Arnie 2

Arnie Savage (also known as Arnie 2) was developed by Zeppelin Games as a follow-up to Arnie (1992). This overhead run-and-gun military shooter was released in 1993 for the Amiga and MS-DOS. Unlike its predecessor, which featured a mix of side-view platforming and shooting sections, Arnie 2 adopts a pseudo-isometric perspective, placing the player in larger, more open battlefields reminiscent of Commando or Cabal, though with a more tactical approach.

The game casts players as a lone commando sent on dangerous missions deep behind enemy lines. Each mission involves navigating through enemy bases, industrial complexes, and fortified outposts while engaging waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, helicopters, and turrets. The player can move in all directions while firing, creating a more strategic combat flow compared to the more linear action of its predecessor. The variety of available weapons, including machine guns, grenades, and rocket launchers, adds a level of tactical depth, as ammunition management is crucial for survival.

Visually, Arnie 2 improves upon its predecessor, with the Amiga version boasting smooth animations, detailed sprite work, and a muted color palette that fits the military theme. The pseudo-isometric perspective gives a better sense of depth, but it can occasionally make aiming feel imprecise. The MS-DOS version, while similar in gameplay, has less vibrant visuals and slightly choppier animations, making the Amiga version the superior choice.

The sound design on the Amiga is another highlight, with punchy gunfire, satisfying explosions, and an intense military-style soundtrack that enhances the action. The problem is there is no music, which makes things less enjoyable.

Gameplay-wise, Arnie 2 is a tough but engaging shooter. The difficulty is high but fair, rewarding strategic movement and careful use of cover. The major drawback is the slow gameplay. Compared to other shooters like The Chaos Engine, Arnie 2 is really very far from that quality.