I F*CKING LOVE DARKSYNTH!!!!! LETS F*CKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Most of the comments about this game describe what it did wrong, what it lacked, the stuff that was missing from the first one or what could have been improved. But no one is talking about the stuff that was done right.

I'd like to start talking about the music, even if it's not that different from the previous one it's way better in my opinion. The tracks are now done by two different people(not sure if there are more involved, if there are please correct me)l, and that means more variety in the rhythm and the substance. A lot of the tracks here I like more than the ones from the first game.

Now the gameplay. A lot of people complain about the block ability because "it takes off from the challenge". Feels like I'm basically dealing with Souls fans, if it's not hard enough it's not good enough. I really can't take this critics seriously, especially when in comparison with the first one this ability allows you to make those annoying machine gun as***les swallow their own ammunition, for real, how can you even find a reason to complain about that? Then you have improvements in other areas like the shurikens being a permanent side weapon, and a lot more new abilities like the shadow decoy, the whirl, etc. Hell, you even have enhancements for those abilities that you can set based on your play style, like the teleportation with the shurikens(one of my personal favorites) or the whirl boosting you up and much more. If it makes you feel way too overpowered then just don't use them. I know that for a parkour video game some might feel unnecessary, but I kindly disagree, because not only is it expanding your playstyle, but it also gives that breath of innovation that we were craving from the first one, which also has great gameplay, but its way too centric so it gets a bit repetitive.

As for the story, it's not that big of a deal, I know. But this game in particular you don't play for the story, but for the levels, enemies and all the action that gets involved. Having said that it's still acceptable, has some funny moments and some of the characters are actually likeable. So all in all, it ain't the strongest of its aspects, but it's still ok, even enjoyable.

For the levels, we have both a positive and a negative side to this. Again, the innovation was good, especially with the bike levels and the glider. Many of the initial levels are not much different from the first game, but I kinda like that because the essence of the game comes with the color palette and the parkour in all the tech-like surfaces, and they played a bit more with the rail segments and the altitude boosters, which I liked a lot. The ones that I didn't enjoy much are the levels of outer Dharma. Not because they weren't designed well but because of the atmosphere. Of course, that's to be expected since it is a post-apocalyptic world. I just wished they would've made the city levels last longer. Thankfully, they included the bike on these levels so that takes most of the monotony and the slow pace.
As for the boss encounters, many people complain that they're more of a hack and slash game than what Ghostrunner is supposed to be. But what is it supposed to be anyway? Just because they require more hits and some lack parkour it's all terrible? The designers were clearly playing with their options and decided to try something new, which I think is pretty cool. In my opinion bosses don't need parkour to be fun, they're just as fun without it, and having more options in your arsenal makes it even better. But still, If you need your hunger for parkour to be satisfied during these encounters well you won't be dissapointed, the Rahu and Naga levels will have more than enough to give.

Finally, to finish this review the graphics are what's left to discuss. They're amazing, despite what other people think. I know that the animations of the npcs when talking are a bit static and some even unexpressive, but it really doesn't take away anything at all from the game. I mean, some discussions are obligated, but many others you can just ignore and it won't affect the game. The enemies look fantastic, the world looks just as great, the blades are easily my favorite visuals with all the colors and lights.
Now, my biggest complaint comes here and it's related to the performance. Let's be honest, the game was made to be played on pc, and the lack of optimization really takes from the fun in general. It's the only complaint that I actually agree with in regards to all the other reviews, but still, it's not enough to justify the hate it's been receiving from the launch. I mean, it's something fixable, and most of the games that came out in the last years have this type of issue, even games for consoles. Also, a lot of the performance issues have been corrected, so patience it's all that is required.

So, to summarize it all, the game has both positives and negatives(like every other existing game), both in terms of gameplay and visual presentation. Despite what others believe it does have innovation, a lot of it. It just might have not improved some of the aspects that many were hoping for, but they are still really good. The real issue here is that people are more focused on what they didn't like about the game(just like I stated at the beginning). I understand the ones that complain about performance(I agree since that's the main reason I waited before actually buying it) but other than that I don't understand why it receives this much hate, as it certainly doesn't deserve it. Even my girlfriend likes it(makes her a bit dizzy but she still enjoys it), so I really don't get any of the negativity.

It's definitely worth the price, but still, if you're not sure then just wait for a sale and go for it. I assure you won't be dissapointed.

It's just not the same, if you wanted more Ghostrunner 1, visually and thematically, I guess this is more of the same?
But the ambitions of GR2 betray the perfection in simplicity that GR1 achieved.