Hey everyone, Missile Dancer 2 by the acclaimed developers and publishers, TERARIN GAMES. I’ve taken a very thorough look at it, and I can say that it’s certainly what one can expect from a TERARIN title. The reviews are positive, and there is a common sentiment among them – it captures the old-school arcade feeling exceptionally well.
Absolutely! Exploring the bold, new- yet nostalgically old sprite scaler shmup world offered by TERARIN GAMES was an adventure I truly enjoyed. I loved the part about the ‘exhilarating lock-on system’. This engaging mechanic gives a sense of thrill each time you lock on and fire away your missiles.
And let’s not forget the different difficulty levels, guys! It adds depth to the gameplay – there’s definitely something for all skill levels. And with 16 stages, there’s a lot of room to master and strategize.
Those stages indeed provide a great platform for players like me, aiming for optimized completion times. Both the arcade mode and the Caravan mode have their pros in terms of speedrunning. Mastering the chaining of your missiles can quite drastically improve your game time.
The narrative too, while simple, is engaging. I loved how it slowly unfolded throughout the 16 stages. The settler’s plight to protect a new civilization and their efforts to destroy the rogue AI creates compelling stakes and helps to keep players invested.
On the topic of design, the graphics are simple, yet they effectively conjure a sense of nostalgia. It’s reminiscent of the old After Burner and Galaxy Force games. However, some users have talked about having visibility issues due to the smoke animation from the missiles.
Right, but as with any game, it involves adjusting and adapting to the game mechanics. After some time, navigating through that smoke becomes second nature. The criticism is justified, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
The sound design deserves a mention. The chiptune using FM sound gives this game its unique identity. It’s catchy and only adds to the overall fast-paced gaming experience.
As far as characters go, there’s not much depth or development. This absence isn’t particularly an issue as the focus is heavily on the gameplay mechanics. Difficulty-wise, the various enemies and the ability to dodge roll add a layer of challenge.
Plus, the online ranking and the prospect of earning extends keep me coming back for more. It adds to the game’s replay value. I love how it encourages a competitive yet fun environment.
Missile Dancer 2 truly brings together the best of arcade, rail shooter and caravan STG. Look out for my guide on Missile Dancer 2 speedruns for some handy tips and tricks.
As a final note, Missile Dancer 2 is a nod to the old school, an homage to classic arcade gaming. I would put it on the same list as Space Harrier and After Burner, especially for lovers of the genre.
Agreed, it’s a great game overall. It can improve on the visuals a bit, but the mechanics, sounds, and the nostalgic vibes it gives off are more than enough to compensate. For Arcade/shmup stalwarts, it’s a worthy addition to your collection.
