It takes a bit of getting used to in order to become familiar with the new combat system, but it is quite pleasing once you get the hang of it. Ethan can still deflect enemy hits by holding up his arms using both triggers, but this time he can actually block instead of just holding up his arms in a quick deflection sequence like in the first game. The window of opportunity for deflecting an attack is much more forgiving this time around as well.

Like the original Condemned, Ethan can still make use of plenty of environmental objects. We still have the usual pipes and locker doors, but this time we get some extra objects such as bowling balls, antlers, and toilet seats. There are still a few projectile weapons this time and each of them can be refilled with ammo by finding another gun of the same type. Ethan can also holster a smaller gun and use another weapon allowing him to keep a secondary weapon on hand. The main focus is still on melee weapons but this time the projectile weapons are given to Ethan a bit more - it still doesn't turn into a standard first person shooter though.

Oh, and let's not forget about the actual forensic crime scenes where you get to whip out Ethan's gadgets and study evidence. The first game was truly unique with the crime scene aspect but the game gave you little control over what actually happened. In Condemned 2, the game actually leaves it up to you to solve the mystery behind the crime scene. Evidence is lying about in the area and it is your job to examine what is important and come up with the most logical conclusions from a list of choices. The crime scenes are very well done in this game and give the player more of a key role this time. The only problem that I had with the crime scenes is that you miss out on some slight story elements if you happen to pick the wrong choices. Rosa sometimes corrects you though.

Condemned 2 also has a few multiplayer modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Bum Rush, and Crime Scene. Each game allows players to choose from the SCU (SWAT police) or the Influenced (thugs). Deathmatch is your standard free for all deathmatch where you start with your bare hands then have to take on up to eight other players in challenge to see who can get the most kills. Team Deathmatch allows players to pick from the SCU and the Influenced and fight against the other group. Weapons are scattered throughout the environment in both games. In Bum Rush mode, several players take on the role of the Influenced and two players use two overpowered SCU soldiers. The Influenced players have about ten minutes to defeat the two SCU soldiers.

Crime Scene allows players to pick from the SCU and the Influenced once again. The SCU come armed with guns and the Influenced are armed with standard melee weapons. At the start of each round, the Influenced are required to hide two evidence containers somewhere on the map - these can be picked up and moved at any time by an Influenced player. The Influenced must protect the evidence for three minutes from the SCU. The SCU come equipped with scanners that show a hot and cold meter for each evidence container when it is taken out while walking. Use the scanners to find the evidence then scan both evidence containers to win the round. This was really my game of choice for the multiplayer portion of Condemned 2. The SCU seems overpowered with their guns but using the right tactics for the Influenced can turn the tides and make this game one interesting little game of cat and mouse. Hiding in the shadows and sneaking up on a player from the opposite team plays an important role while playing with the Influenced.

The Deathmatches feel rather standard and shallow. Bum Rush is ok but it really feels just like another form of Deathmatch. The Crime Scene provides a unique experience. Some frustrating lag can rear its head at any time during any of these matches and make the melee combat very hard to use. The combat in these multiplayer games doesn't feel as deep as in the main game and the movements aren't as fluid. Fights basically come down to attacking, stepping back to avoid an enemy's attack then countering. Deflecting and blocking can help out but the attacks are harder to see coming in multiplayer mode - it feels much like deflecting in the first Condemned.

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