[PS5] The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication – A Comprehensive Review

The latest installment from Softstar Entertainment and PQUBE, "The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication," promises a thrilling first-person horror adventure for PS5 users. Let’s dive deep into this eerie journey with our review!

The game revisits the eerie grounds of Wen Hua University, haunted by tales of ghosts and eerie phenomena. The university’s film club sees a promising opportunity during the Carnival of Horror to attract new members, but things spiral out of control as reality and their cinematic fantasies begin to merge in terrifying ways.

In this sequel, players steer through the spine-chilling campus as four distinct characters: Sue Lian, Richie Chen, A-Hai, and Wu-Zi Nan. Sue Lian, previously a lead anchor at United News, is now following the mysterious happenings as a reporter. Meanwhile, Richie and A-Hai are ensnared in the supernatural web as finance students at Wen Han University, while Wu-Zi Nan embarks on his university journey studying veterinary medicine. As the curse tightens its grip, these characters find their paths inexorably tangled with the specters that roam the university grounds.

The game unfolds from a first-person viewpoint, immersing you completely in its dark corridors and haunted halls. Maneuvering your character involves the left stick for movement and the right one for looking around, ensuring you’re always ready as dangers lurk in every shadow. Quick reflexes come into play as pressing R2 instantly turns your character around, and clicking the left stick propels you into a sprint if you need to hightail it out of a dire situation. Conversely, crouching, which makes you less conspicuous, is easily activated by pressing the right stick in.

Sound plays a crucial role in this game. From the clattering of objects to the subtle sound of footsteps, any noise can alert lurking threats. Engage with the environment by hitting the X button, keep track of your items with Triangle, and navigate your smartphone for vital calls and messages via the Square button. Checking the map is conveniently mapped to the Touchpad, helping you track your progress and objectives in this haunted maze.

A pivotal tool in your ghostly encounters is the Anima lantern, offering both a guide to uncover clues and a shield against malevolent spirits. Activate it with R1, and it will light your path to clues while dispelling dark energies. And a clever mechanic lets you chip away at clearing a spooky obstacle over several attempts if ghosts force you into a stealthy retreat. Recharge the lantern between protective uses, as it’s your lifeline against lethal ghost attacks.

For trophy enthusiasts, this game is loaded with achievements, including a coveted Platinum trophy. Since it’s available as a Cross-Buy title, you can enjoy both the PS4 and PS5 versions on your PS5 console, with distinct trophy lists for each. Your completionist spirit will be tested as you work through 12 Bronze, 5 Silver, and 8 Gold trophies, undertaking tasks from finishing story chapters to collecting in-game items. Some trophies hinge on unique challenges, like dying through every possible scenario, ensuring a comprehensive experience.

"The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication" beckons horror aficionados back to a cursed university where you must guide Sue Lian, Richie Chen, A-Hai, and Wu-Zi Nan as they confront the supernatural nightmare that unfolds. Available as a Cross-Buy for $24.99, it offers an immersive scare on both PS4 and PS5 platforms.

Note: This review is based on a PS5 copy provided by PQube.