Lost Vikings 2

"Never tried this 2D puzzle game? Its quite unique."

Story: 9.0
Not a bad sequel to the Lost Vikings. Furthermore, it even tells you how these Vikings get their new moves if you read the beginning story. There are even short dialogues at the end of each stage that lightens up the game. The ending was short, but quite funny.

Graphics: 8.5
The graphics seem to be pretty good for an 8-megabit 2-D scroller. However, the variations between the landscapes are too little. When I managed to beat the whole game, it seems to me that there are only three different landscapes including places where skeleton bones stick about everywhere. (That includes the beginning, the future, and fantasy.) The skeleton places gave me creeps while I progressed through the game. However, some backgrounds are nicely drawn so that it adds realism to that current location. Unlike the first version of the game, there are now five characters in total. Including two new characters called Fang and Scorch, who have their unique abilities. The equipment on the five characters is more artificial, mechanical, and modern than its previous version. Baleog now has a bionic arm and Eric has a pair of rocket shoes.

Sound: 7.1
The sound is not as good as I have hoped for, but it matches the scenery. There is nothing notable for you to remember the tune, but it is better than nothing. Some sound effects in the game sound realistic, such as when your character gets an electric shock or the Olaf’s farting time. The sound effect I like the best is when Baleog the fierce swings his blue saber.

Play control: 9.0
The control is easy once you get used to all the different moves each character possesses. Each character contains about three to four different moves that are essential for completing every stage of the game. Some moves must be practiced in order to be skilled at it. For example, when you want to swing Baleog over a canyon with his bionic arms, you’ll have to shoot his arms left and up.
This game can be played with one or two players simultaneously, which makes it easy at certain points of the game that requires two characters to do something at the same time. If you are playing it by yourself, then you’ll have to switch back and forth between the characters.

Puzzle/Challenge: 8.8
In the beginning there is basically no puzzle at all. As you progress through the game, however, the puzzles get bigger and more confusing. Sometimes the puzzle look very hard, but actually it is quite easy when you use the right person with the right technique at the right place. Many times you would have to team up two or three characters in order to solve a puzzle, which is the main objective of this Lost Vikings Series. Since every character has their own strengths and weaknesses, team up is the best way to beat the game.

Fun and satisfaction: 8.3
Sometimes when you figured out a tough puzzle, you will be satisfied and think you can do almost anything in this game. Reaching the exit are with all your characters alive would probably receive an “ohhhh or ahhhhh” from you. Once I forgot that I am supposed to use the “A” button for clicking a switch, so I kept hitting the switch for ten minutes with weapons until I got really frustrated. However, then I accidentally pressed the “A” button and the switch clicked. “What was I thinking?” I said to myself with happiness.
Some fun in this game are derived from the expressions, the looks, and the movements of the characters. For example, you get this cartoonic face from Eric when he bashes into a wall. You can also see Olaf’s fat butt when he climbs to the top of a ladder. Even though some puzzles are unique, they are not enough to keep you finish the game without taking a break in between. Once I beat some levels, rested, then picked it up a few months later.

Percentage Breakdown: Story=10% Graphics=25% Sound=15% Play Control=15% Puzzle/Challenge=15% Fun and satisfaction=20%
Overall Rating: 8.4/10

Comments: This is a game that involves a few deep thinking and practiced skills. If you are a fan of puzzle and mild action game, then you better try this out. If you want to talk to me about my review, simply talk to the person named Generalx on this Gamefaqs site.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/09/01, Updated 10/09/01