Rolling Thunder 2

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Rolling Thunder 2
] The Sega Genesis release features a realistic depiction of Albatross and Leila on the cover, in contrast to the anime-style designs on the cover the Japanese version.
Developer(s)	Namco
Publisher(s)	Namco
Designer(s)	H. Kuwabara
Release date(s)	1990 (Arcade), November 19, 1991 (Sega MegaDrive) December, 1991 (Sega Genesis)
Genre(s)	Run and gun
Mode(s)	2 players can play simultaneously
Platform(s)	Arcade, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Input	4-way Joystick; 2 button
Arcade cabinet	Upright, cabaret, and cocktail
Arcade system(s)	Namco System 2

Rolling Thunder 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 1960's, Rolling Thunder 2 features a more contemporary setting to go along with its more futuristic designs. A Sega Mega Drive port was released in 1991.

1 Gameplay
2 Mega Drive version
3 Soundtrack
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Gameplay

Set sometime during the 1990's, the Geldra organization (now known as Neo-Geldra and led by a new leader named Gimdo), 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 the Interpol's fictional Rolling Thunder task force. Up to two players can now play simultaneously, while a single player now has a choice between former damsel-in-distress Leila (as Player 1) or returning hero Albatross (as Player 2). Although outside their different visual appearance (including different handguns), the two characters otherwise play the same.

The graphics are noticeably improved over the previous game and have a decidly more futuristic look to go along with the game's modern setting. The game's common enemy character, the Masker, which were previously designed to look like hooded terrorists or KKK members, are now cyborgs. Like wise, 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 remaing bullets left to be picked up (allow one player to leave ammo for the other). There are also hidden power-ups such as time extension and life recovery behind certain unmarked doors.

[edit] Mega Drive 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 progession.

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 upgradable weapons (either, a flamethrower or a laser shot) and stage bosses. In addition, the final battle with Gimdo has been made easier, despite the character acquiring a second form in battle.

Like in the NES port of the first game, Namco added a password (video games) feature and a harder second quest. The third Rolling Thunder game (Rolling Thunder 3) would be release for the Mega Drive rather than the arcades.

[edit] Soundtrack

Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5 ~ Rolling Thunder 2

Soundtrack 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]