Developer: Polygon Art
Publisher: Polygon Art
Genre: FPS, Tactical
Price: $29.99 (on sale as of 3/19/2024 for 14.99!)
Where to buy: Steam
“Humble thank you to Alex for providing me a copy of BEL2 for this review!” – Danny
Beyond Enemy Lines 2 Enhanced Edition, released in 2019, is a tactical espionage shooter that throws you into the unforgiving shoes of a special agent operating deep behind enemy lines. Developed by Polygon Art, the Enhanced Edition boasts a significant overhaul of the original 2008 release, offering not only a new campaign with 8 additional missions but also reworked gameplay mechanics and gunplay.
The game takes place in a fictional conflict zone, most likely inspired by the Caucasus region. You’ll find yourself amidst a brutal war, tasked with infiltrating enemy territory, gathering intel, eliminating high-value targets, and causing mayhem. Unlike traditional linear shooters, Beyond Enemy Lines 2 throws you into vast, open-ended missions.
Here’s where the “tactical” aspect comes in. You’re not a one-man army. Success hinges on careful planning, strategic use of the environment, and precise execution. Choosing the right approach is crucial. Go in guns blazing and risk alerting the entire enemy force, or opt for a more stealthy approach, using silenced weapons and exploiting shadows to eliminate targets undetected.
Beyond Enemy Lines 2 Enhanced Edition thrives on its deep tactical gameplay, offering a sandbox experience for the player to approach objectives in creative ways.
- Open-Ended Missions: Forget linear corridors. Each mission unfolds in a sprawling environment, filled with diverse terrain like dense forests, sprawling plains, and underground complexes. You have the freedom to choose your path and tackle objectives in the order you see fit.
- Strategic Infiltration: Planning is paramount. Reconnoitering enemy positions, identifying patrol routes, and exploiting environmental factors like cover and elevation are crucial for success. You can utilize silenced weapons for stealthy takedowns or opt for a more aggressive approach with assault rifles and grenades.
- Weapon Customization: The game boasts a diverse arsenal with over 20 weapons, ranging from pistols and assault rifles to sniper rifles and shotguns. But the true depth lies in the ability to customize them on the fly. Attach silencers for covert operations, equip scopes for long-range engagements, or add underbarrel shotguns for close-quarters combat.
- Dynamic AI: Enemy soldiers aren’t mindless drones. They react to your actions, flanking maneuvers, and gunfire. Alerting one patrol can trigger reinforcements, forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly. This dynamic AI creates a sense of tension and keeps you on your toes.
- Inventory Management: You carry a limited amount of gear. Managing ammo, choosing the right weapons for the job, and utilizing equipment like grenades and medkits becomes a strategic puzzle within itself.
- Multiple Objectives: Missions often have primary and secondary objectives. While eliminating a high-value target might be your main mission, you might also need to gather intel, sabotage equipment, or rescue hostages. This adds variety and replayability to each mission.
The Enhanced Edition builds upon this core by refining the gunplay and offering additional content. The reworked weapon handling offers a more satisfying shooting experience, and the eight new missions provide even more opportunities to test your tactical prowess.
Beyond Enemy Lines 2 Enhanced Edition isn’t for everyone. The focus on strategy and planning might feel slow-paced compared to fast-action shooters. But for those who crave a deep, rewarding tactical experience, it offers a unique and engaging gameplay loop that emphasizes careful planning, improvisation, and mastering the environment to overcome enemy forces.
The Enhanced Edition improves upon the core gameplay of the original. Gunplay feels tighter, with a focus on weapon customization and mastering different firearms. While the visuals might utilize a distinct polygon art style, the environments are detailed and offer plenty of room for tactical maneuvering.
Beyond Enemy Lines 2 isn’t without its flaws. Reviews on platforms like Steam [Steam Beyond Enemy Lines 2 Enhanced Edition] are mixed. Some praise the strategic depth and open-ended mission design, while others criticize the occasionally clunky controls and the aforementioned art style.
Overall, Beyond Enemy Lines 2 Enhanced Edition caters to a specific niche. If you’re looking for a hardcore, tactical espionage experience that rewards thoughtful planning and execution over run-and-gun action, then this game might be for you. However, if you prefer a more fast-paced shooter experience with polished visuals, you might want to look elsewhere.
