RoboCop 2

RoboCop 2 is an action game based on the popular science fiction film released in 1990, featuring the famous cybernetic cop. Like many other movies-to-game conversions of the '90s, it was published by Ocean Software, which took care of both the 8-bit versions (ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64) and 16-bit versions, including Amiga and Atari ST.

Special FX developed the Amiga version of the game. The studio did a great job integrating the film elements with the game, even though the videogame needed to be released at the same time as the film, so only preliminary assets were available. Following the plot, our hero Robocop will need to destroy the nuke factory, then try to arrest the evil Cain, who will take the form of "RoboCop 2" at the end of the adventure. Several cutscenes with digitized images of the movie are shown in the beautiful HAM graphic mode of the Amiga. It's a kind of lesser-known - not so popular - technical feature, so we strongly appreciate this choice.

Gameplay is divided into different sections. The main one is a run-and-gun platformer shooter, set in a complex environment full of lifts and stairs. It looks like Gods more than Turrican if you want a comparison. But you can direct the gun in 8 directions, like Contra. There are also some puzzle levels, where Robocop will try to recover some lost memories of his wife. The last mode is a first-person rail shooter, where you need to kill the bad guys and avoid the hostages (not an easy task).

The graphics are fantastic, with big sprites and a metallic look that is perfectly in line with the movie. Music is satisfying. Unfortunately, like many games of those years - and especially movies adaptations - the title would have benefited from a serious playtesting phase. The difficulty level is hard and often unfair. The controls are sometimes frustrating. This is a pity because the title created by Special FX is clearly better than the first RoboCop game and it could have been one of the best film adaptations we have on the Amiga. This doesn't mean the game is unplayable, but a trainer/infinite lives cheat is strongly suggested.

If you are a fan of the famous cyber-hero, what are you waiting for? Part Man, Part Machine, All ... Videogame!