By 1996, there had been a sharp decline in the titles being released for the Mega Drive. Creators were clearly favouring the next generation of consoles such as the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64. However, due to the success of its predecessor, Vectorman returns for a second adventure. The question is, will it receive the same plaudits as the first instalment?
Vectorman 2 is a single player run and gun platform game and the sequel to Vectorman (1995). It was developed by BlueSky Software and published by Sega for the Mega Drive in 1996. For this review, I played the version found on Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection (2009).
Plot
After defeating Warhead and foiling its plans to kill the humans when they returned to Earth, Vectorman resumes his normal duties. One day whilst completing the routine task of accompanying a sludge barge, his ship is hit by a missile of unknown origin. Vectorman survives the crash landing and finds himself near a research facility. As he investigates the origin of the missile, he discovers a population of mutant insects that have taken up residence in the research facility. The insects show clear signs of a destructive nature towards the Earth, but it is unclear who is controlling them. Vectorman must destroy the insects to once again save Earth.
Gameplay
Vectoman can run and jump, and fire a weapon from his hand. Whilst at the apex of his jump, he can use his Boot-Blasts to gain even more height. These Boot-Blasts can also be used to cause damage to enemies when ignited. The game consists of seven parts, divided into 22 scenes.
Weapons
Whilst battling through the levels, Vectorman can temporarily acquire other weapons including:
- Laser – Allows rapid fire.
- Energy Shot – Solid beam of incredible power.
- Super Energy Shot – More powerful than the Energy Shot, can ricochet of walls and also break through tiles.
- Pulse – Fires in a more dispersed range. The second most powerful weapon Vectorman can use.
- Overkill – A single shot which destroys everything onscreen.
Morphs
At times, Vectorman can also morph into the following:
- Helicopter – Helps him hover and control his descent.
- Skates – Enables him to travel through level at high speed.
- Tornado – Helps Vectorman spin very fast for a limited time causing destruction to whoever comes into contact with him.
- Tank – Pure firepower.
Power-Ups
Some enemies drop Assimilation icons which temporarily allows Vectorman to take on the characteristics of that enemy:
- Shell Bug – Shield.
- Scorpion – Attack using a deadly stinger.
- Rhino Beetle – Charge through walls and into enemies.
- Tick – Destroy your enemies by giving them a mighty wallop.
- Fireant – Fireball.
Other Power-Ups include:
- Multipliers x2, x3, x5, x10 – Multiplies points earned respectively.
- Health Point – Restores one health ball.
- Full Health – Fully restores health.
- Max Health – Increases number of health balls.
- 1-Up – Extra life.
- Milestone – If you die, you will restart the level from this point.
- Extra Time – Gives you extra time on the level.
- Power Sacks – Destroy these to get power-ups inside.
- Photons – Collect these for points. If enough are collected, you will be taken to a bonus round.
How Does It Handle?
The controls are exactly the same as its predecessor. They are tight, and responsive and the game is easy to just pick up and play. I really liked the changes in enemies from the robotic minions of the first game to the mutant insects of this game. It emphasises that you are facing a different challenge and helps differentiate the two games. The addition of different morphs and the ability to take on the characteristics of some of your enemies makes for a more interesting game too.
Graphics
The graphics of the Vectorman’s sprite look a little more refined in my opinion. There seems to be a new sheen to our hero. The levels look good…not spectacular but good. The mutant insect’s look ok, and the bosses look pretty good. One nice touch is that when you are in dark caves and Vectorman fires his gun, the area around him lights up.
Music and SFX
The music was ok, but it was quite forgettable. What I did like was the introduction of Vectorman’s robotic voice which I can’t remember from the first game. When he picks up new weapons and power-ups, he speaks but I couldn’t for the life of me understand what he was saying. It was still cool to hear though. There is also more differentiation between the sounds of the weapons when fired.
Replay Value
Vectorman 2 has three diffficulty settings but other than that, and there isn’t much to keep you coming back time and time again fter completing it a few times.
Did I Complete The Game?
No, I got to the last boss and died.
What The Critics Said:
Electronic Gaming Monthly: “No surprises here. Vectorman 2 is a solid side-scrolling platform game that will keep players busy for a few weekends. It’s levels-which include above-and below-ground areas-are huge and allow for a lot of exploration. Although the graphics are rarely outstanding, they’re always decent (and often very dark, as well). Boss monsters look especially good Many are so huge they fill the screen in fact, most of the game’s enemies look pretty cool. What really calls attention to this title, though, is its soundtrack, a booming techno-beat that sounds nothing like the static-ridden music pumped out by most genesis games. Overall 29/40“.[1]
GamePro: “It’s simple mindless fun – just like the good old days. Vectorman 2 is the most addicting Genesis game this year…and it may be one of the last, so enjoy! Overall 19.5/20“.[2]
Awards:
Electronic Gaming Monthly – Genesis Game of the Year 1996[3]
My Verdict:
“This is another solid action-platformer. Very fun to play and challenging enough more experienced gamers. There is enough to make this game different enough from its predecessor“
Rating:
What are your memories of Vectorman 2? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don’t for get to follow and subscribe so that you don’t miss my latest reviews! You can also find me on Instagram: @nicklovestogame.
[1] ‘Review Crew – Vectorman 2′. Electronic Gaming Monthly. (November 1996) Issue 88:90.
[2] Scary Larry. ‘Genesis Proreview – Vectorman 2 GamePro. (December 1996). Volume 09 Number 12 Issue 99:154.
[3] ”The Best of 96′. Electronic Gaming Monthly. (March 1997). Number 92:86.
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