Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fire & Forget II builds on the high-octane action of its predecessor by placing you behind the wheel of a weaponized car that can transform into a hovercraft. Each of the five levels tasks you with racing through a heavily armed death convoy, blasting enemy vehicles and dodging incoming fire as you advance toward the final boss. The fusion of driving mechanics with arcade-style shooting creates a relentless pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Controls are straightforward but demand precision. Steering and throttle responses feel tight, while the button layout for firing rockets, deploying mines, and activating the car’s flight mode is intuitive. Mastering the delicate balance between driving on the ground and gliding above obstacles adds a layer of strategy—ground mode offers stability and traction, whereas flight mode allows you to bypass roadblocks and target airborne adversaries.

The level design offers a mix of horizontal roads, winding canyons, and elevated platforms. Each environment introduces new threats—from missile turrets to kamikaze drones—that require quick reflexes and smart weapon usage. Occasional power-ups like shield boosters and ammo refills spice up the combat, rewarding players who explore side routes or destroy hidden crates. While the core loop remains consistent across the five stages, difficulty ramps up gradually, ensuring both newcomers and series veterans find an appropriate challenge.

Graphics

Visually, Fire & Forget II captures the look of early ’90s arcade racers, with bright colors and chunky, well-animated sprites. The futuristic setting is conveyed through neon-colored skies, metallic roadways, and towering enemy vehicles bristling with turrets and rocket launchers. Though not as polished as today’s 3D titles, the game’s hand-drawn backgrounds and parallax scrolling layers create a convincing sense of speed.

Enemy designs are varied—ranging from agile hover-bikes to lumbering armored trucks—and each unit type has distinct attack patterns you can learn and exploit. Explosions and weapon effects pop on screen with satisfying visuals, and the transformation animation between car and flight mode is smooth without interrupting the flow of action. Minor frame drops surface when multiple missiles or debris fill the screen, but they rarely disrupt the intensity of combat.

Overall, the graphical presentation leans into its arcade roots, foregoing realism for bold, exaggerated imagery. If you appreciate retro aesthetics or enjoy pixel-based art, Fire & Forget II delivers a colorful, energetic world that complements its breakneck gameplay. Modern players may notice its dated textures, but the vibrant palette and clear visual cues ensure every explosion and enemy silhouette stands out.

Story

Storytelling in Fire & Forget II is succinct and functional, serving primarily as motivation for the action-packed levels ahead. You assume the role of an elite pilot tasked with disrupting a terrorist convoy en route to devastating a city. The narrative unfolds through brief mission briefings and simple cut scenes between stages, emphasizing the urgency of stopping the rogue leader before it’s too late.

While the plot lacks deep character development or branching dialogue, it effectively sets the stakes: a ticking clock to save countless lives. The “blow your way to the front” premise is classic arcade fare, and though you won’t find intricate lore or multiple endings, the straightforward objective keeps the momentum high. Each stage concludes with a boss encounter that ties into the narrative—downsized terrorist lieutenants guarding key roadblocks—providing a sense of progression.

For players seeking an epic storyline with twists and complex arcs, Fire & Forget II may feel lightweight. However, its simplicity is also its strength: there’s no filler or side quests—just fast-paced combat and a clear goal. The game’s setting—a dystopian future with armed convoys and high-tech vehicles—injects enough atmosphere to keep the scenario engaging without overcomplicating the experience.

Overall Experience

Fire & Forget II excels as a pick-up-and-play arcade racer with a shooter’s firepower. Its blend of responsive driving mechanics, crisp controls, and relentless enemy waves delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish. Whether you’re weaving through oncoming traffic or soaring over obstacles, the game consistently challenges your reflexes and strategic thinking.

Replay value stems from refining your route through each level, optimizing power-up collection, and striving for faster completion times. While there’s no online leaderboard, internal high-score tracking encourages repeat runs and friendly competition. The five-stage structure is compact enough to master in an afternoon, yet diverse enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.

Ultimately, Fire & Forget II is a solid choice for fans of retro action-drivers and anyone craving a dose of arcade nostalgia. It may not reinvent the genre, but its polished controls, engaging combat, and vibrant visuals make it a memorable entry in the Fire and Forget series. If you enjoy high-speed chases, vehicular mayhem, and a touch of sci-fi flair, this game is definitely worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10