Windjammers 2 Critic Reviews

Windjammers 2 is what a sequel should be. Updated visuals, added bonus games, and new characters, all without ruining the core game play. As I have said, Dotemu did a remarkable job with this release just as they have with their previous classic sequel efforts. If you are a fan of the original Neo Geo game, or if you want a fun game with a lot of challenge, than look no further than Windjammers 2. We may actually have a contender for 2022 Game Of the Year on our hands! I cannot recommend this game enough to every gamer out there, it is truly a super fun time!

It’s not often that a classic like Windjammers is able to make a comeback such as this. Obscure software has a tendency to fade into the abyss over time, but Windjammers 2 has taken the fine work Dotemu did with the original game and expanded upon it both intelligently and exponentially. Windjammers 2 has bold, exceptional visuals and an expanded suite of moves and abilities that turn each match into legitimate thrill rides. Solo players won’t get quite as much from the gameplay here, but when played with others Windjammers 2 truly shines. This is the rare sequel that tops what came before it—definitely consider it the next time you head to the eShop.

Windjammers 2 brings out that superb, rowdy competitiveness that any game worth its salt needs, I cannot wait to see what DotEmu does next.

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.

As the Anglo-Saxons would say, Windjammers 2 is one of those proverbial cases of "history in the making": an instant classic that collects the heavy and prestigious legacy of its predecessor, even managing to relaunch on the gameplay side - or a topic on which the masterpiece hardware-based NEOGEO has had for decades to teach, from the authentic interactive game design manual it is. Of course, some of that immediacy that made the original a Pong to the nth degree was lost along the way, yet in the end (despite an inadequate tutorial) the game could be worth the candle. Also because the first Windjammers will not disappear anyway, and can always be a valid alternative for purists. Having said that it will be very difficult to give up the exasperated dynamism of this sequel and its genuine playful and audiovisual spectacle.

The wait for Windjammers 2 has been long but the end result is one that proves the years of patience have been well worth it. With slick and stylish visuals, a head-thrashing soundtrack and edge of your seat moment-to-moment action, Windjammers 2 takes the original Neo Geo hit and brings it up to date in a loud and memorable fashion. As far as arcade experiences go, Windjammers 2 ranks among the most attention-grabbing, competitive and outright fun kicking 2022 off in high gear.

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.

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 will more than satisfy fans of the original who are looking to take on their friends. The gameplay is tight, wonderfully balanced, and manages to add additional depth without compromising the series’ intuitive feel. A bit of balance on the roster could still help, and I do wish we had additional single-player content to keep those who prefer to play solo coming back, but this one is still well worth your time.

Windjammers 2 is here and it is fantastic. The game’s presentation is another highlight of Dotemu’s always incredible-looking catalogue of published titles and I love the blend of new and returning characters, courts, moves, and music.

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. They know exactly what made the original so beloved and found a way to refine the mechanics even further and add their own eye-catching visual flair on top of things. The end result is an addictive blast from the past (or a blast that fits perfectly in the past as well) and a title that’s worth taking a spin.

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.

Revealed back in 2018 and with pre-production stretching back to 2017, it does feel like Windjammers 2 has been a long time coming. But despite its delays, and the fact it’s a sequel to a game approaching its 30th anniversary, it’s a fresh-feeling arcade affair that sizzles with vibrant colour and plenty of on-court drama. It’s a quite old-school sequel, really, like games used to be: add to what’s already great, without breaking anything. Like NBA Jam and Street Fighter II, and more recently the Super Smash Bros. and Overcooked series, it’s a game that’s best suited to social play, to getting together with friends around the same telly. But even enjoyed solo, Windjammers 2 is a fine remedy indeed for banishing any lingering winter blues.

Windjammers 2 is a safe sequel, restraining ambitions to make sure what’s delivered is fun enough. That means some might be disappointed! But it’s ultimately a fun game to play, especially with friends.

Windjammers 2 is a tightly balanced, addictive game of combat air hockey that will have you screaming at your friends.

Windjammers 2 is still an addictive game with it's simple yet deep gameplay that asks a true commitment from the player. No playable tutorial is there, and y'oull have to become a master of the frisbee through sheer sweat, tears and blood, but once you've mastered the art of the Flying Power Disc, the rewards are second to none.

In the end, Windjammers 2 is a return to the classic arcade experience in more ways than one. It’s a bit threadbare in terms of features, and you really need to pull in a friend to get the best out of it. You’re only given the barest of instructions, so you’ll have to either study up or learn on the fly. Put the time into learning it, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly thrilling game. Those who loved the original game can jump in without worry. The passion for the original game shines through brightly here.

Windjammers 2 is still as simple, straightforward, fun and addictive as the original game, but with enough new additions to the franchise. Unfortunately, it still offers little single player content.

As long as you don’t mind a few hours of failure while you learn how to commit yourself to the way of the disc, Windjammers 2 is this winter’s sport of the summer.

Windjammers 2 is addictive, vibrant, and intense. With gameplay as fun as this you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy it to some degree, but the lack of tutorials and the rather limited modes hold it back a little.