Back to the Future Part II is the video game adaptation of the famous film, part of the iconic series created by Robert Zemeckis. The movie was released in 1989, and the game, developed by Images Software, was published in 1990.
Unlike Back to the Future, which was released in 1986 exclusively for 8-bit computers, this sequel came out for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, SEGA Master System, and other platforms. While the sequel, Back to the Future Part III, also published by Image Works, can also be found on Amiga.
The game consists of several arcade sequences. The first is a hoverboard race, perhaps the most iconic image from the entire film played from an isometric perspective. The second is a top-down puzzle game in which you must try to avoid Jennifer's family (Marty's girlfriend). The third game, "Beat Biff," is a beat'em up in the style of Double Dragon, where you must fight against your nemesis Biff and his henchmen. It ends with another puzzle game and another hoverboard race, set in 1955.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with games composed of mini-games and film-to-video game adaptations, the quality of gameplay leaves much to be desired. The graphics, especially at the top-down house level, are well done. The characters and all the film references are faithful, but it falls short when evaluated as a video game. Strangely, it was better received on 8-bit platforms despite the poorer graphics.
This game is mainly recommended for film fans, and even then, it's better to choose Back to the Future Part III, the sequel released the following year.