System: Sony PlayStation 3

Also available for: Microsoft Xbox 360

Publisher: Sega

Reviewer’s rating: ***

ESRB rating: Mature

Game type: Horror/action

Kind of like: “Silent Hill”

Best feature: It’s oozing with gritty atmosphere.

Worst feature: Hand-to-hand combat is really hard; multiplayer action is kinda lame.

The bottom line: A year ago you were an elite forensic investigator working on a high-profile serial murder case for the FBI. Now you’re nothing but a pathetic drunk, sprawled out amid the trash in an alley behind the bar you were just kicked out of. You’re haunted by paranormal visions, but you’re pretty sure the guy who just emerged from behind the dumpster and bludgeoned your skull with a lead pipe is real flesh-and-bone.

You’re also pretty sure he’s not alone.

Welcome to “Condemned 2,” the grimy blood-’n’-guts sequel to one of the Xbox 360’s most criminally overlooked launch titles. “Bloodshot” actually improves on its predecessor with more satisfying melee combat, which can get over-the-top gruesome. Trawling through abandoned buildings and backstreet gutters leads to blood-spattering encounters with an endless parade of lunatics, and every battle ends with one fewer participant than when it started.

Gory finishing moves include impaling your enemy on rebar spikes and smashing his head through a TV set. The game’s first-person perspective immerses you in the action and eerie ambience as you track the connection between mysterious phenomena and a powerful cult.

Responsible parents probably won’t want to get this one for their kids. For everyone else, though? Let it bleed.