Windjammers 2 Reviews
Windjammers 2 is an almost perfect revival of a classic 90s franchise. The sequel strikes an immaculate balance between new and old ideas, and presents the classic sports gameplay so vibrantly that it's hard not to be captivated by it all. There could, admittedly, be more meat on its bones – but it's online, with the gameplay's high skill ceiling, where the longevity will be found. We still want to spend a little more time testing this component, but our early impressions of the rollback netcode are positive to say the least.
Windjammers 2 is a pretty simple game, but it’s also a fun one. Once you climb that short, steep learning curve, every match is a blast. Even when you’re getting creamed, it’s something of a teachable moment. Plus, there’s also some new technique or strategy you can employ next round. Everything looks and sounds extremely 90’s, while the characters themselves all use distinct play styles. This was a huge boon for me, as I could just switch players whenever I hit a wall. Even if the game is quite straightforward, the well-rounded multiplayer will ensure you’re never actually bored. If you’re looking for an extreme, vibrant, 90’s style sports game, you’ve come to the right place. Windjammers 2 is a neon-drenched, disc-flinging good time.
Windjammers 2 is a fast and fun arcade style game that fans of the original and competitive vs games will enjoy. But the game is very light on single player content, so unless you want to play against others online or with friends, you probably won't get much out of the light arcade mode.
The game is excellent in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and music. Unfortunately, there isn't much variety anywhere else to warrant a higher score. This game knows that it's essentially here for versus matches and as such, will only be engaging for players who are going to play against each other locally or online
Windjammers 2, the sequel to the cult classic Neo Geo game, delivers the same joyous arcade-sports thrills as its predecessor, but adds new moves and smooth online play to the action-packed, strategic mix.
Windjammers 2 is empirical proof that a game doesn't have to be lavish and complicated to bring hundreds of hours of fun. An arcade experience with all the lyrics that perhaps relies a lot on its previous version and does not dare to innovate too much or add much, but that in any way more than fulfills the objective of having us trapped at the controls and being perfectly happy throwing an album from one side to the other.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Windjammers 2 is a worthy sequel to one of the hidden gems of '90s arcades. DotEmu has created a top-tier competitive game that may be one of the most exciting events of EVO.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Windjammers 2 is one of those proverbial cases of "history in the making": an instant classic that collects the heavy and prestigious legacy of the predecessor, even managing to relaunch on the gameplay side - that is, a topic on which the masterpiece based on NEOGEO hardware has had for decades to teach, as an authentic interactive game design manual that it is.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ultimately, Windjammers 2 is an ultra-refined version of the original disc-throwing experience, but without any kind of unlockables, progression, or non-competitive reason to return to the game, it may not provide enough for anyone who isn't already a hardcore series fan.
Overall, Windjammers 2 is a massive success that fans of the franchise will surely enjoy and those new to the game will quickly understand why the fans of the original game love it. The lack of game modes with meaningfully different gameplay is unquestionably disappointing. Yet, the core gameplay is just so good and enjoyable that hours will pass in the blink of an eye.
With Windjammers 2, Dotemu has taken the fiendishly addictive core formula of the Neo Geo classic and improved upon it in every way. The core gameplay here remains as immediately endearing as ever whilst being enhanced and given a real strategic kick by a bevvy of new moves and skills that add to the fun without detracting from or overcomplicating proceedings. Yes, there's not much in the way of modes, and we've yet to see how online fares here, but this is another banger from Dotemu, an all-time classic improved upon, an arcade classic refined for a new generation.
If you enjoyed the original game, then you’re going to like what DotEmu delivers in the Windjammers 2. While I’m not a fan of taming the power-ups, I am a fan of competitive disc games that remind me how cool TRON was back in the 80s. Windjammers 2 is an easy-to-pick-up arcade experience that has far more positives than negatives.
Windjammers 2 is a great update to a nostalgic arcade wonder that many will welcome with open arms, just like they would a frisbee. Definitely take this one for a spin if you love air hockey-style games but crave that bit of extra button mashing. The characters, arenas, and soundtrack all hit the mark brilliantly. It’s not an easy game to master, allowing dedicated fans to hone their skills and improve. There’s a missed opportunity for better tutorialisation and a lack of a structured tournament/career mode is disappointing, though the game overall still feels like a nostalgic romp.
A cracking sequel to a cult arcade classic, Windjammers 2 ups the ante with sharp hand-drawn visuals and more than a modicum of pure arcade panache. The idea of Pong (with frisbees, mind you) turned up to 11 has never been so appealing.
Windjammers 2 brings back the best parts of the original arcade retro title in modern ways. The pixel art is fantastic with great animations. An addicting playstyle that just makes you want to get better and better.
Windjammers 2 is the jeep full of beach-bound hardbodies to my chubby, brooding, long-sleeved wallflower. Its mechanics, while taught in the most obtuse and uninteractive way possible, are more robust than they initially appear. It doesn't last, but it's fun while it does.
Windjammers 2 is available on just about every major console and PC.
If you have not played the first Windjammers game and are interested in the franchise, with all of the new additions to Windjammers 2, you can't go wrong with this one. However, if you've played the first Windjammers and are still having a great time with it, I would suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing this entry.
Windjammers 2 feels more like a "more of the same" than it should.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Windjammers 2 is far from a revolutionary new take on the original game, but it's a great sequel and terrific arcade sports game in its own right, continuing to establish Dotemu as masters of the retro throwback scene.