Red Steel 2 (Hands-On) (Wii) Preview

VandenBerghe astutely describes Red Steel 2 as a "physical skill" that requires a lot of practise and a learning style that differs from most button-based games. Getting players proficient enough with the sword mechanics to be able to use them fluently during combat is no easy task; it requires a hefty dose of tutorials and good deal of repetition. Each new skill is accompanied by a training session and a video demonstration (research showed that attractive female + white top + black background = attention grabber) for extra reinforcement.

Thankfully swordplay is feeling more fluid than ever, preventing the necessary evil of tutorials from becoming too chore-like. Ubisoft has really put the Wii MotionPlus to good use, doing away almost entirely with the unfortunate trait of many Wii games to fail to recognise certain gestures, or recognise those that weren’t intended. Other than the occasional exception when dealing with stronger attacks that require very broad swings, the current build of Red Steel 2 is incredibly responsive and not the least bit frustrating.

Despite the 1:1 mapping possible with the Wii MotionPlus (which is shown off in a number of areas — including sword brandishing) the actual strikes you will be using are limited. While the game might recognise the 79 degree angle at which you’re swinging, it’s still going count it as a vertical strike as far as combos are concerned. While this might sound disappointing, it actually makes for far more enjoyable combat — and it doesn’t force you to be a professional swordsman in order to play successfully.

It also allows you to efficiently tie moves together to create stylish combos (which earn you additional funds for upgrades, discussed below). Combos aren’t limited to just the sword either. One particularly satisfying combos involves shooting an opponent in the knee before finishing with a sword blow, while another allows you to finish a weakened foe with a point-blank shot to the head. The game’s teen 16+ rating might rule out blood and gore, but there is more than enough cell-shaded violence to go around.

Levels in Red Steel 2 are divided into two categories: dungeon-style levels and hub levels. The former, as the name suggests, are linear and battle-centric while the latter offer opportunities for exploration and NPC interaction. The hub levels are also a great excuse to admire the game’s gorgeous backdrops — which incorporate Japanese, western, and modern influences — as well hunt down hidden goodies, annihilate a wealth of destructible objects - "I'm a big a fan of the Zelda grass-cutting gameplay," says Jason - and spend some time in safe houses.

The latter allow you to purchase brand new weapons — such as the fabulously deadly Shotgun and Tommy Gun — as well as ammo and timing window improvements, not to mention increasingly swanky armour, and all-new sword attacks. Safe houses also serve as an interface for interacting with the game's key NPCs in order to initiate story missions, or accept optional side quests — kill x number of y, treasure hunts, etc. — to earn yourself extra money. With so much available for purchase, there's an additional incentive to complete tutorials which also earn you money.