Consolation Prize

Unfortunately I never got around to trying out the first installment but what’s on offer here in Assault Heroes 2 is a good old school style romp of a top down shooter.

Although in the trial you start in the “P.L.A MKI Jeep” it is sometimes necessary, by choice or by force, to leave the comfort and safety of your armoured shell and proceed on foot. During these occasions you’re more vulnerable and have reduced destructive capabilities, but on the plus side you can roll to avoid attacks and at certain points in the game hijack enemy vehicles.

The jeep is quite versatile and has access to a variety of death dealing weapons. The mini-gun is the default all purpose weapon but you also select the flak cannon, flame thrower, or ice gun, with each one being more suited to certain types of enemies and cycling through weapons via the shoulder buttons is encouraged but not necessary. In addition to your weapons you also have access a limited number of grenades and when times get extremely tough you can unleash a nuke to clear the immediate area of nasties.

Assault Heroes 2 looks pretty and it has got some nice touches, like the way the trees sway from the force of a nuclear blast and lose there leaves. The intensity is kept up throughout and there are plenty of enemies on-screen waiting to meet their maker. The only downside is that the trial ends all too soon just before a boss encounter, a perfectly timed incentive in order to help you decide to part with your cash. If you’re in the market for a hectic top down shooter then this is certainly worth checking out.

Assault Heroes 2 costs 800 Microsoft Points and is 95MB to download.

I liked the first one and the trial, but I’ve not had a chance to play the full game yet. Hopefully I will soon.