“The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” plunges players into a chilling labyrinth of spectral suspense set within the eerie confines of a haunted Chinese school. Developed by a with a dozen titles, some clearly not getting much attention but this being their first sequel the team got a good grip on the nuances of atmospheric horror. This first-person nightmare delivers an intense, immersive experience that will leave you gripping your controller with sweaty palms.
Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary high school, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” immediately establishes an unsettling ambiance. The school, shrouded in darkness and steeped in a history of tragedy, becomes a character in its own right—a malevolent entity that ensnares the living and traps the departed.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of various characters, each with their own motivations for wandering the halls of this spectral prison. From reporters seeking closure to rumours grappling with dark secrets, to older students re-enacting a tragic story as a film project. The game offers a diverse array of perspectives that enrich the overarching storyline. As players navigate the haunted corridors, they’ll uncover fragments of the past and piece together the tragic events that continue to reverberate through the school’s shadowy halls, which give you an insight into what is happening. Actually finding secrets and reading those little details littered around the horror infested hallways will help you in gameplay.
One of the game’s standout features is its use of tools to unravel the mysteries lurking within the school’s walls. From a mystical lantern that illuminates hidden truths to encounters with benevolent spirits offering cryptic guidance, players must harness every resource at their disposal to navigate the treacherous terrain of the afterlife. This blend of traditional horror tropes with supernatural elements adds depth to the gameplay, challenging players to think critically and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.
However, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” isn’t without its flaws. While the game excels in crafting a foreboding atmosphere and delivering pulse-pounding scares, there are moments where the pacing falters, and I actually found myself playing the game with the original Chinese voice language as the animations and lip synch with English dialogue was too distracting for me. Additionally, although I loved the character design and the build up of horrifying atmosphere, when it came to hiding from evil spirits I found it was rather simple and the game made it too obvious as to exactly which way you need to crawl for your next hiding spot.
Despite these minor shortcomings, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” remains a standout entry in the horror genre, earning its place among the pantheon of spine-tingling classics. With its spine-chilling atmosphere, engaging narrative, and solid gameplay mechanics, this haunting journey through the halls of a haunted school is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned horror aficionados. Brace yourself for a nightmarish descent into darkness, and remember—once the clock strikes midnight, there’s no escaping the shadows that lurk within.
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is available from May 9th 2024 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S. At the time of writing the game is $26.28 on steam.
