Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rampage 2: Universal Tour picks up exactly where its predecessors left off, offering a straightforward yet endlessly entertaining arcade experience. You take control of gigantic monsters, each with their own unique abilities, and smash your way through cityscapes in a bid for total destruction. The core loop remains simple: climb buildings, throw cars, and brawl with the military forces that stand in your path. It’s easy to grasp for newcomers, yet offers enough depth to keep veterans engaged.

One of the biggest improvements in Universal Tour is the expanded roster. In addition to the classic trio of George, Lizzie, and Ralph, you now have four new monsters to unleash: Boris the behemoth, Ruby the reptile, Vex the winged terror, and B.D. the brawler. Each character has distinct strengths and weaknesses, encouraging experimentation as you discover new attacks and combos. By chaining stomps, tail whips, and special moves, you can fill your power meter and unleash devastating cinematic finishers on entire city blocks.

Cooperative play also receives a significant bump, supporting up to three players locally. Teamwork amplifies the chaos: players can team up to take down fortified structures or engage in lighthearted tussles to steal each other’s power-ups. Bonus rounds and minigames break up the straightforward rampage loop, providing moments of strategic timing—such as catching falling civilians for extra points or disarming giant robots before they unleash havoc.

Graphics

Although Rampage 2 sticks to its 2D roots, the visual overhaul is immediately noticeable. The character sprites have been completely re-rendered, sporting smoother animations and vibrant color palettes that pop on modern displays. Each monster moves with surprising fluidity, from George’s lumbering steps to Ruby’s agile tail flicks.

Backgrounds are richly detailed, depicting a variety of global cities—from neon-drenched Tokyo streets to snow-covered Moscow squares. Buildings respond to your attacks in realistic ways, crumbling piece by piece and collapsing under your weight. The destruction physics, while still rooted in classic arcade simplicity, feel weightier and more satisfying than ever.

Special effects, such as shimmering power meter flares and explosion animations, add a cinematic flair to the carnage. Explosions send debris flying across the screen, while impactful sound cues—like shattering glass and roaring military vehicles—complement the visuals, creating a sensory feast that honors the spirit of the franchise.

Story

Rampage 2: Universal Tour doesn’t attempt to become a narrative juggernaut, and that’s perfectly fine. The premise is delightfully straightforward: four mutated monsters embark on a world tour of destruction, aided (or hindered) by a shadowy corporation seeking to harness their powers. It’s the kind of tongue-in-cheek setup that serves as a fun backdrop without getting in the way of the main event—crushing cities.

Between levels, short cutscenes and tongue-in-cheek captions flesh out the motivations of your hulking protagonists. George is back for vengeance, Lizzie seeks liberation for her kind, and the newcomers each have their own quirky backstories. While the narrative depth is minimal, it succeeds in giving each monster personality and purpose, making your rampages feel like part of a larger (albeit ridiculous) global plot.

The “Universal Tour” aspect introduces regional flair, with brief text blurbs that hint at local legends and military countermeasures you’ll face. These little touches add charm and context, whether you’re toppling the Eiffel Tower or sending snow plows flying through the Alps. It’s lighthearted storytelling that complements the gameplay rather than overshadowing it.

Overall Experience

Rampage 2: Universal Tour is a love letter to arcade destruction, striking a fine balance between retro simplicity and modern polish. It retains the addictive “just one more city” appeal of the original while layering in fresh features—new characters, combo systems, and cooperative mayhem—that keep the brawls feeling dynamic and engaging.

For fans of classic arcade action, this sequel delivers exactly what you want: total environmental mayhem, satisfying physics-based takedowns, and easy-to-learn controls that make it accessible to players of all skill levels. The addition of three-player co-op and bonus rounds provides strong replay value, encouraging you to master each character’s moves and discover high-scoring strategies.

While the story remains light and the core loop never radically changes, Rampage 2: Universal Tour shines as a straightforward party game or quick arcade fix. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the franchise for the first time, you’ll find a gleefully destructive experience that stands the test of time—and then some. It’s a universal tour of chaos that any monster-smasher should not miss.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10