Rolling Thunder 2 is a conversion of Namco’s 1990 sequel to its original James Bond themed Shinobi-like game. The Megadrive home version is faithful to the arcade original in terms of gameplay and features a few improvements, including cut scenes between levels that feature some lovely artwork, 3 additional stages and some new weapons. As in the arcade version, you can play as agent Albatross or femme fatale Leila in the battle against the evil GELDRA organisation.
Whilst this is a platform shoot-em-up, it is not of the manic variety like Contra/Probotector, Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier. The action can certainly be fast and furious but never to the point where it is overwhelming. Instead, you can play much more tactically by jumping up to a higher platform or to the floor (a la Shinobi). There is also an element of “stealth” in RT2 as you can hide behind shadows in the walkways when the background allows. You can also hide in doors by continuing to hold up after checking for weapons or ammo, which adds another tactical layer to the proceedings when the going gets tough.
A simultaneous 2-player option is available that lets you team up with a friend. Even in two player mode RT2 presents a decent level of challenge across its 11 stages. Practice makes perfect in this game and once you get the hang of conserving ammo for tense moments and hiding or switching platforms when you need to there’ll be no stopping you!
We’ve seen this type of game time and time again but rarely is it pulled off with such style and grace. The art design impresses even today and the game features an excellent soundtrack that is very catchy. For fans of the genre this game comes highly recommended.
1. Son Of Welcome
26 Oct 2007, 21:32 GMT
I see what you meant when you wrote that it "plays nothing like Probotector or anything else in the Schmup genre."
2. angel m. rivera collazo
28 Oct 2007, 17:22 GMT
i have rolling thunder 1.this one looks better.great!
3. Robert
27 Nov 2007, 18:56 GMT
A classic!!!!! As always from Namco.
4. PresidentLeever
04 Dec 2007, 17:10 GMT
Fun 2-player action with 8-bit mechanics and average graphics. The cutscenes are a nice touch, sometimes very funny
But the soundtrack won't impress unless you happen to love jazz fusion and old james bond music.
5. Daniel
07 Dec 2007, 00:04 GMT
Great game
You have it put as only being one player but in the gameplay video it said 2 player
6. Drake
07 Dec 2007, 00:31 GMT
Fixed, thanks for noticing.
7. ruroremy
07 Dec 2007, 03:58 GMT
After watching the video... Is this game exactly the same as Sunset Riders on the SNES?
8. morphballer
07 Dec 2007, 21:41 GMT
Before I had ever seen Rolling Thunder, Super Ranger(?) was one of my favorite games back when I was first getting into videogames. It plays the exact same way as RT except the graphics and characters look much different. I remember playing the original in the arcade (though not getting very far). I may download this when it comes stateside.
9. me
08 Dec 2007, 02:18 GMT
the way I think of it is it is almost kinda like a 2d gears of war because u have to use cover it is alot of fun and I think it is wrth it PS. I still got this on my genisis
10. P-Dog
26 Dec 2007, 02:43 GMT
That dude can jump!
11. Shaun
31 Dec 2007, 07:44 GMT
Anyone else play Code Name: Viper for NES? From RT2's video, it seems the game play is VERY similar. Of course, I loved Code Name: Viper, so i'll probably give this a try eventually.
12. tad
08 Jan 2008, 13:17 GMT
Code Name: Viper was awesome--and yes, this looks very similar. I might have to download this for comparison.
13. Mad Bomber
11 Feb 2008, 17:16 GMT
This game is damn-fun. Challenging but I just keep coming back.
I can't believe I never played this game on my Genesis. I can't wait until they release Rolling Thunder 3.
The graphics are a bit dated and some of the levels can feel a bit bland. The controls are decent but are obviously born from the arcade. From the looks of some You Tube videos, Rolling Thunder 3 adds a lot more depth to the gameplay though it loses the 2 player. This isn't a perfect game, but it has that addictive quality that so many games lack.
Also, this game is a lot like Capcom's Code Name: Viper which I absolutely loved. In fact, I believe that Viper was a direct nock-off of the original Rolling Thunder. That doesn't make Viper any less of a great game though. I hope they put that out on the VC as well.
14. Villain
12 Feb 2008, 09:32 GMT
Downloaded this game, still loving it! Just like Mad Bomber said, it's damn-fun.
Yeah, Rolling Thunder 3 is gonna be something to wait for. It excels this game on every point except one. NO 2P SUPPORT, which SUCKS.
But this game's really sweet.
15. Mendez
18 Feb 2008, 14:52 GMT
Got this game yesterday, it's awesome!
Really glad I decided to take the risk and be adventurous for a change =D
16. Villain
19 Feb 2008, 19:55 GMT
@Mendez: So am I. I feel the same way about Wonder Boy: MW (which I had never played) and Shinobi 3.
17. Mr. Cheez
27 Jun 2008, 22:32 GMT
This is a much better game than the original RT, which I played on various Namco Museums. It's easier (no more jumping fire people!), has more weapons, new enemies, a more sensible health meter, a co-op mode, and an occaisional boss fight!
. a good 800-point investment in my opinion.
Gotta love that jazzy soundtrack!
18. DEMON212
25 Jul 2008, 08:44 GMT
Dazza.
This looks a lot like Sunset Riders, does it play like it?
19. Dazza
25 Jul 2008, 10:45 GMT
Yeah its quite similar to sunset riders, this is a lot harder though!
20. DEMON212
01 Aug 2008, 01:26 GMT
Thanks
In buying it, it's good fun
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