Kane & Lynch 2: Stunning Shanghai shoot-out footage

Some shakeycam and digital distortion makes for one of the most striking shooters in a long time

Words: David Houghton on July 8, 2010

We'll admit, when we first heard that IO Interactive was taking a realistic documentary approach to Kane & Lynch 2's visuals, we didn't expect too much. A bit of grain here, a bit of shakeycam there, and we figured that would be the lot. But if you've been playing the current exclusive demo of the game, as we have, you'll know that the reality is a whole lot more than that.

Having ogled it at length, we're blown away by how striking the effect is. It's the attention to detail that does it. Bright lights bleed out into the environment as if the camera white balance is all out of whack. The focus struggles to keep up as the camera shifts rapidly between near and far objects. Grain and blur vary depending on how well lit an area is. And those bits of pixelly artefacting and digital interference that kick up near heavy explosions are just brilliant. But don't take our word for it. Watch this video we've made and check out just how punishingly real it all looks.

Platforms:

PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Topics:

Custom videos , Square-Enix

16 comments

View as:
Newest first
Oldest first

philipshaw - July 9, 2010 9:54 a.m.

The visual style looks cool but the cover based gameplay doesn't look like it's on the same level as games like UC2
- Reply
- Report
Vitoruss1 - July 8, 2010 8:19 p.m.

Some of the animations and collision detection looks like it could use some work, but overall, this looks like it's going to be pretty good. I will say that it looks very distorienting to use the sprint, though (motion sickness-y). The AI looks somewhat stupid and clueless, too. Overall, though, the visuals are definitely great and it would be cool to see this game get a good review.
- Reply
- Report
TheWebSwinger - July 8, 2010 7:09 p.m.

Except for the cool camera, the game still looks bland as hell...
- Reply
- Report
Pirate - July 8, 2010 6:05 p.m.

When I first heard about this game's visuals I thought it looked crap. After seeing this I have to say my mind is changing. I actually think this could turn out to be a unique feature. The original Kane and Lynch is one of my guilty pleasure games. I loved it even though everyone said it sucked so bad.
- Reply
- Report
EvidentDead - July 8, 2010 4:57 p.m.

I could not agree with you more, HonestGuy. It feels like so many people are bashing this game for no other reason than just to not like it. I understand some of the skepticism, but good lord, its like this game can do no right.
- Reply
- Report
HonestGuy - July 8, 2010 4:34 p.m.

I wonder, what's with the "people wanting to see the next 'Daikatana'" mentality? Why always bring down folks that, obviously by such rework on the title, wants to make up rightful from their previous attempt? Being cautious, sure. But being overwhelmingly skeptical about something one is not overly fond off-in the first place-is downright elitist. Okay, you got me, I know ( played from my friend ) the first one, and yeah, gameplay's not too tight. But i got to admit, story is strong... This MIGHT fall flat, but what, you WISH it to be? I give this a good luck... Kane and Lynch story is just TOO interesting and unique ( in a world of Terrorists, Zombies, Aliens, and Spiky-Haired Emos, it is ) to be simply shrugged off and wished dead. :)
- Reply
- Report
Ruvalc - July 8, 2010 3:34 p.m.

thats how GTA should be like B)
- Reply
- Report
SwampRock - July 8, 2010 2:07 p.m.

I'd say a good rent at most. I'm sorry, but after playing the first one hopes are now at zero. So if it doesn't suck it will be a pleasant surprise at least.
- Reply
- Report
markrawlings - July 8, 2010 1:48 p.m.

had high hopes for this but the demo was horrible. Visuals were cool but Jbo87 is correct, the shooting was terrible, cover system poor plus when you run the camera shakes so much it actually made me feel a bit queasy. and its all a shame as the MP Modes are unique and I guess would be fun if it wasn't for everything else. Big and Utter Disappointment
- Reply
- Report
HotCyder - July 8, 2010 1:33 p.m.

Good Visuals don't make Great Gameplay! But I have to agree, the whole You've Been Framed footage filter is pretty darn awesome. I hope to see it crop it's head up in a few other games.
- Reply
- Report
CARDYKEV - July 8, 2010 1:01 p.m.

I hope this game is good, i loved Hitman so seeing IO Interactive return to good form would be most welcome.
- Reply
- Report
skaface - July 8, 2010 11:45 a.m.

jup, it's really stunning, the overall look and weapon sounds are awesome..hope they make the quick turns and normal running movements a little bit more smooth/lifelike and not so stiff until the release
- Reply
- Report
Seyu - July 8, 2010 11:41 a.m.

Was it just me or that gameplay was really boring?
- Reply
- Report
Jbo87 - July 8, 2010 11:39 a.m.

@ JayBeat Give that man a donkey. I've been playing the demo and the visual style is quality but the shooting is feeble, the cover pretty irritating and Kane or Lynch, (I don't know which one you play as) handles like a turd. In multiplayer it takes an entire clip to knock an opponent down and then you have to reload to finish them off. All these things could well be tweaked before release but it needs some work.
- Reply
- Report
DLSemen - July 8, 2010 11:38 a.m.

why is this video such low quality? for an article wanting to show off the visuals, the resolution is garbage
- Reply
- Report
JayBeat - July 8, 2010 11:17 a.m.

Visuals are amazing, all they need now is.. everything else?
- Reply
- Report