Rolling Thunder 2 review - Sega Megadrive

Well, if it isn't a platform shoot 'em up. There aren't many of those on the Megadrive, I'm sure. Luckily for Rolling Thunder 2, it's one of the best examples of the genre yet seen. The formula may look a bit dated and simplistic nowadays, but it's so much fun to play that it doesn't really matter. The graphics are very good, the animation on the sprites is great and the backgrounds are excellent. The sound is of high standard too, including a selection of top-notch tunes. Rolling Thunder 2 also packs a real challenge, there are eleven long levels and they get very difficult. A password system is used instead of continues, so you never have to play the earlier levels you've completed again (unless you want to). Rolling Thunder 2 is a top quality game packed with action and excitement, although it doesn't quite have that grab factor to make it a Megagame. Highly recommended to those looking for a proper challenge.

If you've played the arcade version of Rolling Thunder 2, you'll be instantly amazed by how close this Megadrive conversion is! The backdrops, sprites, tunes and effects are all nigh on identical to the original coin-op! What's more, the Megadrive version goes one better by actually improving on the coin-op by adding levels - now that's value! The gameplay itself is fast, fun and instantly addictive - especially in two-player mode, where you almost have to fight each other to get hold of the extra weapons and ammo! The game is seriously challenging too, as later levels produce hundreds of evil GELDRA agents to blow away. Although the action is slightly repetitive, there's no denying that it's great fun to play. Give it a whirl and you'll see what I mean.

Scott H's comments

This is where the tradition of Sega and Namco copying one another began. What we have here is a game using the premise of the first Shinobi with a twist that makes for a great game in that “genre”. Rolling Thunder II is a side scrolling shooting game that plays nothing like Probotector or anything else in the Schmup genre.

Lower and Upper levels in each scene are jumped to by holding up and jump at the same time, which results in a Shinobi like hop up. In addition to that you can use “stealth” in the same sense as Shinobi by hopping up or down while enemies are turned, but you can also hide in the shadows of walkways and whatnot when the background allows. Then there are doors which you can walk into in the hopes of receiving a power up or new weapon, much like Elevator Action.

What really makes Rolling Thunder II a great game in its own right is its excellent soundtrack, and great art design for the graphics. This game exudes quality from every screen. This review is spot on in every aspect of the game, and Rolling Thunder II is a top quality game even to this day.