Update: We've now managed to play some Windjammers 2's online since the game went live yesterday and, we're pleased to say, it all seems to be working fine and dandy on Nintendo Switch, with a solid connection maintained during matches which we were able to jump into instantly. Good news, as this one really is all about that competitive online aspect!
It's not an easy task, to take a game as mechanically perfect as 1994's Neo Geo classic Windjammers and put your own spin on it. How do you modernise such a wonderfully simple and addictive thing? What do you change about it to give it a lift, to add even more in the way of strategy for fans to sink their teeth into without ruining the streamlined ebb and flow that makes the original so endlessly endearing?
Well, somehow, Dotemu has managed to find a way. Windjammers 2 is everything we love about the original game reimagined, emboldened and delightfully expanded by a slick new art style and a bunch of new mechanics that make the core gameplay loop here even more alluring than ever.
Dotemu, you've probably noticed, has been on a bit of a roll lately having published the excellent Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and the absolutely sublime Streets of Rage 4, and demonstrating just how good these folks are at taking classic gaming experiences and remodelling them for a new generation of gamers. They — and the teams they partner with — just seem to get it, tweaking and adding to much-loved gems without betraying what makes them great in the first place. With Windjammers 2, Dotemu has given the chunky old Neo Geo graphics a facelift — perhaps the most divisive aspect of this new game — swapping out the beautiful pixels of old for hand-drawn characters and stadiums that are a match for the artistic overhaul we saw in Streets of Rage 4. We still love the old Windjammers style, and this new look takes a little getting used to, but give it a chance and we think you'll grow to love it.
On top of the aesthetic refresh, there's been some superb changes to the core mechanics of Windjammers. If the first game was like a frenzied mixture of Pong and Street Fighter 2, this sequel definitely feels like a shift towards full blown tennis tactics with that same fighting game intensity left intact. There's now a jump function that enables you to smash shots from the air at your opponent, alongside a slapshot that carries your disc just over the net, making for a game that requires much more in the way of consideration of your play space, sucking your opponent into the net, lobbing to the back of the court, lining them up for smashes and so on. It's Windjammers as you remember it, but with so much more to think about at the same time.
There's an all-new EX gauge, too. It builds steadily as you pull off offensive and defensive manoeuvres and, once full, can be deployed in order to hit your opponent with a screen-blasting shot that's almost impossible to respond to. Almost. Yes, once you get used to these EX super shots — each of the ten characters here has their own variation — you'll begin to be able to read the seemingly impossible, returning shots back with equal ferocity in rallies that get harder and faster as they go on; beautiful face-offs that require perfect timing and consideration of your surroundings if you're to emerge victorious. There is nothing quite so satisfying as blasting a disc shot right into a corner here, timing your super so your opponent has no chance, or drawing them in only to zig-zag them into oblivion with a bevvy of well-considered ripostes that land just out of their reach. It's outrageously addictive.
Each of the ten characters on the roster, six of them returners, is slightly different in terms of their power/speed, just as in the original game, but now you also get to consider your favourite based on their specials. It's such a delicately handled shift in the core of proceedings, old hands should be able to jump right in and get on with things, but there's so much more to learn now, and it hasn't affected the overall tempo or that perfect balance between pick up and play and deep strategy that made the first game such a timeless banger.
We haven't been able to play online yet, which is a bit of an issue as it's what will give this game real legs, and it's a shame that the Switch version doesn't support crossplay, as it does on Xbox and PC, but we have faith. Dotemu has done such a great job with everything else here that we reckon they'll go the distance and support the online aspects of this one. They've certainly had the time — Windjammers 2 was originally announced for a 2019 release. Fingers crossed, then.
In terms of overall modes, if we're being picky, you could say it's all a little anaemic, with just a barebones arcade mode with three difficulty settings, the aforementioned online and a versus mode that lets you take on the CPU or another human in local competitive play. But, listen. A vast suite of modes is the last thing Windjammers is really about. You don't need unlockable skins, trophies or achievements, an in-game store, XP, skill trees, big towers to climb up, emojis or any of that dross here — this is just pure arcade magic. Just one more turn stuff. Get your pals round for some games. Who's on first? It's sweaty, strategic, beautiful arcade action that looks and plays like a dream.
We've been swapping back and forth like mad during this review, switching between the original game and this new version to see what's changed, what's different, how one or the other is better or worse, and it speaks volumes about the quality of what Dotemu has produced here that in every regard this sequel is an absolute improvement. An improvement over near perfection. An improvement on a game that people have been playing and enjoying for 28 years. We'll take that.
