thirteen characters are playable as opposed to just jacket and biker in the first game; each with their own interpretations as the story unfolds. the masks mechanic is again featured with some masks making a return, while new masks offer new abilities and play styles. each character has their own special abilities or perks; corey can do a roll and dive under enemy gunfire, mark can dual wield two sub-machines guns and can spread his arms to shoot in opposite directions simultaneously, tony's fists kill all regular enemies in one blow and knock down heavy enemies for quick ground kills, and alex and ash are controlled by the player simultaneously, using a chainsaw and an assortment of guns respectively. a different character or group of characters is available at the start of each level, each chapter telling part of the story from that character's perspective.