Pekka Kana 2

Infobox VG
title= Pekka Kana 2


caption=
developer= Piste Gamez
publisher= Independent
distributor=
designer= Janne Kivilahti
series=
engine= Custom
version= 1.1
released= 2003
genre= Platform game
modes= Single player
ratings=
platforms= Windows (95, 98, 2000, XP)
media= Free download
requirements=
input=

Pekka Kana 2 (Pekka the Rooster 2) is a freeware game, made by Finnish author Janne Kivilahti of Piste Gamez (former Deep Connection). It was introduced at Assembly 2003 game compo, where it ranked 2nd.

The game is a sequel to Pekka Kana, an obscure DOS game made in 1998, of which now only demo exists, available on author's website.

The Plot

A crow, called The Evil One, has kidnapped the chickens. Pekka is off to save them, but the path is guarded by hypnotized animals.

Features and Gameplay

This game has very detailed pixel graphics, original tracker music, diverse levels and a variety of enemies. The gameplay is slower than in most platformers, because the main character doesn't run very fast, can slow down by flapping wings when falling, and projectiles travel slowly. Some action, which takes place underwater, is even slower.

In each level, the goal is to find the exit sign and, on the last level, to defeat the boss as well. Pekka starts unarmed and has to obtain the weapon first. Portions of levels are unlocked with timed switches and keys. By drinking potions, Pekka can be transformed into other animals, gaining their weakneses and means of attack (if any).

There are several ways to get rid of enemies, most common being knocking them out with powerful yell ("doodle attack") and jumping, dropping objects, or even laying an egg on their heads. Of all animals, only bees get killed and disappear, others remain unconscious.

Episodes

The levels are organized in sequences called episodes. The version shown on Assembly 2003 had only one episode, called Rooster Island 1, but Rooster Island 2, with new tilesets and enemy sprites, was soon to follow. These are so far the only two official episodes, but more than 70 fan-made episodes appeared, when an official level editor was released.

With level editor users were able to create new level maps and form episodes out of them, use new backgrounds and tile sets, but no new sprites could be introduced. It is possible to create nonlinear levels and episodes, with multiple entry and exit points - a feature scarcely used in original level sets.

External links

* [http://koti.mbnet.fi/kiwi/pistegamez/pk2/ Official website]
* [http://mapstore.the.cz/ Fan-made episodes]