Rampage 2: Universal Tour (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 9 minutes read

Summary

Rampage 2: Universal Tour: A Monster Mash of Mayhem and Destruction

Released in 1999, Rampage 2: Universal Tour is the sequel to the classic arcade game Rampage. The game features the same basic gameplay as its predecessor, but with a number of new additions and improvements. Players control one of three giant monsters – George the gorilla, Lizzie the lizard, or Ralph the wolf – and must rampage through a series of cities, destroying buildings, eating people, and fighting off the military.

One of the most significant additions to Rampage 2 is the inclusion of a co-op mode. This allows two players to team up and control two monsters at the same time. This can be a lot of fun, as it allows players to work together to create even more chaos and destruction.

Another new addition to Rampage 2 is the inclusion of a variety of new levels. These levels take place in different parts of the world, and each one has its own unique set of challenges. For example, one level takes place in a dense jungle, while another takes place in a futuristic city.

The graphics in Rampage 2 have also been improved over the original game. The monsters are now more detailed and expressive, and the environments are more colorful and varied. The game also runs smoother than the original, making for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.

Overall, Rampage 2: Universal Tour is a fun and chaotic game that is perfect for fans of the original Rampage. The addition of co-op mode and new levels makes this sequel a worthwhile upgrade over the original game.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Rampage 2 is simple but addictive. Players control one of the three monsters and must rampage through a series of cities, destroying buildings, eating people, and fighting off the military. The monsters can attack with their fists, feet, and tails, and they can also pick up objects to throw at their enemies.

As the monsters destroy buildings and eat people, they will earn points. These points can be used to purchase upgrades for the monsters, such as increased strength, speed, and health. The monsters can also find power-ups that will give them temporary boosts, such as invincibility or increased attack power.

The game ends when all of the monsters are defeated. However, if the players can destroy all of the buildings in a city before they are defeated, they will earn a bonus.

Co-op Mode

One of the best features of Rampage 2 is the inclusion of a co-op mode. This allows two players to team up and control two monsters at the same time. This can be a lot of fun, as it allows players to work together to create even more chaos and destruction.

In co-op mode, the players share a pool of lives. If one of the monsters is defeated, the other monster can revive it by eating a special power-up. The players can also use their monsters to help each other out, such as by throwing them across gaps or protecting them from enemies.

Levels

Rampage 2 features a variety of levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The levels are set in different parts of the world, and each one has its own unique look and feel.

Some of the levels in Rampage 2 include:

  • New York City: The first level of the game takes place in New York City. The level is filled with tall buildings, bridges, and cars.
  • London: The second level of the game takes place in London. The level is filled with red double-decker buses, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
  • Tokyo: The third level of the game takes place in Tokyo. The level is filled with neon lights, skyscrapers, and temples.
  • Area 51: The fourth level of the game takes place in Area 51. The level is filled with military bases, alien spacecraft, and secret laboratories.
  • The Moon: The fifth and final level of the game takes place on the Moon. The level is filled with craters, rocks, and alien bases.

Enemies

The monsters in Rampage 2 will face a variety of enemies, including:

  • Soldiers: The most common enemy in the game is the soldier. Soldiers are armed with guns and grenades, and they will attack the monsters on sight.
  • Tanks: Tanks are powerful enemies that can fire shells at the monsters. Tanks can be destroyed by attacking them with punches or kicks, or by throwing objects at them.
  • Helicopters: Helicopters are another powerful enemy that can fire rockets at the monsters. Helicopters can be destroyed by attacking them with punches or kicks, or by throwing objects at them.
  • Aliens: In the later levels of the game, the monsters will face aliens. Aliens are powerful enemies that can attack the monsters with a variety of weapons. Aliens can be destroyed by attacking them with punches or kicks, or by throwing objects at them.

Bosses

At the end of each level, the monsters will face a boss. Bosses are powerful enemies that require a different strategy to defeat than regular enemies.

Some of the bosses in Rampage 2 include:

  • Scumocide: Scumocide is the boss of the New York City level. Scumocide is a giant mutant rat that can breathe fire and throw toxic waste.
  • Big Ben: Big Ben is the boss of the London level. Big Ben is a giant robot that can fire lasers and missiles.
  • King Kong: King Kong is the boss of the Tokyo level. King Kong is a giant ape that can throw cars and buildings.
  • The Mothership: The Mothership is the boss of the Area 51 level. The Mothership is a giant alien spaceship that can fire lasers and bombs.
  • The Giant Alien: The Giant Alien is the boss of the Moon level. The Giant Alien is a giant alien that can crush the monsters with its fists and feet.

Unlockable Characters

In addition to the three main monsters, there are also three unlockable characters in Rampage 2. These characters are:

  • George: George is the original giant gorilla from the first Rampage game. George is the strongest of the three monsters, and he can attack with his fists, feet, and tail.
  • Lizzie: Lizzie is the original giant lizard from the first Rampage game. Lizzie is the fastest of the three monsters, and she can attack with her claws, teeth, and tail.
  • Ralph: Ralph is the original giant wolf from the first Rampage game. Ralph is the most agile of the three monsters, and he can attack with his claws, teeth, and tail.

To unlock these characters, the players must find and eat a special power-up that is hidden in each level. Once a character has been unlocked, it can be selected at the start of the game.

Legacy

Rampage 2: Universal Tour was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fun and chaotic gameplay, its variety of levels, and its unlockable characters. Rampage 2 has been ported to a number of platforms, including the PlayStation, the Nintendo 64, and the Game Boy Advance.

Rampage 2 is still considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its variety of levels, and its unlockable characters have made it a favorite of gamers for over 20 years.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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