Ubisoft were kind enough to invite Vooks to get some hands on with the retail build of Red Steel 2 one week before release in their office in Sydney..

We arrived at a tad early, and we were welcomed by Owen. We were told to play from the start, so we could enjoy it more, so we can understand the controls, as this game is utilises the Wii MotionPlus. Soon after other people came to play test this as well, from Aussie-Nintendo and PALGN.

After learning the controls of the game from its tutorial modes, we were ready to slice and shoot enemies. Unlike the previous game, you can now use the sword on the fly. If you don’t like to shoot, use the sword. If you don’t like the sword, use the gun, but some enemies have armour, which you need to slice off first. Also, this means no more fixed battles with swords only, and with the MotionPlus, it wasn’t a waggle fest either. Precise slashing and swings are needed to perform those deadly finishers.

While progressing through the game, I hesitated to look at the amazing visuals that the game brought. Its fluid, solid frame rate along with some beautiful cel-shaded art style, it added that essence that told me that this game has some Japanese orient to it. Along with the awesome visuals, the cut scenes were amazing as well. Not only were some of them just cut scenes, but some had quick time events in them. I was told that the cut scene after the battle was pretty good, but not specifying what it would be, then all of a sudden, quick time events! Though I was pro enough to pass this unexpected quick time event without failing, I continued on.

During the event, Owen gave us some exclusive pre-order packs, which are quite exclusive since they won’t come out in Australia. In these packs, there was an awesome art book with drawings and sketches made by the team, some pre-order codes which unlocks special weapons in the game, and a Red Steel 2 engraved metal bullet which actually feels and weighs like a bullet too. It was very shiny.

All in all, this game is an awesome iteration of the franchise, but it has no multiplayer. But this game is fun to play and will keep you engaged with its methods of slashing, and the awesome exercise mini-game it has (kidding).

Red Steel 2 will retail for $99.95 for the Wii MotionPlus bundle, and $79.95 for the standalone game, both hitting shores on March 25.

We thank Owen and Ubisoft for allowing us to playtest the retail version of Red Steel 2 at their office.
Vook also tested the game last week as well, so if you’re not hyped up enough yet check out his impressions too.