Virtua Cop 2

Game review

Originally, Virtua Cop 2 was created in 1995 for arcade machines, but after positive feedback from players, it was decided to convert it to the Sega Saturn (1996), Sega Dreamcast (2000) consoles and in the improved Elite Edition (Virtua Cop Re-Birth in Japan) and on PlayStation 2 (2002) together with the first volume. The game was released for PC around 1997. In the game, you take on the role of VCPD police officers who must prevent the approaching terrorist apocalypse and restore order in the city. The game has a total of 3 freely selectable levels (city center, ship and train station), which are divided into two different parts in the later stages of the game. At the end of each of them, a fight with a boss is prepared, after the successful elimination of which the last level opens with a fight with the head of the terrorists. The novelty of the game is a destructive environment that you can easily eliminate by shooting and a special sniper 1 vs 1 mode, where you have to hit your opponent before he hits you. There are also upgrades to your weapons and free-running civilians who, if you shoot them, take away your precious life.

Set against the backdrop of Virtua City, players take on the role of a police officer from the Virtua City Police Department. The narrative thrusts you into a high-stakes battle against a well-organized terrorist group threatening the city's safety. The game is structured into three main levels: the chaotic streets of the city center, a perilous journey on a moving boat, and the hustle and bustle of a train station. Each of these levels is meticulously designed with two parts, enhancing the game's depth and providing a diverse set of challenges and environments.

At the end of each level segment, players encounter a boss battle. These bosses are more powerful and require a strategic approach to defeat. Each boss fight tests your reflexes, aiming accuracy, and tactical skills. Successfully defeating these bosses is a prerequisite to unlock the climactic level, culminating in an intense final confrontation with the leader of the terrorist group.

The control system in Virtua Cop 2 is intuitive and user-friendly. Players use either a mouse or keyboard arrow keys to control the crosshair of their gun. This aiming mechanism is seamless and allows for precise and rapid targeting of enemies. The game stands out for its innovative use of destructible environments, a feature not commonly seen in games at the time. Players can shoot at various objects in the background, which can affect the gameplay, either by revealing hidden enemies or providing tactical advantages.

Virtua Cop 2 also introduces a unique sniper mode, adding a layer of tension and skill. In this mode, players engage in one-on-one sniper duels where quick reflexes and sharpshooting are key to survival. This mode provides a thrilling change of pace from the standard gameplay, requiring players to be more deliberate and accurate with their shots.

The game also includes the challenge of avoiding civilian casualties. Innocent bystanders occasionally appear on-screen, and accidentally shooting them results in a penalty. This adds a moral component to the game, where players must quickly distinguish between friend and foe, adding to the realism and intensity of the law enforcement role.

With its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and innovative features, Virtua Cop 2 was not just a commercial success but also a critical one. It was praised for its advancements over the original game and its contribution to the genre of light gun shooters.