The bright exterior hides a game that puts up a fight. It is best to know what you are getting into, especially with the game’s deceptive difficulty. If it sounds like I am painting a dire picture, I am not. The last few stages are a nightmare to navigate without a map and I do not think it is a stretch to say it might turn some away. Wandering around similar corridors looking for a single key gets old fast especially when warp rooms enter the picture. But by the midpoint when the scope increases and the maps become larger it becomes annoying. In the early going when the levels are nice and compact it is legitimately fun to explore and gather power-ups. Overall I like the level design although it can be a bit much. It helps that it is building from a good base. It also works thanks to the game’s solid controls. While It sounds annoying in practice it gives the game a unique feel from its platform contemporaries. Later stages introduce teleporters, fake walls and false floors. Right from the onset the maps are huge and while they do eventually wrap around themselves it is not uncommon to wander in each for up to twenty minutes. The goal is to find keys to progress and unlock the boss room which is easier than it sounds. The stages are large enough to occasionally get lost in but not so much that you will need a map, at least initially. Each level is a sprawling map with all kinds of hidden nooks and crannies. SonSon II is a platformer that uses the structure of Black Tiger significantly. Sadly the cooler items in Black Tiger like new armor are no more but the game packs in more extras to make up for it. These range from continues to health, new weapons, magic and even the infamous flying nimbus to assist during boss battles. There are multiple shops in every level with numerous items for sale. In each level you collect fruit of differing value which counts as zenny, the game’s currency. There is magic as well although outside of the shield their usefulness is suspect.
GRADIUS 2 NES USA RELEASE UPGRADE
At least you can upgrade it continuously throughout the game, increasing its already long reach and power. The extendable staff is your only weapon for the entire game which, while very functional is a disappointment. Unlike the original arcade game SonSon II is strictly a melee action game.
While I am disappointed Capcom made the change that is not a slight against SonSon II as it is a quality game regardless.
GRADIUS 2 NES USA RELEASE PS2
I would have loved to see have seen that come to fruition as Black Tiger rarely left the arcade until the Capcom Classics Collection 2 for the PS2 and Xbox. There is an interesting bit of history regarding SonSon II as it started life as a port of Black Tiger. As SonSon (the son of the original Son Goku) you must save your friends from a nefarious villain out for revenge. Like its predecessor SonSon II is an alternate take on the Journey to the West. The change is worth it however as the game is solid if a bit generic. This is a sequel in name and theme only as it changes genre and gameplay. One of their more interesting titles is SonSon II, a sequel to their arcade hit. Capcom were not far behind although their output is less well known on the platform. Everyone is aware of Rondo of Blood’s legendary status but they had more to offer with fantastic arcade ports such as Gradius II and Salamander.
GRADIUS 2 NES USA RELEASE PC
Konami graced the PC Engine with excellent support in Japan. Developer: Capcom Publisher: NEC Release: 01/27/89 Genre: Action
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