP,
‘So called’ reviewers? I love it how when someone doesn’t favor you they’re all of a sudden ‘So called’. You’re a twit, and i’d go as far to say you’re as bad as Ivan.
November 5th, 2008
You guys just haven’t seen the bright side of gaming, maybe we should start a fund on here and give you guys a PS3, show you how gaming is done. You guys are so groutchy, maybe if you actually played games?
Anyways, Harry its cringeworthy when reviwers give GOW2 a higher score even when the graphics are better in R2 (youtube it), the capaing lasts for 200+ hours, 60 players online AND has a better story.
November 5th, 2008
Not to put Gears 2 down because I’m sure if its anything like the first it’ll be a great game, but to compare it to R2 with all that they did for the MP aspect of it seems down right foolish.
I haven’t played either so my opinions are based solely on what I’m reading but…..damn.. The campaign is split so you could play one aspect online and the other by yourself. The way they have the separate battles that lead to an all out war bringing all the players together (UT2004 did this well)
I think the expectations and hype is so much higher for Gears that the game is receiving a too many 100% that R2 isn’t seeing despite R2 being he better package altogether.
I want his game but Far Cr2 and LBP are eating up all my time…..
November 5th, 2008
johnnyninja and bourne – thanks for PROVING you know nothing about gaming.
hang your head in shame… you’re not even fit to polish Cliffy’s wheels on his new Audi R8.
oh.but killzone 2(from the proven hacks at Guerrilla) is supposed to be great? lol..priceless
November 5th, 2008
@ bourne_PSP,
Do you want some cheese with your whine?
November 5th, 2008
The only person here who has made any sense is not degraded theirselves is Harry (and I’m a PS3 owner). Fucking fanboys walk the walk, but you can’t talk the talk and when your asked to justify your statements you get your backs up and look like a bunch of cry baby whingers. FFS it is just a reviewers thoughts on the game, get over yourselves!
November 5th, 2008
Damn straight!
November 6th, 2008
ok, I bought the game yesterday…. and I think it is the best FPS of ‘08.The online component is unparalleled. Gaylo was so over hyped, with its standard cookie cutter online game modes… But Microsoft marketed it like crazy and the sheep all lined up to buy it. It’s kind of sad really.
Resistance 2 is so much better and offers many different ways to play online.
November 6th, 2008
Your argument fell flat when you said ‘Gaylo’, fanboy.
December 10th, 2008
i just got R2 and i love it, multiplayer is so addictive omfg.
Look at how many xbots post on a PS3 related article, how pathetic.
December 15th, 2008
wow..what happened to R2 in the VG awards…? so much for “potential”… lol…
December 19th, 2008
haha, Mike and his PS3 hypes. Best PS3 shooter only not best of 2008. Like 4? games that sell better than R2. (Halo 3, Gear of Wars 2, Cod:WaW, Left 4 Dead?)
December 28th, 2008
Resistance 2 is beyond better then Gears of War 2 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare as for Halo 3 that whole series always sucked big time full of hype. Gears of War 2 was a huge let down on the online side. Resistance 2 is like 3 full games in 1 definitely worth it. I have Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2.
Gamertag: Ivan PSP
PLAYSTATION Network ID: Ivan-
January 6th, 2009
ivan – just because you say it doesn’t make it so… apparently there a MILLIONS of gamers would disagree with you… but you’d ignore them anyway..so, carry on…