The first level is a practice stage to teach you the game’s mechanics (which is worth it in my opinion) and can also be skipped. The boss fights are long since the bastards are basically bullet sponges so these attacks are crucial to shortening these drawn out affairs.Īt nine levels it would seem the game is longer but in actuality it is about the same length as the first game as the levels are shorter overall. These attacks can be devastating, especially if you can catch them in a corner. When used on bosses it becomes a Panic Bomber attack with different effects depending on the character. If you miss you’ll have to wait about 10-15 seconds for them to come back. In the absence of a smart bomb Pocky can toss her partner at enemies. By using magic Pocky will inhabit their bodies and use their powers Rocky can find hidden items, little ninja can open locked chests without a key, and Bomber Bob can chuck boulders to open secret passages. You can completely abuse the hell out of this to survive hairy situations, especially boss fights although the time they are gone in those situations can be pretty dire. They’re also technically invincible they can take a few hits before “dying” but will come back after a brief period. Each has their own specialty and you’ll have the option of changing multiple times during each level for the maximum benefit.įor the most part your partner will follow your movements and also attack enemies in the vicinity but their real worth comes in their abilities. The initial trio will eventually be joined by four more characters who will join you in each level such as Tengy, Scarecrow, Digger, and Ottobot.

Rocky returns and is unchanged and is joined by Bomber Bob, whose name is self-explanatory, and Little ninja.

The game is still two-player coop however in single player you will always have a partner character with you at all times who can be switched out at the start of each level or by collecting an item. Lastly the two divergent paths your Hanafuda cards could take has been simplified but for the better, with the cards at first gaining rapid fire and then doubling in size and strength. It’s a change that means you’ll have to focus on using your wand to deflect attacks more frequently as well as always be on the move, especially since you can no longer slide. At the most basic level you can sustain two hits before death but can purchase armor to absorb three blows and bunny ears (!) for one extra. There is no longer a life bar and instead damage is based on how much armor you have. Pocky sets out with a new set of allies in tow to rescue the princess and defeat this mysterious new threat.įeaturing the same top down action as the first title Pocky and Rocky 2 features a few sterling changes that will alter your approach to the game. Unfortunately a group of demons use this as an opportunity to kidnap her. The harvest festival is held every year, with this year in particular being special as Princess Luna has come down from the Moon to join in the festivities. But apparently it sold well enough to warrant a sequel that brings more of the same action but also incorporates a number of features to make it an even better experience. Pocky and Rocky was one such title, an enjoyable top down shooter and awesome sequel to a bad arcade game.

It isn’t as easy for most games to fly under the radar these days due to social media but back in the 80s and 90s we still relied on magazines for coverage and they only had so much space, meaning many lost classics never received the exposure they deserved. One of the greatest joys of being a gamer is coming across a hidden gem every now and then that is an absolute blast to play.

Pocky and rocky 2 snes label