Blaster Master 2

This is an action platform game. You control S.O.P.H.I.A. that can roll, jump, and fire two different kinds of attacks at enemies. Being a tank, S.O.P.H.I.A. cannot perform some actions (such as climbing ladders), so often Jason will have to leave the tank and to fight his way through the level alone.

That scenario also serves as an illustration of the dilemma Jason is always faced with. The game constantly reminds you of the importance of never straying too far from S.O.P.H.I.A. You never forget that these are hostile environments Jason is exploring. By putting him in an extremely vulnerable state outside of S.O.P.H.I.A. and allowing him to restore his life energy inside it, the game further enhances the tank's role as a safe haven in a world of unusual and fierce creatures. Without S.O.P.H.I.A. to protect him, all Jason has to defend himself with is a little pea-shooter of a gun, and falls from severe heights can prove fatal for him. But there's no relief quite like jumping inside S.O.P.H.I.A. to turn the tables on some robot who was previously kicking your unprotected back all over the underworld. It's not unlike a beat-up Popeye reaching for that can of spinach. It's great fun.

Are you ready to save the world one more time? This time the evil boss has infested the planet with all manner of beasties. You have to destroy all his machines and creatures before you can go up against him. Sounds like a familiar recipe for a shooter, but we liked the variety of bosses you have to fight: fishes, worms, bees and stone faces, among others.

The game features a total of eight levels, most with both side and overhead views. The overhead portions get more difficult as you get better, keeping you challenged all the way to the end.