The anticipated sequel, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, developed by Softstar Entertainment and PQUBE, makes its chilling debut on the PS5. Let’s dive into what this first-person horror game has to offer and see if it lives up to its predecessor.
Before you proceed, you’ll need to confirm your age to watch the associated video—just a quick formality given the game’s suspenseful content.
Having journeyed through the eerie landscape of the first installment, The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation, back in 2023, I was eager to see what new terrors awaited in this follow-up. The setting is the reputedly haunted Wen Hua University, teeming with spirits and supernatural phenomena. It all kicks off when the university’s film club, aiming to recruit new members during their Carnival of Horror event, unwittingly blurs the boundaries between their cinematic exploits and real life.
In The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, you’ll assume the roles of four distinct characters: Sue Lian, a seasoned reporter once at the helm of United News; Richie Chan, a finance junior at the university; A-Hai, a finance-studying sophomore; and Wu-Zi Nan, a freshman venturing into veterinary studies. As the curse unfolds, each of them finds their fates tangled with one another under the watchful eyes of lurking ghosts.
Returning to this title is the first-person gameplay mechanic that fans of the series will recognize. Maneuver your character with the left stick, scan your surroundings with the right, and stay vigilant as threats can come from any direction. You can swiftly spin around by hitting R2 and dash away by pressing down the left stick. However, discretion is at times essential, so crouch using the right stick to move silently.
Your presence won’t go unnoticed, as ghosts react to sound and disturbances in your environment. Use X to interact, Triangle to bring up your inventory, and the Square button to check your in-game phone for crucial communications. Don’t forget to consult your map using the Touchpad—it’s indispensable for navigating the haunted university and tracking your progress.
The introduction of the Anima lantern adds depth to your ghost-busting toolkit. Activate it with R1 to expose hidden clues or dispel negative energies, its glow guiding you on your quest. Thankfully, the lantern’s protective aura shields you from one lethal ghost encounter, but you’ll need to recharge it for future safety.
For trophy hunters, this game does not disappoint. A full roster of trophies, including a coveted Platinum, awaits you on both the PS4 and PS5 versions, thanks to the Cross-Buy feature. Prepare yourself for a mix of story-driven achievements and side challenges, like uncovering collectibles and experiencing the various ways your character can meet their demise. Consult the Trophy Guide if you find yourself stuck.
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication offers a haunting first-person horror journey through Wen Hua University’s cursed halls. As the events of the Carnival of Horror spiral out of control, you’ll alternate between characters and unravel their interconnected destinies. With Cross-Buy, your single purchase of $24.99 grants access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions.
Please note, this review is based on a PS5 copy provided by PQube. Enjoy traversing the haunted halls, and may you escape the curse unscathed.