Sometimes it’s the action games that leave a lasting impression, like Max Payne 3 and F.E.A.R. Trepang2 taps into that same energy with its slow-motion action, smart enemy AI, and diverse gameplay. Despite its unusual name, Trepang2 is a first-person stealth-action shooter that leans heavily on action. It offers plenty of intense gunfights, occasional jumpscares, and a fast-paced story. While the game may be a bit short if you focus solely on main objectives, it never overstays its welcome.

A High-Octane Campaign

In Trepang2’s six to 12-hour campaign, you step into the shoes of Subject 106, a generic super soldier working for Task Force 27. After a daring escape from an Alaskan prison, you spend the next several hours hunting down the evil overlords of the Horizon Corporation, a group notorious for their failed experiments in creating super soldiers and other nefarious schemes. The game takes you on a wild ride through video game and action movie tropes, delivering over-the-top violence and a thrilling experience.

However, I did find it disappointing that Trepang2 didn’t fully embrace its gimmicky monsters. These encounters added an extra layer of fun, but the game quickly forgot about them, focusing more on its gory military shooter-inspired action. As a result, the Horizon Corporation and its monsters come across as more satirical than genuinely scary.

Over-the-Top Spectacles

Trepang2 pays homage to the bloody shooters of the mid-to-late 2000s, emphasizing nonstop action without the added melodrama. The game cleverly connects various military compounds and corporate strongholds through boss fights that, while simple, rely on unique gimmicks. For example, one boss known as the Mothman chases you through a maze-like structure, and you can only damage it on specific vulnerable spots. Throughout the levels, you’ll find weapon customization parts and intel tidbits, though the story itself may not grip your attention.

Fortunately, you can easily ignore the story and focus on the sheer power of Subject 106. Like the Doom Slayer, he tears his way through the corporate underbelly without breaking a sweat. The game leans into this superhero-esque power, even incorporating off-the-cuff commentary from Task Force 27 members. While Trepang2 takes itself more seriously than Halo, it still delivers an over-the-top spectacle of B-movie violence.

A Stealthy Approach

Early on in Trepang2, you gain access to Cloak and time-slowing Focus abilities. While these give you superhuman abilities, the game finds a balance that prevents you from feeling too overpowered. I found the cooldown timer for Cloak a bit long for my taste, so I often forgot to use it. Fortunately, the game’s level design emphasizes stealth more than relying on invisibility. You can shoot out lights, set traps, and choose your approach, adding depth to the combat. With six primary and six side missions, Trepang2 offers open-ended combat that lets you dive into battles on your own terms.

An Arsenal of Fun

Although the weapons in Trepang2 may seem ordinary, they handle well and offer satisfying gameplay. You can dual-wield pistols, SMGs, shotguns, and assault rifles, bringing a new dimension to combat. Dual-wielding adds a close-quarters lethality, but you’ll struggle with long-range enemies. It’s a shame you can only dual-wield identical weapons, but the spectacle of mowing down armored foes in slow motion with two shotguns or assault rifles is undeniably gratifying. The melee button adds an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing you to unleash devastating attacks up close.

In conclusion, Trepang2 captures the spirit of classic action games with its fast-paced gameplay, intense gunfights, and creative level design. While the story may not fully deliver and the monster encounters feel underutilized, the game still provides an enjoyable experience reminiscent of the shooters of the mid-2000s. Whether you prefer stealth or all-out action, Trepang2 offers a thrilling ride for fans of the genre.