This is the sequel to the great Rick Dangerous, featuring great graphics but difficult gameplay! The game is a mix of puzzle solving action adventure and platform shooter and the addictive gameplay of the original hasn't changed dramatically, making RD 2 a worthy sequel! Rick Dangerous 2 was released for a wide list of 8/16 bit home computers such as the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, Atari ST, PC (DOS).
Review
STORY / GAMEPLAY After the events on the first Rick Dangerous, an alien invasion to Earth is imminent. UFOs land all over the world, starting from London, kidnapping people and taking them quite literally inside some alien caverns, ice worlds and the like. Another UFO lands in Hyde Park and Rick goes there to settle the score. The game is more complex and more challenging than its predecessor. For a start, Rick is now armed with a laser weapon and bombs that can not only be placed but also slide across the screen, giving the opportunity for strategic bomb placements. Also, the Pogo stick is replaced by a punch attack. Rick can also employ a special flying vehicle in a few parts of the game. Rick's adventure takes him in areas patrolled by a number of invading aliens who, in turn, are protected by wall mounted armaments (lasers, deadly electrical charges). Some of these can be switched off via plugs and then turned back on if needed. Note that the first 4 levels can be played in any order. Surely Rick Dangerous 2 is a great action / puzzle / platform adventure although its high difficulty level. This futuristic sequel has kept all of the gameplay and addiction of the original including an extra level and keeping all the superb graphics and catchy sound.
The Commodore 64 version has great graphics with nicely detailed and colorful sprites and backdrops, although I prefer the brighter color palette of the CPC. The sprite animation is pretty smooth and funny! The sound on the Commodore version features a catchy introductory tune and several mini intro tunes at the beginning of each level. But the in-game sound effects are not what I would expect from a SID machine.