Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Predator 2 delivers classic side-scrolling action that puts you directly in the boots of Lt. Mike Harrigan. Rather than the isometric view of its 16-bit counterpart, this version opts for a straightforward left-to-right progression across seven varied levels. From the moment you grab the controller, you have full eight-directional aiming for fired shots, though movement and firing at rest is limited to the four cardinal directions. This design choice keeps the action simple and responsive, ideal for quick dodges when the Predator’s three-dotted laser sight appears.

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Each level tasks you with neutralizing drug dealers and rescuing a set quota of hostages before you can face a level boss. Enemies drop illicit drug packages on defeat, which you can collect for bonus points—an extra incentive beyond mere survival. The hostage-rescue mechanic adds urgency: fail to save your quota, and you can’t progress, pushing players to balance aggressive pushes with careful crowd management. At the end of every stage, a formidable boss awaits, each requiring pattern recognition and strategic use of your arsenal.

Your weapon roster expands quickly: starting with a basic pistol, you’ll pick up grenades, shotguns, machine guns, rifles, body armor, and med kits. Grenades are perfect for crowd control in tight corridors, while shotguns shine in close quarters where a single wrong move can mean quick defeat. Armor pickups bolster your staying power, and health packs extend your run. The balance between conserving ammunition and grabbing the next power-up keeps the gameplay loop satisfying and tense throughout all seven stages.

Graphics

On the visual front, Predator 2 captures the gritty urban atmosphere of 1990s Los Angeles with detailed sprites and moody backgrounds. The color palette leans heavily on dark grays, neon blues, and blood-red accents, creating a perpetual twilight feel that suits the Predator’s stealthy incursions. Level backgrounds—from derelict alleyways to industrial rooftops—are distinct enough to give each stage its own identity while maintaining cohesion with the franchise’s aesthetic.

Character animations are punchy and well-defined; Mike’s walk cycle, reload animations, and hurt flinches all convey a tangible weight. Enemies have just enough variety in their movement patterns—from erratic drug dealers to the heavier armored foes—to keep encounters visually interesting. The Predator himself is a standout: his cloaking effect flickers convincingly against the neon glow, and the three bright laser dots are immediately recognizable, signaling imminent danger.

Special effects, while modest by modern standards, do the job admirably. Explosions from grenades bloom with a satisfying flash, shot impacts send up little puffs of smoke, and weapon muzzle flashes are sharp and pronounced. The HUD is unobtrusive, displaying ammo, health, and hostage count clearly without encroaching on the action. Overall, the graphics hold up as a polished example of early ’90s side-scrollers, offering enough detail to immerse without cluttering the screen.

Story

Predator 2 loosely adapts its cinematic source material, dropping players into the role of Lt. Mike Harrigan in a city overrun by drug cartels. While the game doesn’t replicate every plot beat from the film, it nails the core premise: the Predator arrives to hunt, and Harrigan must thwart both criminals and the alien menace. Brief interstitial screens set up each stage’s context—smuggling rings, hostage crises, and high-stakes showdowns—but the narrative unfolds mostly through in-game action rather than cutscenes.

The simplicity of the story is a double-edged sword: on one hand, it keeps the focus squarely on gameplay, ensuring a fast pace with minimal downtime. On the other, players hoping for a deep narrative experience may find the plot thin. Still, the game’s atmosphere—reinforced by background graffiti, enemy taunts, and sound bites from Harrigan—makes you feel embedded in a city on the brink. There’s a satisfying sense of progression as you move from the slums to the final climactic battle, even if the dialogue is sparing.

Fans of the film will appreciate small nods to the franchise: the Predator’s signature invisibility, its iconic wrist blades (hinted at through animations), and the escalating tension as you approach each boss fight. Although the storyline serves primarily as a backdrop, it provides just enough motivation to keep your finger on the fire button. By the time you reach the final level, the stakes feel appropriately high, and you’re fully invested in seeing Harrigan survive the hunt.

Overall Experience

Predator 2 stands out as a solid addition to the roster of licensed side-scrollers from the early ’90s. Its tight controls, varied weapon pickups, and the constant threat of the Predator’s laser sight create a gameplay loop that’s both accessible to newcomers and sufficiently challenging for veterans of the genre. The level design encourages strategic play—rushing in blind can cost hostages or a quick death—while the boss encounters test your ability to read patterns and manage resources under pressure.

The audiovisual presentation amplifies the tension without overwhelming the core action. Dark, detailed backgrounds and fluid character animations immerse you in a neon-tinted underworld, and the occasional predator growl or weapon blast keeps you on edge. While the story is lean, it doesn’t get in the way; it simply provides a clear mission structure across seven escalating stages. If you’re looking for a riff on the film that prioritizes gameplay over cutscene drama, Predator 2 hits the mark.

Whether you’re a die-hard Predator fan, a retro enthusiast, or a player seeking a challenging run-and-gun experience, Predator 2 delivers a memorable ride. Its mix of hostage rescues, drug-dealers-turned-fodder, and looming alien threat offers enough variety to stay fresh across multiple runs. Any minor shortcomings in narrative depth or graphical polish are easily forgiven thanks to the game’s tight mechanics and memorable atmosphere. All told, Predator 2 is a worthy title for collectors and action-game aficionados alike.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10