SOFTSTAR immerses us in a cursed university in Taiwan, full of ghosts and spirits with bad intentions…
Every year, in the month of October, when Halloween night is celebrated, numerous manufacturers linked to ghosts, monsters or murderers come to the market. Whether in cinemas or in the world of video games, there are always several products related to some terrifying theme. One of these products is the work to be done. The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is an indie title, developed by the Taiwanese studio SOFTSTAR Entertainment, which despite its small problems, will make us spend some terrifying nights.
Scare, stealth and puzzles
If we talk about the playable part of The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, we find ourselves faced with a horror Walking Simulator tremendously influenced by the current greatest exponents
Some stealth sections are quite fun and there are some clever puzzles here and there, but it’s clear that the main focus of the title is its story.. Furthermore, despite having some secrets or collectibles, exploration is very limited, often with walls represented by tables, backpacks or various school supplies, which will prevent us from moving forward.
Modest audiovisual section
The Bridge Course 2: The Extrication shows off its indie production values. But this is not a bad thing at all. The game adapts correctly in the audiovisual section, but it is true that it does not reach the quality quotas of higher budget products. This is evident in the somewhat flat textures and somewhat repetitive scenarios. Yet there are aspects in which it
The characters are well recreated, and the various ghosts have an exceptional level, managing to convey fear and anguish. The Series X title runs very smoothly, without graphic problems or frame drops.
In the sound section, the work of SOFTSTAR It stands out in many ways, but neglects others. For example, The Chinese dubbing of the title is exceptional and completely immerses you in the story and characters. The English dub, on the other hand, is quite mediocre, with low-level performances. Another sound issue is lip syncing. This is often poorly implemented, taking you out of the story on many occasions. On the other hand, the ambient sounds, and especially those of the spirits wandering around the university, are very successful, almost all of them conveying a very bad atmosphere.
Conclusions
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is a title that horror fans, and especially Asian horror fans, will love. It is a title similar to other proposals such as Visage or Amnesia,
but with its own identity. The story is the strong point of the product. It’s about four hours long, full of disturbing moments, Taiwanese legends, and a bit of very entertaining dark humor. We are faced with an indie proposal, and this can be seen in aspects such as the gameplay, which features some ingenious puzzles or good stealth phases, is very limited. The audiovisual section also has a multitude of light and dark. Despite all its problems, the work of the guys at SOFTSTAR is more than recommended if you want to spend a couple of nights of pure fear.
The Curse of the Bridge 2: The Extrication
24.99E
Pro
- A very well developed story
- Its Chinese dubbing, exceptional
- Ghosts and spirits that give a rather negative vibe
- Stealth sections and very clever puzzles…
Against
- …although the gameplay is generally very limited
- Audiovisual problems typical of a low budget title
Interview: The Haunting Allure of “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication”
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today! We’re diving into the eerie and captivating world of “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication,” developed by SOFTSTAR Entertainment. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Ming-Li Chen, a cultural historian and expert on Asian folklore. Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Ming-Li Chen: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the intersection of horror gaming and Taiwanese folklore.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. The game immerses players in a university filled with ghosts and spirits. Can you explain the significance of this haunted setting in Taiwanese culture?
Dr. Chen: Absolutely! In Taiwan, educational institutions often have rich histories intertwined with local supernatural tales. Ghostly narratives serve as cautionary tales and reflections of societal fears. A haunted university setting resonates with players because it taps into common themes of fear and the unknown, especially around the time of Halloween.
Editor: That’s fascinating! The reviews highlight the horror elements, such as stealth gameplay and clever puzzles. What do these aspects contribute to the overall storytelling of the game?
Dr. Chen: The combination of stealth and puzzle-solving creates an engaging atmosphere of tension and challenge, which is essential for horror storytelling. In ”The Bridge Curse 2,” the mechanics force players to be more than just passive observers; they become active participants in unraveling the dark narrative woven into Taiwanese legends. It’s a psychological experience—players must navigate fear while piecing together the storyline.
Editor: Speaking of story, the reviews mention a blend of disturbing moments and dark humor. How does humor play a role in Asian horror, particularly in gaming?
Dr. Chen: Dark humor is a unique characteristic of Asian horror. It serves to alleviate tension while also highlighting the absurdity sometimes found in tragic situations. In games like this, humor can entice players to explore deeper emotional landscapes—after a jump scare, a moment of levity can surprise players and keep them invested in the narrative.
Editor: The audiovisual aspects of the game have garnered mixed reviews, especially the differences between the Chinese and English dubbing. How important is the audio experience in horror games?
Dr. Chen: Audio is crucial in horror; it dictates the mood and amplifies the intended atmosphere. An exceptional native voice performance can elevate the entire experience, making players feel more connected to the characters and story. The disparity in the dubbing may impact English-speaking players differently, as immersion might falter when the audio quality doesn’t match the intensity of the visuals.
Editor: It’s interesting how immersion can be affected by language. As you know, this game is recommended for horror fans, especially those interested in Asian horror. What do you think “The Bridge Curse 2” offers that distinguishes it from other horror games like “Visage” or “Amnesia”?
Dr. Chen: “The Bridge Curse 2″ offers a unique lens into Taiwanese folklore that is less explored in mainstream gaming. While ”Visage” and “Amnesia” delve into universal fears, this title embodies cultural specificity, presenting unique ghost stories and existential themes tied to Taiwanese beliefs. It broadens the narrative palette of horror gaming and invites exploration of less familiar cultural narratives.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what would you say to someone who is on the fence about playing this game?
Dr. Chen: I’d encourage them to embrace the experience! If you’re intrigued by horror, enjoy unraveling folklore, and are open to indie storytelling, this game will provide a memorable experience. Dive into the eerie atmosphere, and who knows—you might just find yourself eager for more ghost stories long after the credits roll!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen. Your insights have been immensely enlightening! We look forward to seeing how “The Bridge Curse 2” continues to resonate with players and horror enthusiasts alike.
Dr. Chen: Thank you! I enjoyed our conversation. Happy haunting!