The first instalment of this game, released for PC and PlayStation (a PC version of the sequel should be available soon), garnered admiration and disgust in fairly equal measure. There was a plot of sorts, albeit quite a forgettable one, but the main purpose of the game was to wander around some well-drawn locations, shooting zombies and other undead creations to your heart's content. Not surprisingly, the game did rather well. Except in Germany, where such things are apparently frowned upon.

Don't expect much of a plot improvement in RE2. All that's really changed is that, instead of the zombies being rather limited in number, this time they've taken over an entire city. Only you (playing either a rookie policeman or a young female biker, or sometimes both) can save the day, presumably by finding and destroying the zombie-making machine.

End of plot. Beginning of an interesting, atmospheric, fun and very bloody game. Straight after the opening credits, you're thrown in at the deep end. This reviewer died six times before working out what the 'run' key was (manual? what's that then?). The zombies may be slow, but they make up for that in number. And there are several other nasties that don't suffer from the same lack of speed; in particular, the 'lickers', which, according to the in-game documentation, can stab straight through you with their tongues. No comment.

As far as playability is concerned, 'Alone in the Dark' has a lot to answer for. Weird camera angles abound in RE2, although they are reasonably well thought out, so you can usually see what you are shooting at. Other elements of the game aren't quite so clever, like the irritating inventory thing that limits the number of items you can carry, and won't let you just drop them and collect them later - a daft inter-dimensional receptacle thing, looking suspiciously like a packing trunk, is what you have to deal with.

But these are minor niggles. RE2 is graphically outstanding, amusingly gory and has a structure that is sufficiently complex to last the experienced gamer at least a week. It's engrossing enough to keep you up until the small hours. And then it'll give you nightmares when you do finally pass out.

Verdict
It's not all zombie-bashing in this sequel to the highly gory Resident Evil. There are other things to bash too, some of which are definitely frightening. The interface - particularly the inventory arrangement - could be improved in places, but this is an impressive showcase for the PlayStation, providing action and adventure in equal measure. Oh yes, and bucket-loads of blood.

Company: Virgin

Tags: zombie playstation germany alone in the dark game video game personal computer action