Gremlins 2: The New Batch
System: NES
Release Date: October 1990
Developer: Sunsoft
Publisher: Sunsoft
Genre: Action
Stop the bad Gremlins from causing too much trouble in Gremlins 2: The New Batch! After being cooped up in the Clamp Genetics Lab for far too long, Gizmo is discovered by Billy. Happily reunited, Gizmo is hidden in Billy’s desk while he’s called away, but that curious little Mogwai doesn’t stay put for long… Now Gizmo has to platform his way through five stages with your help.
We get a top down view like we’ve seen in Blaster Master and Fester’s Quest before. Gizmo has the ability to jump with the A Button, which is new. On each stage, Gizmo has a different weapon that he attacks with the B Button. He begins with tomatoes, then upgrades to matches, paperclips, bow and arrow, and a fiery bow and arrow. When killing enemies, they will drop crystal balls that you need to collect to purchase useful upgrades from Mr. Wing’s shop. Hey, I thought he was dead…
Gizmo has his health measured by hearts at the top of the screen. Each hit takes half a heart and enemies do not drop health pickups. The only way you can replenish health is by purchasing a life recovery item or heart from Mr. Wing. You can also purchase a power pak, which increases the ability of your weapon. You can also buy a balloon that saves you if you fall down a pit, or an extra life. You aren’t granted any extra lives to begin with, so if you die, you have to continue from the beginning of the stage. Any powerups you’ve gained until that point are lost.
The main challenge comes from platforming. There are plenty of obstacles that Gizmo must jump over or avoid. Spikes, moving platforms, electric squares, morning star skip-its, and so much more. Jumping pits from moving platforms gets real old, real quick. Enemy Gremlins exist, too, but are usually pretty simple, if you can get a good angle on them. Are those killer tomatoes? Good luck shooting diagonally while standing still… Enemies will rarely drop an item other than a crystal ball. The pogo stick gives you limited time invincibility. The Flash Bulb destroys all enemies on screen. The stop watch freezes all enemies for a moment.
At the end of the stage is a boss. These bosses aren’t very sophisticated and require you to dodge them while pumping them full of your current weapon. The final Gremlin has massive spider legs and will probably make you wet your pants if you’re scared of spiders.
Graphics: 2.5
The cutscenes look really good, and the levels are fine, but there is some telltale flickering.
Sound: 3.0
The music is all pretty good. Certainly sophisticated as I expect from Sunsoft.
Gameplay: 3.0
Gizmo controls decently, but I had a ton of trouble facing diagonal if not moving.
Difficulty: 3.0
Unlimited continues, a password after each stage, and only a few levels. You’ll be able to get through it easily.
Fun Factor: 3.0
Easy to beat in less than an hour means it didn’t outstay its welcome. I liked it enough, for sure.
Overall Rating: 2.9
Gremlins 2: The New Batch earns a B. This is a good game that should bring plenty of enjoyment for players young and old.