Ghostrunner 2, from developer One More Level, combines fast ninja action, hardcore platforming, and a killer soundtrack to a game that feels twice as long as it should be. The original hit first-person platformer delighted players with its vibrant cyberpunk world and challenging levels that rewarded quick reflexes. Ghostrunner 2's one-hit death gameplay, parkour-centric level designs, and sci-fi story elements have all received drastic upgrades, but not all the additions help keep the game's pacing, which feels uneven.

The first Ghostrunner was released in 2020 and players controlled cyber ninja Jack as he ran along walls, halved enemies, and eventually defeated the brutal tyrant in control of humanity's last tower of civilization, Dharma City. Fast-paced first-person platforming that rewards quick thinking and impeccable timing made Ghostrunner an attractive game for speedrunners. Three years later, the sequel has delivered an experience that takes each of those features up a notch, but more does not always mean better.

While Gameplay Is Fun, Levels Drag On

Like the first game, many of Ghostrunner 2's levels take place in a dilapidated futuristic city invaded by giant metal buildings covered with vibrant neon lights. Each level is broken up into sections devoted to high-flying platforming, teeth-clenching combat, and moments that require both. While checkpoints are often very generous, many campaign levels can take 30 to 60 minutes to complete for first-time players. Most of the game's stages feel longer than needed for the plot and flow of unlockable abilities to feel as satisfying as possible. When the game finally gives players a motorcycle and a new environment to explore, the game's pacing issues shockingly worsen.

Related: Ghostrunner PS5 Review: Still Exhilarating & Still Clunky

Most of Ghostrunner 2's gameplay feels like it's pushing players to keep moving forward at increasing speeds to progress to new areas. When the game takes Jack out of the tower to explore a vast wasteland with few enemies and the occasional platforming puzzle, the game's pacing issues become hard to ignore. Many sections of the game feel placed to pad time rather than a meaningful game progression that consistently raises the bar for the player's skill level to reach. GR2 should take players 15-20 hours to complete the campaign, but the game's pacing would have significantly benefited if several of its stages were half the size.

Players visit trippy cyberspace levels and a brown-shaded wasteland when the game provides a break from the same recycled cyberpunk concrete jungle. Because many of the game's levels overstay their welcome, it's incredibly refreshing to encounter the new environments, especially the wasteland's introduction level that gives players a particularly epic glimpse of fun with the high-speed, seemingly gravity-defying motorcycle. However, the game's three primary environments lose their luster after dozens of deaths and drawn-out moments between impressive set pieces.

Amazing Bosses & Combat Variety Shine

Boss fights in Ghostrunner 2 are as epic as they are challenging. The large-scale battles often require completing a complex obstacle course while destroying nodes powering a massive enemy. Boss encounters occur in unique environments and are a significant game highlight. The biggest issue with GR2's bosses is that there needs to be more of them, while a lesser qualm is that the one-hit-death mechanic can make certain combat-based bosses more frustrating than others. Still, Ghostrunner 2's upgraded combat gives many more gameplay options than the first game when going into battle.

Players will come across collectibles, cosmetics, and upgrade chips throughout Ghostrunner 2's campaign that are useful with Jack's new abilities and skill tree. Players will unlock grappling shurikens and shadow clones along with perks that can alter gameplay in many ways. Certain perks may assist a specific skill's damage and cool-down rate, while others can dramatically increase mobility and unlock new tiers of ultimate attacks. If one method is not working, many other options are available, which helps Ghostrunner 2's gameplay and combat stay refreshing.

Final Thoughts & Review Score

Challenging platforming sections can feel incredibly rewarding to conquer, thanks to the visual splendor some of Ghostrunner 2's environments create upon their first viewing. It's a shame that players will often be stuck in the same beautiful areas for dozens of deaths because of the game's difficulty. Thankfully, Ghostrunner 2's perks provide players options to help alter gameplay to make things easier for the game's multiple playstyles. Thankfully, the game offers unlimited lives because death is a common occurrence. Feelings of accomplishment are often propped up by a slew of frustrating and sometimes cheap deaths from the game's relentless enemies, especially those with long-range weapons.

Despite the game's pacing issues and ability to enrage its players, Ghostrunner 2 can be a challenging game to put down. The game's exciting synth-wave tracks and well-written supporting cast pair well with its visuals and outstanding boss battles to keep players interested. Ghostrunner 2 improves on the first game in many ways, but if the sequel were an anime, a lot of it would feel like filler material between its more engaging, epic boss battles.

Source: PlayStation/YouTube

Ghostrunner 2 releases on October 26, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. A digital PC code was provided to Screen Rant was provided for the purposes of this review.