Blade 2
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 1
Genre: Action
Developers: Mucky Foot Productions
Publishers: Activision
Cooperative: No
PEGI: 18
Game Overview
Blade II is an action beat them up game played from a third-person perspective, with the player controlling Blade's movement via the left analogue stick. The game primarily focuses on melee combat, although it does allow the use of firearms. Combat is controlled via the right analogue stick, allowing for what the developers call a "360° combat system" – the player moves the stick in the direction in which they want to attack and Blade punches or kicks in that direction. The player has no control over what kind of attack Blade executes, only the direction in which he attacks. Blade can also block, chain attacks together into combos and perform "finishing moves", such as grabbing an enemy in a headlock and driving a stake into their head. A major feature of the game is Rage mode. Fighting slowly and methodically charges up Blade's Rage meter through three levels: "Sword", "Shield" and "Strength". If the player activates Rage mode on the first level, Blade will take out his sword and use it for a limited amount of time. If activated on the second level, Blade uses his sword and becomes invincible. If activated on the third level, Blade uses his sword, becomes invincible and increases in strength. At the start of the game Blade is equipped with only a "mach pistol", but as the player advances they can unlock other weapons and accessories; a shotgun, a glaive, stronger body armour, silver knuckles, UV grenades, and serum to increase Blade's health regeneration.
Introduction to the Plot of Blade II
The plot of "Blade II," developed for the original Xbox, centres around the vampire hunter Blade, who must eliminate an evolved strain of vampires. Known for his unique blend of human and vampire traits, Blade is immune to typical vampire weaknesses and uses his powers to protect humanity. A series of violent incidents alerts Blade to a new vampire threat that poses a greater danger than any before. These vampires, known as Reapers, are far more resilient, making Blade's task especially challenging. His primary goal is to stop this evolved breed before it spreads beyond control, risking both vampire and human lives. The Reapers’ strength and adaptability make them formidable foes, pushing Blade to his limits.
The Rise of the Reapers
In "Blade II," Blade discovers that traditional vampire weaknesses have little effect on the Reapers. Unlike typical vampires, Reapers are not deterred by sunlight or garlic. Their mutated physiology allows them to withstand extreme conditions, making them a much tougher adversary. Blade quickly realizes that his usual methods of vampire eradication will be insufficient. This new enemy also feeds more voraciously, consuming both vampires and humans alike, which creates a significant threat to all. To combat this, Blade must adapt his arsenal and fighting techniques, all while investigating the origins of the Reaper mutation. Blade’s resolve strengthens as he learns the devastating consequences if the Reapers are left unchecked.
Unlikely Alliances Formed
To face this threat, Blade is forced into an uneasy alliance with the vampire council. Historically at odds with vampires, Blade initially struggles with the decision but understands the necessity of pooling resources against the Reapers. The council provides Blade with a team of elite vampire warriors, known as the Bloodpack, trained specifically to counter vampire hunters like Blade himself. This alliance is rife with tension, as Blade's longstanding hatred for vampires clashes with his pragmatic need to stop the Reapers. Trust is hard won, but through cooperation, Blade and the Bloodpack members begin to strategize ways to confront the deadly Reapers in their quest to secure the safety of all.
The Bloodpack's Role
The Bloodpack brings a new dimension to Blade’s mission, as the team has been specifically trained in anti vampire tactics. Members of the Bloodpack each bring unique skills to the fight, and although initially sceptical, Blade finds the alliance advantageous. This partnership allows Blade to witness the dynamics and internal conflicts within the vampire society. The Bloodpack respects Blade's combat prowess but harbours resentment over his human side. The team’s unity is repeatedly tested as the challenges escalate. Their combined efforts, however, prove essential in adapting to the Reapers' advanced combat abilities. Together, Blade and the Bloodpack face relentless battles against the Reaper threat.
The Dark Nature of the Reapers
The Reapers in "Blade II" are unlike any other vampire breed. Driven by insatiable hunger, they prey indiscriminately, affecting vampire and human populations alike. These creatures are marked by a unique physiology that makes them far harder to kill, which only complicates Blade's mission further. Unlike traditional vampires, the Reapers' feeding habits and insidious bloodlust create mass devastation wherever they appear. Blade discovers that their enhanced physical strength and rapid regenerative capabilities make them nearly indestructible. He learns that only through precise and strategic attacks can these creatures be subdued. Each encounter with the Reapers tests Blade’s strength and wits as he uncovers more about their brutal existence.
The Evolution of Blade's Combat Techniques
Blade adapts his fighting style to contend with the Reapers’ unique characteristics. His standard arsenal, while effective against ordinary vampires, requires modifications to keep pace with the Reapers' enhanced abilities. Blade experiments with new weapons and tactics, learning that he must approach each fight with greater precision. His reliance on silver weaponry and specialized UV tools becomes vital in combating the Reapers’ resilience. Blade's focus on mastering new techniques showcases his adaptability, a necessity given the Reapers' durability. These upgraded methods prove crucial as the Reaper threat grows, forcing Blade to push the boundaries of his skills to defeat this relentless foe.
Discovering the Origins of the Reapers
As Blade delves deeper, he uncovers the sinister origins behind the Reaper mutation. The Reapers are the result of a genetic experiment gone wrong, created in an attempt to strengthen the vampire race. However, the experiment spiralled out of control, creating creatures that prey upon vampires themselves. The vampire council, fearing the consequences of their creation, enlists Blade’s help to control what they now see as a grave threat. This revelation adds complexity to Blade’s mission, as he realizes the full scope of the danger posed by unchecked vampire experimentation. Blade’s understanding of the vampire hierarchy and motivations evolves with these new insights.
The Final Confrontation
The story culminates in a high stakes showdown between Blade, the Bloodpack, and the Reaper horde. The final battle is set in a labyrinthine location where Blade must navigate numerous Reaper infested areas to reach the heart of their lair. Armed with his most powerful weapons, Blade confronts the Reaper leader, whose strength surpasses any he has faced before. This confrontation demands every skill Blade has honed throughout his journey. The relentless waves of Reapers push Blade and the Bloodpack to their physical and mental limits, testing the strength of their alliance and Blade's resilience. Victory depends on their ability to overcome their differences and work as one.
The Aftermath and Legacy of Blade's Mission
Following the climactic battle, Blade emerges victorious, albeit with heavy losses on both sides. His mission against the Reapers leaves a lasting impact on vampire society, as the remaining vampires are forced to confront the consequences of their own ambition. Blade’s success in eliminating the Reaper threat solidifies his reputation as a formidable protector of humanity, but it also fuels his distrust of vampires. Despite the uneasy alliance he formed with the Bloodpack, Blade’s resolve to continue his vigilante mission against all vampires remains unshaken. This victory is bittersweet, as Blade acknowledges the cost of his battle against the Reapers and the ongoing threat posed by the vampire world.
