Pocky & Rocky 2
Pocky & Rocky 2, released in Japan as Kiki Kaikai: Tsukiyo Soushi, is a shoot 'em up video game developed and published by Natsume Co., Ltd. in Japan, published by Natsume Inc. in North America, and published in PAL regions by Ocean Software for the Super NES video game console. It is the sequel to Pocky & Rocky.
Gameplay
The game is played in a top-down view, featuring many elements from classic shoot 'em up games but giving the player free eight-directional movement. Player one controls the main protagonist, Pocky, who attacks by throwing ofuda talismans. Pocky can pick up items to improve her attack power and new clothes to protect herself from damage, as well as throw player 2's character and use magic. Player 2 assumes a supporting role as one of Pocky's friends each possessing a unique attack and unlimited lives. If there is no second player, the supporting character will be CPU-controlled.Pocky can use Player 2's character as a utility in various ways. Using "magic", she can force herself into her partner's mind and control their body for a short time, enabling unique abilities depending on who she possesses. Additionally, she can throw her partner at enemies to attack, doing massive damage to the enemy but temporarily killing the thrown character. This exploitation of player 2 is a departure from the previous game, in which player 1 and player 2 had similar powers and were equally valuable.
Reception
According to Famitsu, Pocky & Rocky 2 sold 4,304 copies during its lifetime in Japan. The game received a 21.6/30 score in a readers' poll conducted by Super Famicom Magazine. It also received generally favorable reviews from critics.Electronic Gaming Monthlys four editors praised the additional characters with unique abilities, the graphics, and the gameplay design, but disliked the fact that the other characters act as mere subordinates to Pocky. GamePros Toxic Tommy commended the additional characters with the new strategy they add, the visuals, particularly minute details such as the animals and items, and the cute design.
VideoGames selected as a runner-up for the Best Adventure Game award. IGN ranked the game 73rd on its "Top 100 SNES Games of All Time."