While there isn't much improvement on the original, bloodshot proves itself a worthy purchase and enjoyable game.
Bloodshot doesn't do a whole lot to improve on many of those shortcomings, but its new additions and nearly equally thrilling gameplay make the adventure something to write home about. The environments vary from public areas that smack of The Darkness (it's a good thing), and some that reminisce of the basement of Buffalo Bill. The effect it has on the gameplay is understandably difficult to describe to someone who hasn't played, but if you were impressed with those in the original, you'll be extremely satisfied with what can be found in the sequel. The areas seem smaller, but it's a small price to pay for a less confusing environment, something which I can confidently say was the biggest problem with the original. The graphics are decidedly next generation, and while both environments and character models are great conceptually, the lack of color variety mars (a little bit) what otherwise would seem perfectly acceptable.
It's a real merit for a game to make players lose the very clear idea that they're playing a video game. I can't in good conscience detract points, since what immerses one player detaches another. Then again, it's rarely the subject matter that consistently attracts or repels the gamer, but how the game sounds and plays. Audio in this game is kind of an ambiguous affair; the soundtrack is on par with Hitman's Jesper Kyd, and perfectly compliments the environments. Unfortunately, the voice acting in many cases is just too corny. Ethan Thomas has no shred of joy whatsoever, which is understandable for a disgraced wino living in an urban wasteland, but unfortunately this depression which is conveyed rather well makes the voicing too surreal for my taste.
The controls feel clunky, a problem with the last game. This is in part due to a combat system that focuses on melee weapons. Everyone loves them, but put them in a completely first-person environment with limited depth perception and you're guaranteed some frustrating fighting. The combat has improved, though they are a bit bare. There isn't much of a learning curve to be found, since it's hard to actually learn timed button mashing if you aren't that good at it. There are alternate-handed attacks, blocks, parries, special combos, and damage multipliers, but none of them make the combat feel a whole lot better.
The game no longer automatically chooses your forensic tool, which is a bit of a neat addition, but doesn't make any real difference in the end. There's now an action button to do things like environmental kills, vocal reactions and the like, but that doesn't improve on the original much either. The fear factor in the game probably is higher all around, but criminal origins had some moments that were the scariest in video gaming. I'm a guy who isn't scared easily, but the combination of environments, soundtrack, and suspense do make for an eerie gaming experience most of the time. It doesn't rely so much on pop-up frights, a definite plus in my book, but moments like the basement in brill or the butcher encounter in the school aren't quite replicated here.