Welcome back to the smashing world of Rampage, where raging beasts reside in a world made entirely of buildings. Buckle up, because Rampage 2: Universal Tour for the PlayStation is here to remind us just how much fun it is to pulverize everything in sight-except your own sanity, hopefully. Released in 1999, Rampage 2 takes everything you loved from the previous iteration and gives it a hearty twist, like when your mom accidentally dusts your TV screen with Crisco oil. Let's dig into this chaotic concoction of monster mayhem!
Rampage 2 hits you with the classic setup: choose your monster-George (Gorilla), Lizzie (Lizard), or Ralph (Wolf)-and prepare to wreak havoc across several cities. Use the left stick to move around, smashing buildings and terrorizing innocent bystanders. You know, the usual stuff! This time, the game has new supporting characters like Boris the Rhinoceros, Curtis the Mouse, and Ruby the Lobster, adding a dash of spice to your destructive rampage. Levels are structured so that you must obliterate all buildings to move on, revealing power-ups like health boosts and special powers-you know, the usual villain perks! Adding layers of depth, every few levels presents you with a mini-game for those moments when you need a break from the delightful destruction and a chance to score some bonus goodies. Think of it as the game's version of a coffee break, but with fewer lattes and more smashing. Cities depicted are filled with famous landmarks, making it feel like a real-world vacation- if your vacation involved a rampaging monster and a whole lot of wreckage. Might as well cancel that trip to Paris! In the PS1 version, watch out for these flashy full-motion video cutscenes, unlike in the Nintendo 64 version. These cutscenes act like the cherry on top of a large, demolished sundae; they certainly add something, but frosting alone doesn't make a cake!
For 1999, Rampage 2's graphics were cutting-edge in the realm of cartoonish mayhem. The characters sport a vivid palette, giving each monster a distinctive flair. Buildings range from the mildly interesting urban sprawl to recognizable landmarks; who doesn't want to smash Big Ben? The graphics might not scream 'next-gen,' but they don't make you want to gouge out your eyes either. Everything's colorful and animated, perfect for capturing the attention of the easily entertained-think of it as an internet meme in video game form.
At the end of the day, Rampage 2: Universal Tour is good for a few laughs and a hefty dose of nostalgia. It captures that wild spirit of chaos while offering new playable monsters and levels. However, its repetitiveness and some, let's say, lackluster reviews might just keep it from being a memorable play in your collection-unless, of course, your idea of good times includes trashing cities with your buddies while shouting unintelligible animal noises. While it won't replace a next-gen title, you'll find some joy in the simple pleasures of a video game that invites you to destroy without consequences. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but don't forget- the real fun is remembering it's just a game, not a masterclass in urban development! If you're in it for chaos, Rampage 2 has your back-just don't expect deep narrative threads or intricate gameplay mechanics! Grab your friends, pick your beasts, and get ready to lay waste in a world where larger-than-life monsters rule... and let's just hope your mom isn't watching!