Blues and Bullets is a title that is unique to the current video game marketplace. With all these simulation games, all of the FPS’ at our disposal, it’s easy for any indie game to get lost in the frenzy. Blues and Bullets deserves a play through, and at the very least, your attention. What A Crowd of Monsters has accomplished is a stunning piece of art filled with mystery, emotion, and suspense. If you’re just catching on to this title now, feel free to read my review of Blues and Bullets Episode 1. Otherwise, let’s jump in!
Episode two picks up where the first episode left off. Like other games told episodically, A Crowd of Monsters provides gamers with a “Previously on” segment that recaps everything you did in the first episode. I personally found it helpful to revisit your choices from episode one, something you can do in the main menu. While the first episode set the foundation for Blues and Bullets, episode two dives in head first into developing the game’s main cast of characters. This is done by weaving in flashbacks from Elliot Ness’ point-of-view. Here, we are able to see just what kind of man Elliot Ness was before he lost his friends to Al Capone. What I like most here is that A Crowd of Monsters puts games into the shoes of an Elliot Ness who’s in the middle of an extra-marital affair. What’s unique about this is that players aren’t able to avoid Ness’ mistakes altogether, but instead are tasked with where to go from there.
This episode also delves into Ness’ band of “Untouchables” and what exactly happened to them. By the first episode, we had an inkling that something didn’t go down right, and Elliot had only himself to blame. With Shaking the Hive, gamers can get the full backstory as to what happened, and where Elliot Ness was when it happened. Juxtaposed with Ness’ flashbacks is the game’s main story arc. Let’s not forget that the reason why Ness came out of retirement was to investigate a string of child abductions, including Al Capone’s own granddaughter.
As we found out in episode one, a cult located within the city is responsible for the abductions. What’s unknown is what exactly they want with the children. However, the cult seemingly dates back decades before Ness takes on the case. In fact, the cult’s history may blend with Ness’ own history, something he’s slowly starting to figure out.
Shaking the Hive has more action than the first episode. This may come as a relief for players who were craving more gunplay. While the action is somewhat linear and “on-the-rails”, it fits the game’s scheme and world. This, coupled with witty banter between Ness and Capone make for an exciting sequence. Episode two also returns a chapter in which you can play detective and piece together a clues to achieve the answers you’re looking for. While it does feel like A Crowd of Monsters is trying to achieve a sort of formula for these episodes, I must stress that it is a welcomed formula and at no time did I feel terribly bored or jaded to what was going on.
Overall, episode 2 does well with representing the classic noir theme. If you’re into Telltale games and episodic storytelling, definitely take a chance on Blues and Bullets. You will not be disappointed.
Blues and Bullets episodes 1 & 2 are available now on Xbox One, PC. Episode 1 is available now on the Playstation 4 and episode 2 will be available later this month.