Sin & Punishment enjoyed cult status on the N64 and a decent, if largely unnoticed, conversion to Wii's Virtual Console, so it's encouraging to see the sequel get a full UK release.
It shows arcade-gaming pioneer Treasure in their usual fine form, with an unusual shoot-em-up perfectly adapted for analogue control. The plot is as bizarre as only the Japanese can get, featuring a battle between groups of mutants on an alternate Earth. You have a choice between two heroes – Isa, who targets whole groups of enemies with an explosive blast, or Kachi, who uses more precise homing missiles.
And although the gameplay is straightforward (basically, kill anything that moves) it's the myriad ways this is accomplished that reminds you of the great arcade shooters of old. Constantly surprising, always pushing the technology, Sin & Punishment 2 is steeped in genre awarness. So expect to see a mix of shoot-em-up, beat-em-up, platform and even puzzle-gaming, as you battle on foot or on a variety of hovering, flying, and floating devices against wave after wave of ingenious enemies. Yes, it's largely "on rails" and, as with most classic shooters, relies too much on memorising attack patterns; but when accompanied by score multipliers that depend on both avoiding hits and scoring plenty of your own, it makes for a truly challenging game that rewards repeat playing like few others.
Graphically, it's impressive without being showy. Spread across seven huge manga-inspired levels, each concludes with some of the toughest boss battles I've seen in a long while. So whether facing off against robots on a floating fortress, out fighting a giant submarine or facing a boss who literally tries to kill you with Tetris, there's always a daunting challenge just around the corner. Of course, none of this would matter is it didn't play right and Treasure has done an inspired job with the interface. Using the Wiimote to lock on to targets and shoot, and the nunchuk to move or dodge, you can also unleash stinging melee attacks with the buttons when enemies get too close. Sadly, this versatile control works less well in co-op mode, where only one player is visible onscreen as a cross hair. It's like having an extra tail-gunner, but the experience is undeniably less satisfying for the second player.
With its vivid graphics, soundtrack and challenging, perfectly balanced levels, S&P2 deserves a bigger audience than it will probably receive. However, it's one of the most imaginative Wii games currently available and will tide you over the impending summer slump a lot better than many better known titles.
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