Thunder Force II (Genesis) Playthrough [4K]
2"Thunder Force II" for the Sega Genesis is a scrolling shooter video game developed by Technosoft and released in 1989. This launch title for the Sega Genesis release became one of six debut games. It's known for its blend of horizontally scrolling shooter stages and top-down exploration stages. The plot unfolds soon after the events of Thunder Force, as the ORN Empire unveils its formidable battleship, the Plealos, reigniting conflict with the Galaxy Federation.
The game's structure presents two distinct formats: the top-view stages from the previous entry and the side-view stages, which became the series norm. The top-view segments task players with locating and destroying enemy bases before transitioning seamlessly into horizontal side-scrolling stages, typical of traditional shooters. Players control a ship equipped with default weapons—a twin forward shot, single forward and backward shots, and bombs in top-view stages—upgradable by collecting items. Additional weapons, like the signature Hunter, offer unique abilities, augmenting the ship's firepower. The game also introduces small pod add-ons that bolster defense and provide extra firepower.
The top-down sections is its weakest point. It tasks you with locating and destroying hidden bases on open-plan maps. With no ability to strafe, your ship goes forward relentlessly, leaving you vulnerable to enemy attacks. The stationary bases ends up with firing, retreating, and repeating, and the lack of a map leaves you directionless and disoriented.
While its intense scrolling sequences offer a robust shoot-'em-up, the overhead stages weigh it down with tedious gameplay and lackluster design. Overall, Thunder Force II is a classic shoot-'em-up with moments of greatness that helped to define the scrolling shooter genre, but its shortcomings overshadow its strengths.