Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Blood II: The Chosen builds on its predecessor’s fast-paced, horror-themed first-person shooting by introducing a more expansive and varied arsenal. From the classic pump-action shotgun and voodoo-infused flaregun to high-tech laser weaponry, each firearm feels distinct and satisfying. Players can switch between Caleb’s ruthless melee attacks and an array of ranged weapons on the fly, encouraging a dynamic combat style that rewards both precision and ingenuity.

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One of the standout features is the level design, which takes you through a blend of gothic horror and sci-fi noir. In the opening chapter alone, you traverse an ornate museum, infiltrate a colossal research facility, stalk the shadowy alleys of a futuristic cityscape, then board a soaring aircraft of dubious origin. This variety of settings keeps encounters fresh and forces players to constantly adapt, whether they’re navigating cramped corridors or open, multi-tiered arenas.

Additionally, Blood II introduces rudimentary RPG elements with unlockable secondary weapons and special “Tchernobog” powers. While these abilities aren’t as deep as full role-playing systems, they add a layer of strategy—should you expend precious mana to unleash a devastating area-of-effect blast or conserve it for a later boss fight? This balance of resource management and gunplay elevates the experience beyond a standard Doom clone.

Finally, the ability to choose from Caleb’s old companions—Ophelia, Ishmael, and Gabriella—adds replay value, even though only Caleb’s perspective is central to the cutscenes. Each character wields slightly different weapons and receives unique voice lines, offering small variations in playstyle. While the narrative remains Caleb-focused, these alternative vantage points can change how you approach enemy encounters, making subsequent runs a fresh challenge.

Graphics

Powered by the LithTech engine, Blood II delivers a gritty, futuristic world drenched in neon-lit rain and splashes of crimson gore. Textures are more detailed than its 1997 predecessor, with peeling paint, flickering fluorescent lights, and dripping blood all rendered in painstaking detail. Although the engine shows its age by modern standards, the art direction’s commitment to atmosphere carries the visuals well.

Lighting and shadow play a pivotal role in heightening tension. Dynamic lights cast ominous silhouettes across industrial corridors, and the interplay of dark corners and sudden light sources keeps players on edge. Explosions and muzzle flashes momentarily blind foes—and you—adding to the chaos and immersion of each firefight.

Enemy models are varied and expressive, ranging from grotesque mutants with glowing eyes to cybernetically enhanced corporate soldiers clad in sleek armor. Each foe exhibits unique animation loops, making battles more memorable. The subtle blend of practical gore effects and sci-fi stylings reinforces the game’s identity as both a horror title and a futuristic shooter.

While character faces in cutscenes can appear stiff by today’s standards, the overall design remains compelling. Environmental set pieces—like a blood-soaked cathedral or a chrome-lined laboratory—feel meticulously crafted. It’s a testament to the developers’ vision that even two decades later, these haunting spaces leave a lasting impression.

Story

Set in the year 2028, over a century after the events of the original Blood, the game thrusts players into a dystopian metropolis controlled by CabalCo. Once a dark cult worshiping the god Tchernobog, CABAL has morphed into a corrupt corporation whose CEO, Gideon, seeks to reclaim the occult power of old. This contemporary twist on cult horror provides a fresh backdrop for Caleb’s unending quest for vengeance.

Caleb’s awakening from his slumber marks the beginning of a cat-and-mouse chase through neon-soaked streets and corporate strongholds. Throughout the narrative, players encounter cryptic audio logs, cult fanatics, and nightmarish experiments gone awry. These story beats are woven into level design and in-engine cutscenes, delivering a paced yet relentless progression that keeps you invested.

Gideon emerges as a chilling antagonist, equally adept at boardroom maneuvers and summoning abominations from beyond the veil. His machinations drive home the corporate horror theme: unchecked ambition fused with ancient evil. The tension between occult ritual and high-tech warfare underscores every mission, giving each objective stakes that go beyond simple “fetch” or “destroy” tasks.

While some narrative threads are left deliberately ambiguous—perhaps to hint at future installments—the core revenge plot remains razor-sharp. Fans of gothic horror and cyberpunk will appreciate the balance of ritualistic dread and futuristic dread. Even side characters, such as Caleb’s former allies, contribute flavorful dialogue that enriches the world without derailing the main storyline.

Overall Experience

Blood II: The Chosen offers a uniquely thrilling blend of horror, high-octane action, and dark corporate intrigue. Its eclectic mix of weaponry and powers ensures that combat never grows stale, while the twisted environments and sound design keep your heart pounding. The game demands both skill and resourcefulness, rewarding players who explore every nook for hidden ammo caches and upgrade tokens.

The techno-goth soundtrack underscores each level’s mood, from pulsing industrial beats in the city underbelly to eerie choral chants in occult chambers. Sound cues—such as an approaching horde of undead or the hiss of energy shields—provide tactical hints and heighten the immersion. Coupled with responsive controls, the audio landscape makes every corridor exploration an event unto itself.

Replayability remains strong thanks to multiple character choices and unlockable powers. Although only Caleb’s storyline is fully fleshed out, returning to levels as Ophelia or Ishmael reveals new dialogue snippets and slight gameplay tweaks. Secret areas and bonus objectives further extend playtime for completionists.

For fans of classic shooters with a horror twist, Blood II: The Chosen stands as a testament to late-90s ambition in level design and narrative. It may show its age in some technical aspects, but its atmosphere, varied combat, and memorable set pieces ensure it remains a must-try for genre enthusiasts. Whether you’re a veteran of the original or new to Caleb’s dark world, this sequel delivers a relentless, blood-soaked ride.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10