Developer: Capcom Publisher: NEC Release: 01/27/89 Genre: Action
Konami graced the PC Engine with excellent support in Japan. Everyone is aware of Rondo of Blood’s legendary status but they had more to offer with fantastic arcade ports such as Gradius II and Salamander. Capcom were not far behind although their output is less well known on the platform. One of their more interesting titles is SonSon II, a sequel to their arcade hit. This is a sequel in name and theme only as it changes genre and gameplay. The change is worth it however as the game is solid if a bit generic.
Like its predecessor SonSon II is an alternate take on the Journey to the West. As SonSon (the son of the original Son Goku) you must save your friends from a nefarious villain out for revenge. There is an interesting bit of history regarding SonSon II as it started life as a port of Black Tiger. I would have loved to see have seen that come to fruition as Black Tiger rarely left the arcade until the Capcom Classics Collection 2 for the PS2 and Xbox. While I am disappointed Capcom made the change that is not a slight against SonSon II as it is a quality game regardless.
Unlike the original arcade game SonSon II is strictly a melee action game. The extendable staff is your only weapon for the entire game which, while very functional is a disappointment. At least you can upgrade it continuously throughout the game, increasing its already long reach and power. There is magic as well although outside of the shield their usefulness is suspect. In each level you collect fruit of differing value which counts as zenny, the game’s currency. There are multiple shops in every level with numerous items for sale. These range from continues to health, new weapons, magic and even the infamous flying nimbus to assist during boss battles. Sadly the cooler items in Black Tiger like new armor are no more but the game packs in more extras to make up for it.
SonSon II is a platformer that uses the structure of Black Tiger significantly. Each level is a sprawling map with all kinds of hidden nooks and crannies. The stages are large enough to occasionally get lost in but not so much that you will need a map, at least initially. The goal is to find keys to progress and unlock the boss room which is easier than it sounds. Right from the onset the maps are huge and while they do eventually wrap around themselves it is not uncommon to wander in each for up to twenty minutes. Later stages introduce teleporters, fake walls and false floors. While It sounds annoying in practice it gives the game a unique feel from its platform contemporaries. It also works thanks to the game’s solid controls. It helps that it is building from a good base.
Overall I like the level design although it can be a bit much. In the early going when the levels are nice and compact it is legitimately fun to explore and gather power-ups. But by the midpoint when the scope increases and the maps become larger it becomes annoying. Wandering around similar corridors looking for a single key gets old fast especially when warp rooms enter the picture. The last few stages are a nightmare to navigate without a map and I do not think it is a stretch to say it might turn some away. If it sounds like I am painting a dire picture, I am not. It is best to know what you are getting into, especially with the game’s deceptive difficulty.
The bright exterior hides a game that puts up a fight. In SonSon II you have a single life and must buy credits. Scrounging up the zenny to buy a few early on is tough while also trying to buy upgrades. The game also only partially refills health between levels and life restoring hearts drop rarely from enemies. You cannot grind either; after ten minutes (there is no visible clock) a semi-invincible enemy fill follow you relentlessly. It gets better but only slightly. Once you’ve bought a few staff upgrades and increased your life bar it eases up a bit but is still harder than you would expect.
In Closing
SonSon II is a good game and worthy sequel to the arcade game. It is different but no less great and a welcome change from the steady diet of shooters that plague the system. I am surprised NEC did not release this one in the US; the Turbo Grafx desperately needed more games like this. Do not let the language barrier deter you, this one is solid.
