PS2 Review: Second Sight (2004)

I think the word underrated gets bandied about by reviewers a bit too much, but in the case of Second Sight, I feel comfortable applying that label: Second Sight is truly, regrettably, and criminally underrated. You play as psychologist and recent amnesia victim John Vattic as he attempts to recover his past, as well as come to grips with his newfound psychic powers. A vast military conspiracy unravels as you dig deeper into his "past." I say "past" because notions of past and present are significantly altered later on in the game; It's a somewhat brave and brainy twist for a video game. In terms of gameplay, Second Sight is likewise full of interesting twists on the traditional third-person shooter. Vattic is endowed with an array of psychic powers, including telekinesis, healing, projection (sending out a ghost-like representation of Vattic to sneak past laser security systems and the like), possession (physically inhabiting and controlling the bodies of his adversaries), charm (disappearing from sight), and others. These powers are gradually recovered throughout the game, and this method of discovery gracefully ushers players in, ensuring a smooth learning curve. And thanks to these powers, Second Sight is slightly more stealth-oriented than most action games, though players can plow through the levels with more or less reckless abandon if they feel up to the challenge. Graphically, this game looks fantastic, albeit in its own unrealistic way. Little touches do wonders, such as the blood footprints that follow Vattic if he happens to step through his victims' bodies rather than around them. Unfortunately, Second Sight is rather short, especially without a multiplayer option to give its replay value a boost. But its levels are rife with minor rewards and easter eggs for the curious explorer, and Second Sight is certainly a game you will want to replay.