Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Simulator
- Platforms: Atari 8-bit, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Novagen
- Publishers: Novagen
Mercenary: The Second City (1986)
Mercenary: The Second City is an add-on pack for the 1985 video game Mercenary. It was developed and published by Novagen Software and released in 1986. The game is set in the same universe as the original Mercenary, but it features a new protagonist, a new setting, and new missions.
The player takes control of a mercenary pilot named Karla Wolff. Wolff is hired by a corporation to travel to the planet Second City and rescue a kidnapped scientist. However, when Wolff arrives on Second City, she quickly discovers that the situation is more complicated than she thought. The planet is in the midst of a civil war, and the scientist is being held captive by a ruthless warlord.
Wolff must use her skills as a pilot and a mercenary to fight her way through the war-torn city and rescue the scientist. She will face off against enemy soldiers, tanks, and even helicopters. She will also have to navigate through treacherous terrain and avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Mercenary: The Second City is a challenging and rewarding game. It offers a mix of action, strategy, and exploration. The game’s graphics are impressive for its time, and the gameplay is still enjoyable today.
Gameplay
Mercenary: The Second City is a top-down shooter game. The player controls Karla Wolff as she flies her spaceship through the war-torn city of Second City. Wolff can use her ship’s weapons to destroy enemy targets, and she can also use her ship’s shields to protect herself from enemy fire.
In addition to her ship’s weapons, Wolff can also use a variety of power-ups to help her complete her mission. These power-ups include homing missiles, spread shots, and invulnerability shields.
The game’s missions are varied and challenging. Wolff must rescue hostages, destroy enemy installations, and even escort a convoy of civilians to safety. The game’s difficulty increases as Wolff progresses through the missions, and she will need to use all of her skills to complete her mission.
Graphics and Sound
Mercenary: The Second City’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game’s environments are detailed and varied, and the enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Reception
Mercenary: The Second City was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its excellent soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, and it helped to establish Novagen Software as a leading developer of action games.
Legacy
Mercenary: The Second City is still considered to be one of the best action games of its era. The game’s influence can be seen in many later games, including the Grand Theft Auto series and the Metal Gear Solid series. Mercenary: The Second City is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Tips for Playing Mercenary: The Second City
Here are a few tips for playing Mercenary: The Second City:
- Use your ship’s shields to protect yourself from enemy fire.
- Use the game’s power-ups to your advantage.
- Be careful not to get caught in the crossfire.
- Take your time and plan your moves carefully.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Mercenary: The Second City and become the ultimate mercenary.
Review Score
8/10
