Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

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.

See Prices for Pandemonium 2 on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Pandemonium 2 on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Forza Horizon 5 Takes a Pit Stop on PS5'
Tanya Krane - 31 Jan 2025
In a move that's left gamers doing double-takes and Xbox loyalists clutching their controllers a little tighter, <strong>Forza Hor...
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...