Rolling Thunder 2

Rolling Thunder 2
Rolling Thunder 2
Rolling Thuner 2 game flyer.png
European arcade flyer for Rolling Thunder 2.
Developer(s) Namco
Publisher(s) Namco/Sega (Virtual Console)
Designer(s) H. Kuwabara
Composer(s) Ayako Sakata
Platform(s) Arcade, Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console
Release date(s) Arcade
1990
Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
  • NA November 18, 1991
  • JP November 19, 1991
Virtual Console
  • JP October 27, 2009
Genre(s) Run and gun
Mode(s) 2 players can play simultaneously
Cabinet Upright, cabaret, and cocktail
Arcade system Namco System 2

Rolling Thunder 2 (ローリングサンダー2?) is an arcade game by Namco released in 1990. It is the sequel to 1986's Rolling Thunder and retains the same run and gun gameplay of its predecessor, adding cooperative gameplay for 2-Players and improved graphics. Unlike the original Rolling Thunder, which was set in the 1960s, Rolling Thunder 2 features a more contemporary setting to go along with its more futuristic designs. A Mega Drive port was released in 1991. Both, the coin-op game and the Mega Drive version, were released for the Wii Virtual Console.

Contents

Gameplay

Set in the 1990s, the Geldra organization, thought to had been destroyed during the first game, returns and are destroying several of the worlds' satellites in outer space. Like the previous game, the player takes control of a member of WCPO's Rolling Thunder task force. Up to two players can now play simultaneously, with Player 1 as female agent Leila and Player 2 as male agent Albatross. Although outside their different appearances (including different handguns), the two characters have identical abilities.

The graphics are noticeably improved over the previous game and have a decidedly more futuristic look to go along with the game's modern setting. The game's common enemy character, the Maskers, which were previously designed to look like hooded terrorists, are now cyborgs. Likewise, the game has more varied stage designs, with the first four stages taking place in a seaside resort in Florida and the last four stages in a pyramid in Egypt (both locations are actually camouflaged Geldra bases).

The player's character are armed with a default pistol that has only limited ammo. When bullets run out, the player's gun will fire a slow chase bullet instead. The player can also upgrade to a semi-automatic rifle by entering marked doors. When entering one of these marked doors, a counter will displayed showing the remaining bullets left to be picked up (allow one player to leave ammo for the other).

Home version

Cover artwork of the Sega Genesis version.

The Mega Drive ports differs from the arcade original by its inclusion of cut scenes before each stage consisting of a single static images displayed above a scrolling text that narrates the story's progression. There are also three additional stages not found in the original arcade version that take place between the arcade's original stages. These stages stand out from their arcade counterparts due to the presence of different upgradeable weapons (either, a flamethrower or a pulse shot) and end-stage bosses. The Genesis version also features hidden power-ups in unmarked doors such as time extensions, life recovery, and extra lives. Like in the NES port of the first game, a password feature has which uses full sentences instead of numerals (such as A Private Thunder Created the Powder) and a harder difficulty level after completing the normal game.

Both, the arcade and Genesis versions, are available on the Wii Virtual Console service.

Soundtrack

Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5 ~ Rolling Thunder 2
Soundtrack album by Ayako Saso
Released June 21, 1991
Recorded Unknown
Genre Video game soundtrack
Length 31:55
Label Victor Entertainment

A soundtrack album of the arcade version, Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5: Rolling Thunder 2 was released by Victor Entertainment in 1991 under the catalog number VICL-15005. It contains unused tracks from the arcade version, which were later used in the Mega Drive version of the game. It was composed and arranged by Ayako Saso.[1]


References

  1. ^ Chudah's Corner - Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5 Rolling Thunder 2

External links

See also


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