Power Blade 2 (1992-)

• Developer: Natsume

• Publisher: Taito

• Genre: Platform

Power Blade 2 for the NES was developed by Natsume and released in 1992, with Taito serving as its publisher. The game is a side-scrolling action platformer and a direct sequel to Power Blade, continuing the story of the futuristic agent Nova as he battles against new threats to global security. It was released exclusively for the NES and did not see ports to other systems at the time. As a sequel, it builds upon the mechanics of the original game, introducing new level designs, abilities, and enemies while maintaining the core action-platforming experience.

In Power Blade 2, players guide Nova through a series of challenging stages set in futuristic urban environments, military complexes, and other high-tech locales. The game draws inspiration from science fiction films and action heroes, emphasizing fast-paced combat, exploration, and strategic use of Nova’s boomerang weapon. Each level culminates in a boss fight, requiring mastery of movement, timing, and weapon use to overcome increasingly complex challenges. The narrative expands on the first game, presenting a global-scale threat that Nova must neutralize to prevent disaster.

Gameplay in Power Blade 2 retains the core mechanics of the original, with running, jumping, and using the boomerang-like Power Blade to defeat enemies and interact with objects. Players must navigate intricate platforming sequences, avoid traps, and collect upgrades that enhance Nova’s weapon and abilities. The game introduces new enemy types and environmental hazards that require precise timing and strategy to overcome. Exploration is rewarded with hidden items, alternate routes, and bonuses that encourage replayability and careful attention to each stage’s design.

The soundtrack features energetic, futuristic compositions that underscore the action and high-tech setting, while sound effects emphasize attacks, enemy interactions, and stage progression. Power Blade 2 did not receive any further NES sequels, making it the concluding entry for the series on the console. Promotion highlighted the game’s expanded level designs, new abilities, and improved graphics, appealing to fans of the original. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising the refined gameplay, engaging level design, and challenging difficulty, though some noted that the controls and high challenge could be demanding for casual players.

Images from MobyGames