"Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2" was one of those games I first played when I could barely read - shortly after finishing the original. So the comparison between the two came naturally. I replayed the sequel many times, and every run brought back that unshakable habit of mentally measuring it against part one.
Released in 1993, this follow-up continues right where the first game left off. While it doesn't offer much in terms of innovation, it still delivers a solid and enjoyable experience - especially if you have a second controller and a friend ready to take on the role of Dale.
The story stays true to the animated series: the ever-troublesome Fat Cat is up to no good once again, causing mayhem just because he can. Naturally, the Rescue Rangers leap into action without a second thought. Everything is familiar here - boxes fly, enemies get bonked on the head, and you're running, jumping, and collecting all sorts of goodies along the way.
The game preserves the spirit of the original. Like the first installment, there's some light non-linearity in how you progress through levels. This time, though, there's no overworld map - instead, you occasionally get to choose which level to tackle first and which one to save for later. The levels themselves are fun and diverse: from haunted houses and slimy sewers to sliding through freezers and exploring futuristic bases. The bosses are interesting, too - especially the final showdown with a giant robo-cat. But just like in the original, once you figure out each boss's attack patterns, they're pretty manageable.
Gameplay-wise, it's classic platformer goodness. You grab objects, throw them at enemies, dodge traps and baddies, and jump around like crazy. Everything works as it should, and it all feels satisfyingly familiar - the kind of muscle memory that brings soreness to your thumbs and a smile to your face. The level variety keeps things fresh, and some of the bosses can actually get pretty tense - especially if you're playing solo with only a life or two left.
Visually, the graphics were a standout back in the day. Compared to the original, the colors here are a bit more muted, but there's a noticeable sense of depth - the backgrounds feel a little richer, giving the visuals a more "refined" look. Still, I personally preferred the bright, cartoon-like palette of the first game. It felt more like the show. This one's slightly toned down, but not enough to really complain.
In the end, "Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2" is a great game - warm, nostalgic, and worth replaying from time to time. It's the kind of title you fire up for a quick half-hour session, run through a few levels, and instantly get transported back to childhood. A rock-solid classic that still brings joy to retro gamers - especially in co-op. Especially with a hot cup of tea in hand.
8 out of 10.
