Press Start 2 is, in many ways, superior to the original. That is not a slight against Press Start, but merely a testament to how good the sequel is.
This time around, the story focuses on Lin-Ku, the murderous ninja hero from the first film. He probably had the least development in that film, so I feel it was a good choice to bring him front and center. He has to team up with a princess named Xanna to take down the resurrected Count Vile (SPOILERS!), who has imprisoned Sam and Zack, Lin-Ku's partners from the first film.
Most of the film focuses on the princess and ninja's journey, and their development along the way (with a fun little b plot for Zack and Sam). If I had one criticism of the film, it would be that we don't get to spend enough time with each character. I realize that this simply isn't possible within the constraints of a film's running time, however. (That is what the animated series is for. If you are interested you can watch it for free here: http://www.darkmaze.com/pressstartadventures )
On a technical level, the film exceeds its predecessor and every turn. The writing, direction, effects, and acting have all been improved(again, no slight against it, I love the original Press Start), giving the picture a more tightly wound feel.
While everyone in the movie is amazing, there are two roles I really have to single out. One that really surprised me was Princess Xanna. Both the writing and the acting could have turned her role into a stereotype, but both Folliard and Nelson really make her into an actual character.
For the other role, I have to mention Peter Davis. His portrayal of Count Vile has made the villain one of my favorite characters of all time. Add in David Humphrey reprising his role as Vlad from the animated series and you have the recipe for some really great banter.
On the whole, Press Start 2 is very much worth the price of admission. It is a great satire of video games both old and new, but doesn't let that get in the way of telling a story with interesting and fun characters. It can be a bit on the nose sometimes, but overall I would recommend it to anyone who is a gamer, or anyone who just appreciates quirky little comedies and truly independent film making.
This time around, the story focuses on Lin-Ku, the murderous ninja hero from the first film. He probably had the least development in that film, so I feel it was a good choice to bring him front and center. He has to team up with a princess named Xanna to take down the resurrected Count Vile (SPOILERS!), who has imprisoned Sam and Zack, Lin-Ku's partners from the first film.
Most of the film focuses on the princess and ninja's journey, and their development along the way (with a fun little b plot for Zack and Sam). If I had one criticism of the film, it would be that we don't get to spend enough time with each character. I realize that this simply isn't possible within the constraints of a film's running time, however. (That is what the animated series is for. If you are interested you can watch it for free here: http://www.darkmaze.com/pressstartadventures )
On a technical level, the film exceeds its predecessor and every turn. The writing, direction, effects, and acting have all been improved(again, no slight against it, I love the original Press Start), giving the picture a more tightly wound feel.
While everyone in the movie is amazing, there are two roles I really have to single out. One that really surprised me was Princess Xanna. Both the writing and the acting could have turned her role into a stereotype, but both Folliard and Nelson really make her into an actual character.
For the other role, I have to mention Peter Davis. His portrayal of Count Vile has made the villain one of my favorite characters of all time. Add in David Humphrey reprising his role as Vlad from the animated series and you have the recipe for some really great banter.
On the whole, Press Start 2 is very much worth the price of admission. It is a great satire of video games both old and new, but doesn't let that get in the way of telling a story with interesting and fun characters. It can be a bit on the nose sometimes, but overall I would recommend it to anyone who is a gamer, or anyone who just appreciates quirky little comedies and truly independent film making.