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Review of Pandemonium 2 on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Oct 1997
Cover image of Pandemonium 2 on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 23 Oct 1997
Genre: Platform
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Midway Games / BMG Interactive / Ubi Soft

Introduction

Ah, **Pandemonium 2**. A game that dares to ask what would happen if a court jester and a sassy sorceress teamed up for a whirlwind adventure fueled by copious amounts of magic and questionable life choices. It's like if a circus and a university had an awkward baby but that baby turned out to be astonishingly colorful and surprisingly fun, and thankfully this time, nobody's using a clown horn.

Gameplay

Buckle up, buttercups, because the gameplay of *Pandemonium 2* invites you to step into the shoes of Nikki and Fargus-two characters as different as day and night, or perhaps more like day and a really enthusiastic hangover. With its distinct 2.5D perspective, the game blends classic platforming with slick character abilities. Each character has their own unique powers. For example, our enchanting sorceress Nikki can unleash delightful fireballs upon her enemies, whereas Fargus, who's essentially a hot-mess of a court jester, can achieve invincibility but at the cost of being a glorified pinball machine-constantly moving forward while dodging obstacles like a toddler in a candy store. The levels range from vibrant forests to neon-colored hellscapes-seriously, if Dr. Seuss met Salvador Dalí, they would probably agree on this as a shared art project. As players run, jump, and climb to absurd heights, they collect treasures, gain extra lives, and navigate their way through four distinctive bosses who make every family reunion look mundane in comparison. Don't forget the bonus levels, *Boarder Run*, where anyone who fears being chased experiences all those delightful childhood nightmares when that unexpected vortex comes to ruin your day. But hey, living on the edge means extra life... or an inevitable game over screen, whichever comes first.

Graphics

Suffice it to say, the graphics may not break new ground but rather dance awkwardly around it like that friend at a party who has their own definition of rhythm. The vibrancy of the colors is commendable, given the late '90s had a lot less sheen compared to modern games, yet *Pandemonium 2* still manages to feel like candy for your retina. Object animations are fluid, despite the characters themselves sometimes stumbling into platforming pitfalls that could inspire *America's Funniest Home Videos*. In short, it has all the quirky art style you crave while avoiding looking like something you'd find in the back of your grandmother's closet.

Conclusion

*Pandemonium 2* is an adventurous platformer that finds its footing somewhere between nostalgia and absurdity. With characters who have questionable mental health, diverse levels that challenge even the most skilled players, and graphics that shine with '90s charm, it's hard not to smile while playing. However, the gameplay can feel repetitive at times, especially for those who aren't fans of good ol' platformers. This game may not dethrone classic franchises in the grand hierarchy of gaming, nor could it charm every cat in the vicinity, but it undoubtedly remains a guilty pleasure. It's like that one cheesy rom-com movie you keep watching every year, even though you swore you'd never do it again. So if you're ready to laugh, cry, and possibly yell at your screen, then hop on this wild circus ride. After all, there's no better time to embrace your inner jester than right now.

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