Set in the slums and prisons of Baltimore, you play again as Torque as he seeks revenge against the mysterious grand manipulator Blackmore, a man somehow tied to the death of Torque’s family. Using a morality system that will affect the stories eventual outcome, you get to choose good or bad when it comes to causing senseless violence, or just sticking to the rules and only dealing with those who are a part of this plot. As an added bonus, gamers who finished the first Suffering title, may continue from where they left off, so if you finished as good or evil, your morality begins from where you left off in the previous version.

The Suffering series continues its unique look and invites gamers into the twisted world with wonderfully integrated flashbacks, horrific images, and downright disturbing visuals that will keep you at the edge of your seat in terror. Seriously, this is one creepy game that works off more of a psychological edge rather than cheap jump scares. Continuing to try to win multiple genres over, Ties that Bind offers gamers the choice of using first or third person views, both which work equally, it all depends on the gamer’s preference. I personally like to alternate, but mainly play in first person view, as I feel it draws me into the game even further. It’s hard to say that a game with such dark and bloody content is beautiful, but in the case of Ties that Bind, this holds true. The textures, frame rate, destructible environments, reactive blood splatters which stick to your person and walls, and so many other examples of attention to detail show that this game had plenty of love behind it, regardless of how twisted their psyche may be. The enemies are also unique and disturbing in creation, providing some of the most godless designs in videogames. If you loved the visuals set in the first Suffering title, the sequel just adds to the flavor and gives horror fans something special to remember.

Audio is also very well done with a special notice of its use of surround sound. If you are equipped with a 5.1 system or equivalent, you will be amazed at how the developers implemented this feature so well. Not only will you hear voices, sounds, and noises from every corner of the room, but also when playing in first person view, you’d swear the noises are coming from inside your house with how accurately they are positioned. Another stand out in sound is the fantastic voice acting by a very talented cast. Every one from the low life junkies to the hordes of minions, and even Torque and Blackmore put 100% into their voice acting work. This really makes for a more believable story and adds one more way to get you really involved in the happenings in Ties that Bind.

Game play has been refined and enhanced, which includes a redesigned and streamlined inventory system, player movement mechanics, and refined controls. You will be able to become quickly comfortable with the control scheme whether you choose to play in first or third person, as the controls are very precise and tight, with even the option to adjust certain sensitivity levels if need be. The enemy A.I. also has gotten a boost, as you will find your foes leap, duck, cling to walls, strafe, and do what is necessary to counter your attacks. While the game has the atmosphere of a survival horror title, this game is a pure action title when it concerns the gameplay aspects. The gameplay even becomes more enhanced when you consider the large arsenal of weaponry and the ability to change into your inner demon. In two words, Suffering: Ties that Bind is “frightfully fun”.

Even though it has only been a year since that first Suffering title, I still would have liked to see some sort of death match multiplayer option to increase the game’s replay value. Since the game is once again a single player affair, and then even with the game’s good or evil choices, there isn’t much to go back to once you’ve seen it all once or twice. This is the game’s only real downfall, but it is true for most single player adventures. The good news is while you spend the 12+ hours venturing through this terrifying world, the game never lets up and will have you gripping your controller tight in fear and anticipation.

Suffering: Ties that Bind is more than the typical “second verse same as the first” style of sequel. It’s the kind of sequel that gamers look for, just as if you were to see a great horror film and then anxiously await the next installment to get all the answers. You know the gist of what’s to come, you just don’t quite know where it’s coming from. That’s what makes a game like this so special, unpredictability. A must by for horror fans, no question.