Rolling Thunder 2

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Rolling Thunder 2
Image:Rolling Thuner 2 game flyer.png
Japanese arcade flyer for Rolling Thunder 2.
Developer(s) Namco
Publisher(s) Namco/Sega (Virtual Console)
Designer(s) H. Kuwabara
Native resolution 288 x 224
Platform(s) Arcade, Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console
Release date Arcade
1990
Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
USA November 18, 1991
JPN November 19, 1991
PAL 1992
Genre(s) Run and gun
Mode(s) 2 players can play simultaneously
Input methods 4-way Joystick; 2 button
Cabinet Upright, cabaret, and cocktail
Arcade system 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 1960s, 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 and later released on the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console.

Contents

[edit] Gameplay

Set sometime during the 1990s, 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 decidedly 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 remaining 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. Specific weapon like flame thrower and a "spread laser" is available at certain mission.

[edit] Mega Drive/Genesis version

Cover artwork of the Sega Genesis 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 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 feature which used words instead of letters (such as A Private Thunder Created the Powder) and a harder second quest. The third Rolling Thunder game (Rolling Thunder 3) would be developed exclusively for the Mega Drive rather than being ported from the arcades.

[edit] Soundtrack

Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5 ~ Rolling Thunder 2
Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 5 ~ Rolling Thunder 2 cover
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]

  1. "Attract" - 0:37
  2. "Leila & Albatross (Unused) ~ Title" - 0:11
  3. "Credit ~ Mission 1" - 1:01
  4. "Round Start Ver.1" - 0:04
  5. "Theme From Rolling Thunder 2 (Round 1)" - 2:08
  6. "A Terrible Residence (Round 2)" - 2:47
  7. "Across The Tube (Round 3)" - 2:39
  8. "Where Is The Target? (Round 4)" - 2:36
  9. "Round Clear short Ver." - 0:05
  10. "Game Over ~ Name Entry" - 0:41
  11. "Round Select" - 0:12
  12. "Gimdo Goes to Egypt (Unused)" - 0:29
  13. "Mission 2 Start (Unused)" - 0:04
  14. "Round Start Ver. 2" - 0:04
  15. "View Of Dynamism (Round 5)" - 3:15
  16. "An Ancient Way (Round 6)" - 3:34
  17. "Terror For Sale (Round 7)" - 3:21
  18. "Running Decayed (Round 8)" - 1:47
  19. "The Final Command (Round 8)" - 2:55
  20. "Theme From Gimdo (Round 8)" - 1:29
  21. "Round Clear long Ver. (Unused)" - 0:10
  22. "Escape!! ~ Ending Theme" - 1:46

[edit] References

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

[edit] External links

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Rolling Thunder video games
Rolling Thunder · Rolling Thunder 2 · Rolling Thunder 3