Criminally Overlooked Games #15: Gunforce 2

While this game isn't nearly as obscure as some of the others i've featured, it constantly astonishes me how few people have seen it in action. One of the last arcade games Irem ever produced, Gunforce 2 was the sequel to a flawed but fun game and was helmed by Nazca (In the Hunt, Undercover cops) who as many of you no doubt know went on to make the Metal Slug series and various other things. Yes, this game was released roughly 2 years prior to the first Metal Slug. As this video shows the game was an outstanding technical achievement that was unfortunately bottlenecked by it's hardware's technology, chronically suffering from stuttering and slow-down. That's a minor quibble though when you have a game with such excellent sound effects and amazing presentation. Despite coming before Metal Slug it boasted more complex game play, introducing an intriguing dual wielding system where both arms were controlled independently with a single joystick, the ability to hang on and climb things, and numerous varied vehicles to use that went well beyond a single tank. It's a little on the short side and tends to chug along, but despite these glancing flaws remains a phenomenal game, even by today's standards. Special thanks to my loyal and courageous player 2 Mowtendoo.