Whether you’re playing alone or not, Pocky will always be accompanied by a second character that you can select before a stage begins. The introduction of a tutorial stage seems bizarre for a game that’s historically been about moving and shooting, but it makes sense due to the game’s new take on co-op. These levels don’t allow for co-op at all and Gordon’s stage is particularly obnoxious due to movement controls that have you awkwardly moving Gordon left and right while also moving Pocky up and down, but they do provide variety nonetheless. Two of the stages are dedicated to shoot-em-up sections in which you ride upon Mad Dog and Gordon the dragon. Though there are nine stages this time, a notable increase from the previous game’s six, one of them is entirely dedicated to a training stage that can be skipped if desired. Some examples of this include Pocky’s ofuda being altered to look like playing cards, Japanese text being removed from doors and signs, and this game’s Raijin equivalent being renamed to “Volta”. The localization for this game is unfortunately spottier compared to the previous one, containing awkward dialogue and several instances of Japanese text and folklore references being overtly removed or renamed. Impy is based on the Oni youkai (and is even called “Oni” in the Japanese version) and there are several instances of newly introduced youkai, such as the Yuki-onna (or “Snow Woman”) and direct references to Japanese folklore, including an appearance from the hero Momotaro (localized as “Captain Peach”) and his animal friends. Rabbits being from the moon are a well-known instance of Japanese folklore that ties into Tsukimi and serves as a major component of its existence. The harvest festival depicted here is directly based on the Japanese tradition of Tsukimiin which people hold parties to celebrate the harvest moon. Pocky& Rocky 2 more overtly steeps itself in Japanese folklore and traditions compared to its predecessor. Impy’s master seeks to take Princess Luna’s hand in marriage, so it’s up to Pocky and the team to put a stop to their plans. However, the festivities are cut short by a group led by Impy, a mysterious figure who has been sent to kidnap Princess Luna. It’s time for the harvest festival and Princess Luna has descended from the moon with her rabbit friends in tow to join the party. Depending on how you play the game, Rocky may barely even show up at all!
As a co-op experience, it’s a lesser choice compared to its predecessor in every way thanks to design choices that (literally) throw player two aside in exchange for enriching player one’s experience. As a single player game, it’s the strongest entry yet, providing Pocky with more tools than ever before alongside a gorgeous soundtrack heavy with authentic Japanese instrumentation and a visual feast for the eyes befitting of a 1994 SNES game. But once you get your hands on it, you’ll quickly realize it’s quite a different experience.
#Pocky and rocky 2 sfc series
At a glance, Pocky & Rocky 2 is exactly what you’d expect from a sequel – it has more stages, more characters, more mechanics, and an entirely new story while retaining the same core gameplay that has made the series a success up to this point.
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