Overall – 80%
80%
Windjammers 2 is a worthy successor to the disc flying action of the Neo-Geo classic. While it is a bit light on modes, its core action has enough variety to be the next big competitive hit.
After making waves in the Clinton days, the disc flying action of Windjammers is back for a new generation with the release of Dotemu’s Windjammers 2. Is the dream of the ‘90s still alive, or is this title a bit behind the times?
Windjammers 2 Review
With roots dating back to the big red Neo-Geo cabinets found in 7-11s and pizza parlors, the Windjammers series is a one-on-one versus title with an interesting hook. Players must get a frisbee across the opponents’ front lines to score some points. The first to 15 points wins a set, and the best of two of three sets wins the match.
Sounds like Pong or Tennis, right? However, there is so much more to it than that. Gameplay almost plays out like a fighting game – each character varies based on speed and power, and each packs a Power Toss that is tied to a Power Gauge. That’s not to mention the different shots that players have at their disposal – lob shots, curve shots, reversals, and custom shots keep players constantly on their toes.
Windjammers 2 takes this formula and runs with it. The roster has been updated from six characters to 10, with the newcomers naturally fitting in with the rest of the cast. The types of courses have greatly expanded as well – the beach and grass courses are joined by ones like the casino and junkyard. Each one has an interesting gimmick as well, varying up how points are dished out – an absolute godsend when it comes to a competitive title like this one.
Of course, all of this would be for nothing if the core gameplay wasn’t there. The team at Dotemu was fully aware of this when designing Windjammers 2, and the core gameplay is still alive and well in this entry. Purists of the Data East classic need not worry – this 2022 title maintains the overall feel of the original while expanding the formula. Even subtleties like adjusting for a widescreen resolution as opposed to a 4:3 help this entry truly shine.
It’s just a shame that there’s little to this package. An Arcade Mode serves as the bread and butter of the title, having players take on a number of different opponents and take on minigames both old and new. Players are given a set amount of credits, but can earn more by earning a set amount of points. While it manages to get the formula down pat, it can also be completed fairly quickly.
There’s also a versus mode for couch play, along with an online mode for those who want to take on the world. While we were unable to try out this mode during the review period, we do appreciate how it includes crossplay functionality, online input delay, and the ability to display one’s ping.
Windjammers 2 is a worthy successor to the disc flying action of the Neo-Geo classic. While it is a bit light on modes, its core action has enough variety to be the next big competitive hit.
This review of Windjammers 2 was done on the PC. A digital code was provided by the publisher.
After making waves in the Clinton days, the disc flying action of Windjammers is back for a new generation with the release of Dotemu’s Windjammers 2. Is the dream of the ‘90s still alive, or is this title a bit behind the times?
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