Previous Next

In the evil empire of the Cories, all form of music is depised. Being a music lover, the player decides to invade their solar system and create harmony where discord now reigns.

The objective is achieved by collecting musical components, stored in protective orbs deep within the three home planets of Stick, Arching and Walkman. By towing the orbs to the surface and depositing them in the designated area, a machine is gradually constructed which, when complete, proves fatal to the Cories.

Control of the craft is achieved with joystick or keys. Contact with the eight-way scrolling landscape or aliens isn't fatal, but it loses one or more shields depending on the force of the collision. Should all 199 shields be lost, the game ends.

As a hardened Thrust veteran, I was interested to see how its sequel would turn out, and I'm sad to say that what Firebird have produced is something of a disappointment.

The original game's strength lay in its overall simplicity and its tortuous test of reactions against realistic physical forces - both desirable qualities which have been kept to a lesser extent in Thrust II.

The more solid graphics are one improvement the game has over its predecessor, and the title sequence is very pretty, but I'd have my doubts whether the game has the lasting appeal of the original budget classic.

The title screen makes you think you're in for something special; unfortunately the gameplay fails to meet the promise. The graphics vary from gaudy jerkily scrolling backdrops to some well animated and conceived sprites: the sound, however, is well above average, a Heavy Metal soundtrack playing throughout.

Unfortunately, the gameplay is very disappointing: the appeal has been lost because of the tweaked (and thus ruined) inertial control method and the ability to hit landscapes without being immediately killed: there's greater freedom of movement, but not as much fun or skill involved.

Thrust II is quite good, but not half as good as the original.

Presentation 63%
Gorgeous title screen and clear screen display marred by inadequate instructions.

Graphics 67%
Vary from gaudily coloured backdrops to some neatly animated sprites; generally good.

Sound 75%
A lengthy Heavy Metal soundtrack plays throughout.

Hookability 67%
The repetitive gameplay is only rescued by the depth and mild appeal of the task confronted.

Lastability 43%
The thin scenario and lack of real action soon repel lasting interest.

Overall 59%
A reasonable and occasionally flawed game, but a very poor sequel.