Vectorman 2 (Sega Genesis review)

Developer: BlueSky Software
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Vectorman 2 is a run 'n' gun game and the follow-up to the 1995 original (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis).

+ Ability to morph into some enemy creatures opens up the gameplay and gives you fresh ways of approaching the levels.

+ Top-notch character animation, and scouring the locales for power-ups and weapons can be enjoyable. 

- Makes a dreadful first impression, as the level design is confusing and the dark environments reduce visibility.

- Consequent stages are often brief with little concept, and there's an abundance of scene-to-scene repetition.

- Enemies are bullet sponges, and their placement irritates as the camera typically doesn't scroll far enough ahead.

- Graphics are a step backward from the previous game due to muddy textures, and the music has a shortage of melody.

- Lacklustre ending is a real let-down and isn't worth the hardship of trudging through all 22 levels.