Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bedlam 2: Absolute Bedlam builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor by delivering frantic, isometric shooter action that never lets up. You take control of Major Kern’s combat robot, navigating expansive levels teeming with hostile biomechs now rebranded as Biomex. From the very first mission, the straightforward control scheme—left-click to move, right-click to fire—ensures that newcomers can dive right into the carnage while veterans appreciate the responsive, lightning-fast controls.

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The game’s structure of 30 missions spread across four freely selectable campaigns adds a layer of strategic choice to your playthrough. Each campaign ramps up in difficulty, meaning you can tailor your challenge level or return to earlier stages for extra resources. Optional secondary objectives pepper these missions with rewarding side goals—maybe you’re rescuing prisoners or recovering vital components—giving you more reasons to explore every corner of the battlefield.

Loot plays a key role in Bedlam 2’s loop: fallen enemies drop ammo, shield energy, and money, encouraging you to hunt down every biomech in sight. Between missions, a robust upgrade system allows you to spend your hard-earned currency on improved weapons, stronger armor, or specialized modules for your robot. As you advance, you’ll even gain the ability to command up to three combat machines, amplifying the tactical depth and letting you coordinate firepower for maximum devastation.

Graphics

Visually, Bedlam 2 strikes a balance between retro charm and modern polish. The isometric viewpoint offers a clear overview of each arena, allowing you to plan your path through enemy-laden corridors and open battle zones. Textures and lighting have been upgraded since the original Bedlam, giving environments a gritty, industrial feel that underscores the dire stakes of your mission.

Enemy design is a standout: Biomex biomechs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own attack patterns and vulnerability spots. Explosions, muzzle flashes, and shield impacts are accompanied by crisp particle effects, making every firefight feel weighty and satisfying. Even on lower-end hardware, the game maintains a smooth framerate, ensuring the action never bogs down when the screen fills with enemy swarms.

The interface melds seamlessly with the visuals, keeping your HUD clean and informative. Ammo and shield meters are prominently displayed, and money count is always visible, reminding you of the upgrades waiting between missions. Whether you’re strafing through a dimly lit facility or battling on a sun-blasted desert platform, the consistent art style and well-crafted environments keep you immersed from start to finish.

Story

The narrative of Bedlam 2 picks up just six months after Major Kern’s triumph over the original Bedlam threat. Biomex, the sinister biomech corporation, has regrouped and seized control of several strategic facilities. As Major Kern, you’re tasked with infiltrating these strongholds, dismantling their operations, and putting an end to their twisted experiments once and for all.

While the storyline doesn’t hinge on lengthy cutscenes or complex dialogue, it stays engaging through mission briefings and on-the-go radio chatter. The sense of urgency is palpable: each facility you storm holds not only more powerful foes but also crucial intel that reveals Biomex’s next move. This straightforward approach keeps the narrative pace brisk, ensuring that you’re always driven by the next objective rather than getting bogged down by exposition.

Characterization comes primarily through Major Kern’s stoic determination and the snippets of back-and-forth with his support team. You get just enough personality to care about the stakes—rescuing kidnapped technicians or securing a prototype engine—without slowing down the relentless action. In this way, Bedlam 2 delivers a story that complements its gameplay, giving context to the non-stop shootouts and making each victory feel earned.

Overall Experience

Bedlam 2: Absolute Bedlam offers a compelling blend of high-octane shooting, thoughtful level design, and a gratifying upgrade system. From the moment you unlock your first set of missions, the game hooks you with its addictive loot-and-upgrade loop, encouraging exploration and mastery of each combat scenario. The ability to tackle campaigns in any order and pursue optional objectives adds longevity for completionists and casual players alike.

The pacing is expertly handled, with each mission introducing fresh challenges—whether it’s new enemy types, environmental hazards, or multi-robot coordination. Even after dozens of hours, the core mechanics remain satisfying: firing your laser cannon, evading incoming fire, and watching a swarm of biomechs crumble under relentless barrages never gets old. The upswing of empowerment as you equip more advanced weapons and piloting improvements is a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward.

On balance, Absolute Bedlam feels like a robust evolution of the original Bedlam formula. It doesn’t shy away from offering a brutal challenge, yet its intuitive controls, clear visual feedback, and rewarding progression curve make it accessible to a broad audience. For anyone seeking a fast-paced, tactical isometric shooter with plenty of replay value, Bedlam 2 delivers an experience that’s as satisfying as it is relentless.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10