The first game in this Taiwan-based horror franchise, The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation, drew inspiration from a successful 2020 horror film. It followed six college students at Tunghu University as they investigated the legend of a ghostly woman haunting a bridge on campus. I enjoyed that game, with its effective jump scares and solid ghost story foundation.
Now, we have The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication. While it features a completely new story, it retains the chilling university setting. You don’t need to have played the first game to appreciate this one, but keeping the lights on might be a good idea.
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication opens with a chilling cutscene: a woman pursued by an axe-wielding maniac while spectral hands restrain her. But fear not, it’s just a movie trailer created by a film club, who are making a movie based on a real incident that occurred at the school in the 1960s. The game begins with an investigative reporter breaking into the school, seeking to uncover secrets, only to find more than she bargained for…
The story unfolds across five chapters, narrated by four different protagonists. One is the reporter introduced at the beginning, while the other three are members of the film club. Each character brings a unique personality to the narrative, and the chapter-based structure effectively reveals new layers of the mystery. The overall ghost story is well-crafted and kept me engaged throughout its 6-7 hour playtime and the ending is satisfying, whilst some of the ghostly encounters are genuinely terrifying. A particular highlight is a ballet dancer sequence that delivers one of the game’s most chilling and memorable moments.
Gameplay works as a blend of exploration, point-and-click puzzle-solving, and stealth/escape sequences. The first-person perspective effectively immerses you in both the mundane reality of the school and the terrifying ghostly realms. The puzzles are often clever and inventive, and in one instance, you assist a child-like ghost by finding the correct USB drive for a game console. Another standout section places you in a theatre, where you must carefully time your movements to avoid the gaze of a ghostly ballet dancer – a unique and chilling twist on the classic “Grandma’s Footsteps” game.
Less enjoyable are the sections where you’re pursued by a malevolent entity. These require quick reflexes and strategic use of your magical lantern, which grants you an extra life. While these sequences are creative, they sometimes feel like they are much more reliant on luck than skill.
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication boasts impressive visuals, with detailed locations and atmospheric lighting. The transitions between the real world and the ghostly realms are seamless and effective, and it must be said that the ghosts and demons are genuinely creepy and well-designed. Throughout my playthrough, I did have minor instances of NPCs getting stuck during escort missions, but these didn’t significantly detract from the experience.
The game also features a superb soundtrack and chilling sound effects that heighten the tension. The English voice acting is excellent, bringing the characters to life with both seriousness and a touch of humour.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, just as I did its predecessor. The university setting provides a perfect backdrop for the ghostly narrative, which is both frightening and entertaining. The puzzles are varied and engaging, and the different gameplay elements create a dynamic experience. While the stealth and chase sequences can be frustrating at times, they don’t overshadow the game’s strengths.
If you’re seeking a good scare, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is worth considering.
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication Haunts Consoles with Taiwanese Horror – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-bridge-curse-2-the-extrication-haunts-consoles-with-taiwanese-horror/
Buy The Bridge Curse 2 now – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/the-bridge-curse-2-the-extrication/9NF5SCWM3MF3
