Remember the tail end of the 16-bit era? When developers were pushing the Super Nintendo to its absolute limits, squeezing out every last ounce of graphical and audio power? That's where you find Super Turrican 2, a game that arrived in 1995 like a final, explosive hurrah for pure, unadulterated action on the console. Developed by the wizards at Factor 5 and published by Ocean Software, this sequel took the established Turrican formula and cranked the intensity dial way up, offering a different, yet equally thrilling, experience.
What is Super Turrican 2?
Released relatively late in the SNES lifecycle, Super Turrican 2 is a run-and-gun shooter that continues the saga of the lone hero battling against overwhelming odds. While the first Super Turrican retained some of the exploration elements the series was known for, the sequel made a distinct pivot, leaning heavily into cinematic set pieces and relentless action, often drawing comparisons to genre heavyweights like Contra III.
It first hit the scene in North America and Europe, later seeing a brief digital life on the Wii's Virtual Console before being delisted. More recently, it saw a limited physical re-release, reminding retro enthusiasts of its existence and technical prowess.
The Story: Galaxy Under Siege
The setup is classic sci-fi action: a sinister entity known only as The Machine is systematically destroying civilizations near a black hole. The United Freedom Forces send their best, but only one ship makes it through the cosmic maelstrom. The lone survivor crash-lands on a desolate planet, equipped with the powerful Turrican suit. Their mission? Single-handedly confront The Machine and prevent galactic domination. It's a straightforward premise that perfectly serves the game's focus on non-stop combat.
Gameplay: A Shift Towards Action
If you came to Super Turrican 2 expecting the sprawling, maze-like levels of earlier Turrican games, you might be surprised. This sequel streamlines the experience, breaking levels into more linear, action-packed segments. While core Turrican abilities like the machine gun, laser, flamethrower, and the energy wheel/freeze beam return, the emphasis is firmly on shooting and surviving intense encounters.
A notable addition is the grappling arm, reminiscent of Bionic Commando. This new tool adds a layer of verticality and utility, allowing players to swing across gaps or grab items from a distance. But perhaps the most memorable aspect of Super Turrican 2's gameplay is its diverse vehicle segments. You'll find yourself blasting foes from:
- A desert dune buggy
- A high-speed space motorcycle
- An underwater motojet
These sections, often utilizing the SNES's Mode 7 effects, add fantastic variety and spectacle to the proceedings.
Why it Stands Out
Factor 5 was renowned for pushing hardware limits, and Super Turrican 2 is a prime example on the SNES. The game features impressive technical achievements for its time:
- Visuals: Detailed sprites, dynamic backgrounds, and smooth Mode 7 effects in vehicle sections create a vibrant and explosive presentation. Pre-rendered cutscenes, cheesy by today's standards, added a cool factor back then.
- Sound: Utilizing Dolby Pro-Logic, the soundtrack and sound effects are punchy and immersive, contributing significantly to the high-octane atmosphere.
- Pacing: The constant shift between on-foot blasting and vehicle sequences keeps the action fresh and unpredictable.
- Challenge: While fun, the game offers a stiff challenge, particularly with tricky boss patterns and limited continues, encouraging mastery and replayability.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Super Turrican 2 garnered positive reviews, with critics praising its diverse environments, tight controls, and technical polish. GamePro lauded its graphics, sound, and effects, calling it "well worth the wait." Years later, its quality was recognized again, appearing on lists like IGN's "Top 100 SNES Games of All Time" and being called a "classic blaster" by Total! magazine.
While perhaps not as widely remembered as Contra III or Mega Man X, Super Turrican 2 holds a special place for those who played it. It's a testament to Factor 5's skill and a shining example of the kind of high-quality action experiences the SNES delivered in its final years.
Playing Today
For modern retro enthusiasts, experiencing Super Turrican 2 typically involves emulation on platforms like PC or Raspberry Pi. While limited physical re-releases have occurred, they are often collector's items. Emulation provides the most accessible way to dive into this intense 16-bit adventure and appreciate its blend of classic Turrican elements with a pure action focus.
Conclusion
Super Turrican 2 might have arrived late to the 16-bit party, but it certainly made an entrance. With its relentless action, technical flair, and diverse gameplay segments, it's a fantastic, albeit challenging, shooter that deserves recognition. If you're a fan of run-and-gun classics or the Turrican series, tracking down Super Turrican 2 is a rewarding journey back to the peak of SNES action.
FAQ
Q: What kind of game is Super Turrican 2? A: It's primarily a side-scrolling run-and-gun action game with platforming elements and diverse vehicle segments.
Q: How is Super Turrican 2 different from the first Super Turrican? A: The sequel focuses more heavily on linear, intense action set pieces and vehicle sections, shifting away from the larger, more exploratory levels found in the first game and earlier titles in the series.
Q: Who developed Super Turrican 2? A: It was developed by Factor 5, a studio known for pushing the technical capabilities of the consoles they worked on.
Q: Is Super Turrican 2 considered a good game? A: Yes, it was well-received upon release and is considered a high-quality, technically impressive action game for the SNES by many retro enthusiasts.
