Highlights
- Ghostrunner 2 has improved upon its predecessor in terms of storytelling, with a more emotionally resonant narrative and better character development.
- The game's premise, set in a dystopian world controlled by a rogue AI, is intriguing and well-explored, offering a thought-provoking cyberpunk story.
- Ghostrunner 2 introduces a hub area and face-to-face interactions with characters, allowing for more personal connections and a deeper exploration of the game's themes.
The recently released Ghostrunner 2 polishes several key aspects of its predecessor, and its story was one of the most significant areas of improvement. While Ghostrunner 2 released amidst many hotly anticipated titles, it has still managed to garner a good bit of buzz, in part because of its commitment to building upon the solid foundations laid by the first game, which is loved by many.
The first Ghostrunner game made waves in the gaming community thanks to its flashy, quick, and unforgiving combat that was well-suited for gamers seeking a fast-paced challenge. On top of this, the visual and aural aesthetic of the game was pleasant and interesting, if not exactly revolutionary in comparison to other science fiction works. Less talked about is the game's story, which follows android protagonist Jack as he discovers his humanity and rebels against the tyrannical, anti-human forces that control Dharma tower. This framework sets Ghostrunner up as a great cyberpunk story, filled with thought-provoking characters and themes. While the first game hits a lot of the right notes, it fell flat in some areas, and its sequel has sharpened up the franchise's storytelling in many ways.
Why Ghostrunner 2's Storytelling Is More Effective
The lore of the Ghostrunner universe is certainly intriguing, especially for fans of dark, dystopian science-fiction. Ghostrunner takes place on a version of Earth that has been brought to the edge of destruction thanks to an unspecified catastrophe referred to as the Burst. Humanity is forced to live in Dharma Tower, a massive skyscraper that is eventually controlled by a rogue AI that aims to wipe out the remainder of humanity. This setup, along with Jack's personal journey, is one of the best parts of Ghostrunner.
Where the First Ghostrunner's Story Struggled
While this premise is interesting, its execution is a bit lacking at points. Almost all Jack's interactions with other characters consist of radio conversations, and characters like Zoe, who is presented as playing a key role in Jack's journey of self-discovery, is never seen. This can all lead to Ghostrunner feeling somewhat emotionally disconnected, as it's hard to feel invested in the game's characters or interpersonal relationships. In the same vein, the story can feel a bit too world-driven at times, with a greater emphasis being placed on lore than on character, which is a missed opportunity given the story's main theme of discovering humanity.
Ghostrunner 2 Has Better Narrative Presentation
The sequel has greatly improved things on the presentation front. Ghostrunner 2 has more gameplay variety, including a hub area where Jack can interact, face-to-face, with the game's other characters. This face time has gone a long way toward making the story more emotionally resonant, as each character now feels more like a real person that exists outside radio calls. It also presents more opportunities for the game to expound upon its themes of human connection, as Jack (and by extension, the player) has more chances to actually cultivate relationships with these NPCs.
The Premise of Ghostrunner 2 is More Complex
Ghostrunner 2's fast-paced combat and traversal mechanics still take center stage, but the way the game's narrative is presented makes the story much more effective. The game's plot continues where the first's left off, this time following Jack and his team as they attempt to restore some sort of order to Dharma Tower. There are a number of interesting directions Ghostrunner 2 takes with regard to this premise, but ultimately, its story is more personal, optimistic, and complex, as the heroes are now trying to build a better world, rather than tear down the oppressive, pre-existing one. This planned narrative, alongside the new and improved approach to the game's NPCs, has made Ghostrunner 2 a massive improvement in the story department.
Ghostrunner 2 is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
