Super Turrican 2 is a 16-bit action shooter game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995. Developed by Factor 5, German-American independent software and video game developer, and published by Ocean Software, a British software development company. It is the follow-up to Super Turrican and continues the Turrican series.
When it was released, Super Turrican 2 was praised for its surprisingly 3D cutscenes and cool visuals. However, these aspects have not aged as well as other classic SNES titles. As you progress, the game starts to feel more less exciting, leaving you wishing it had more to thrill you by the halfway point.
The Story
As a promising intergalactic hero assigned to destroy a horrible mutant army, you are thrown into a more dangerous battle than before. This time, you will face more deadly enemies and mind-bending Mode 7 graphic levels that might leave you wishing for assistance!
The Graphics and Sound
The visuals are great! The first game looked amazing with the Mode 7 effects, this sequel takes it to another level. Expect big explosions, flashy lighting, monster enemies (especially the bosses), and good cutscenes that almost feel like full-motion video. This is easily one of the best-looking SNES action games.
The catchy, cool tunes from the first game are gone, replaced with darker, more sensible sounding tracks. While the music complements the game’s tone well, the original game soundtrack was more memorable.
The Gameplay
The gameplay is kind of both familiar and different. While it still revolves around destroying enemies, this time there’s a heavier focus on variety of challenges, making it feel even more like Contra. The developers packed the game with intense enemy encounters and deadly situations that would make even the competition cry. The basic mechanics—controls, weapons, and the classic morphing ball are intact, with weapons now having level ups but functioning much like before. The main new feature is a grappling hook, making it easy to pick up.
Despite all its strengths, Super Turrican 2 is not quite as good as the first, mainly due to its brutal difficulty and lack of passwords. The game throws all kinds of challenges at you, which make the game harder, with plenty of instant-death pits. The biggest issue, though, is that it is longer than the first game, but without a password system, you have to beat it in one sitting, which is nearly impossible. Playing by Emulator, the save states can help you with that.
While the difficulty might be forgivable, the lack of passwords really hurts. It is a shame the game is so overlooked because it is actually better than most 2D action shooters. If you are into action-packed run-and-gun games, you need to try Super Turrican 2.
Replay value is good. This game is so much fun that you will keep coming back to it. Despite its high difficulty, the exciting action, varied challenges, and exciting battles make it a game worth replaying.
My Verdict
Like the first game, Super Turrican 2 is an excellent action game, but it's negative aspect is the lack of a save system or passwords. Without them, finishing the game in one game session feels nearly impossible. Still, it is an action-filled thrilling experience, so if you get the chance, definitely give it a try.
Play it on the hotly craved Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a beloved emulator.
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I love the look of the game and its gameplay.
The feel of contra, metal slug and other types of games with action packed and intense fun.
I would give this a go when possible, my type of game for retro stuff!
Yeah, it was amazing it was made by European devs.