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Review of Air Ranger 2 Plus: Rescue Helicopter on PS2

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jan 2004
Cover image of Air Ranger 2 Plus: Rescue Helicopter on PS2
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PS2 PS2 logo
Released: 01 Jan 2004
Genre: Simulation
Developer: Taito Corporation
Publisher: Taito Corporation

Introduction

Ever wanted to pilot a helicopter like a wannabe superhero, swooping in to save the day while simultaneously wondering why you didn't choose a career with less paperwork? Enter 'Air Ranger 2 Plus: Rescue Helicopter' on the PS2, a title that promises both chills and thrills, but let's be honest... it's mostly just thrills. Join me as we explore this aerial adventure and hope we don't crash and burn-preferably not literally.

Gameplay

In 'Air Ranger 2 Plus', you're an aerial badass, literally hovering above all the action below. Remember, 'hovering' is key because this game isn't just some 'zoom around and blow stuff up' shoot-em-up. Nope, you'll be rescuing people from unfortunate scenarios like being stuck on top of houses in a flood or hanging onto a cliff for dear life. Valiant stuff! As the pilot of your trusty helicopter, players will engage in various missions that range from rescuing citizens to retrieving lost items. Trust me, if you've ever done a scavenger hunt with a group of friends, you'll feel right at home here-only with less arguing and no one getting their shoes muddy! Missions typically come with some side quests that'll make you feel like you're working harder than a barista on a Monday rush. Bonus objectives add to the replay value, and failing them makes you feel like you're less of a hero and more of a regular guy just trying to find his way around-sort of like how I navigate through IKEA. One of the game's quirks is that you have a limited amount of fuel. This adds an extra layer of tension where you might feel like you're on a road trip with your friends and one of them forgetting where they parked. The fuel meter is forever a concern. You also get to upgrade your helicopter because who doesn't want it to be as stylish as their wardrobe? Imagine landing in a rescue mission in your helicopter with the sleek vibes of a sports car. Swish! If only real life had that level of pizzazz! Completing missions earns you cash for upgrades like extra armor or increased fuel efficiency, which is basically helicopter glee. Oh, and the controls are fairly intuitive (read: you won't be pulling your hair out trying to figure out what does what). If you can play a racing game on PS2, you can definitely figure out how to rescue some poor soul clinging to a branch; just be careful not to crush them in your chopper's grips because that's generally frowned upon in rescue operations.

Graphics

Now let's tackle the visuals for a hot minute. The game's graphics hold up surprisingly well for a PS2 title, boasting colorful environments and detailed helicopter models. However, flying low will have you seeing some odd-looking textures that might leave your eyes feeling a tad confused, like trying to watch a horror movie after six cups of coffee. The animations are silky smooth-unless you're saving someone, at which point they might look more like they were animated by a toddler having a sugar rush. But what can you expect when you're dealing with life-and-death scenarios? A little dramatic flair adds character, right? Some areas are beautifully rendered-the beautifully blue waters, the mountainous backdrops, and of course, the randomly generated citizens panicking below. However, you might feel like you're trapped in a 2000s cartoon during some scenes. But hey, nostalgia points! It's like they took the best parts of the early 2000s cartoons and threw them into a blender with 'helicopter rescue missions.'

Conclusion

'Air Ranger 2 Plus: Rescue Helicopter' won't win a Pulitzer or likely be the game that makes you rethink your life choices. However, it will deliver some good, old-fashioned fun and a few chuckles as you awkwardly navigate your helicopter. It's a little gem for simulation enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. And hey, who wouldn't want to be a helicopter hero? It's not a perfect game by any means, but it has enough charm to keep you entertained while you save the world-one jumpy civilian at a time. In the end, I'd hop into this chopper for a quick run-but don't expect to be lifting off into the sunset or anything. Enjoy your flight!

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