Conclusion
With Windjammers 2, Dotemu has taken the fiendishly addictive core formula of the Neo Geo classic and improved upon it in every way. The core gameplay here remains as immediately endearing as ever whilst being enhanced and given a real strategic kick by a bevvy of new moves and skills that add to the fun without detracting from or overcomplicating proceedings. Yes, there's not much in the way of modes, and we've yet to see how online fares here, but this is another banger from Dotemu, an all-time classic improved upon, an arcade classic refined for a new generation.
Comments (54)
The original Windjammers is great fun, but I've always found it to be a bit lacking in variety. Doesn't sound like this one is going to change my mind in that regard, but it still looks like a good time.
I would have preferred pixel art. But will give it a try
How does Bob Marley like his Doughnuts ?
<gets coat>
@PessitheMystic Yeah even a simple ranked mode so I'd at least be playing others of my own skill level (bad) consistently, seems like the type of game you're likely to wind up against some hardcore players oh too often. Still maybe a purchase sometime down the line though.
I guess the excellent new style - pixels toggle on Wonder Boy was a one time thing, sadly.
Anyway, still unclear about how it is a second part and not a Windjammers remastered, but of course I'm going to get it. Please anyone give it a proper physical release this time, not just stricly limited / limited run edition with all the bells and whistles and at least a standard version in order to keep it affordable given that it's ultimately an arcade title.
Like the look of this wish they would do a hard copy.
Not the LR one!
@Lord pix'n love web site for euro windjammer physical copies
Will buy on a console with decent online (much as I love my Switch for single-player games).
Loved windjammers in the past and it was a game that aged well.
Great to see a reboot of the series, even better it got a 9!
This will be a certain purchase at the weekend provided the online is working as it should. I'll hang off and see what others are saying. No crossplay is definitely a negative though.
Would love to see this team work on a Speedball 2 update next.
Sorry, I’m on my way to work and didn’t read the whole article. Is there absolutely no single player mode? Also, if not, are there any plans Dotemu has on future updates that add single player?
@Moroboshi876
Just waiting for my physical copy from Pix'n Love to arrive.
https://www.pixnlove.com/100-nintendo-switch
Single player content and motion controls and I'm in!
@Damo @PJOReilly I really like the second opinion in this review, I don't recall seeing it before?
I remember @JonComms having thoughts when Super Monkey Ball launched, it would be good to see this in the future if other staff (from any of your teams) have a strong opinion. Including if this is a reviewer commenting on a game they are passionate about which wasn't assigned to them for the full review.
They could come out of left field and do Nitro Ball 2 next
I still see the first windjammers at my Best Buy physically. This one sounds nice but I just wonder what the price will be as it seems like a title I’d only play every now and then like the first.
@MarioBrickLayer We've run 'second opinions' on a few reviews in the past, but it's not required for all reviews. We're trying to roll them out on the bigger releases, though - glad you like them!
Good review! Glad to see the reviewer had a love and knowledge of the original. Looks like I will be picking this one up!
@TYRANACLES It is $20US.
@PJO’Reilly - I reviewed this as well for my site and it’s a great game and I agree that the solo mode is lacking but the multi played is superb. It really brought back great memories of my 1990’s arcade playing days. Definitely a must buy for any arcade multiplayer Switch fan! Regards. Matt Jarvis, Managing Editor @LWOGaming
I think the artstyle looks nice tbh
I get that some don’t like the art style, nothing wrong with that. But I actually like it. Dotemu put out another good game so I gotta support em.
Within the Online mode, can you match up with your Switch friends or is it just randos?
@jarvismp I'll have to check out your review, mate!
This on Game Pass btw.
Alright, I think I'm going to have an unpopular opinion on this series. I found the original to be repetitive and boring. I don't understand what people see in this.
Nice…this is on GamePass,
@hotairballoons
"We haven't been able to play online yet, which is a bit of an issue as it's what will give this game real legs, and it's a shame that the Switch version doesn't support crossplay, as it does on Xbox and PC, but we have faith. Dotemu has done such a great job with everything else here that we reckon they'll go the distance and support the online aspects of this one. They've certainly had the time — Windjammers 2 was originally announced for a 2019 release. Fingers crossed, then."
@PosterBoy Ah, I was reading IGN’s Switch version review as well, and they were able to get into the online aspect a bit more. I got the two reviews mixed up.
Enjoyed the review and the second opinion, though this was destined to be great. Cannot wait to get my hands on it. Right on!!!
How does it compare to Disc Jam?
Looking solid, will definitely pick it up soon.
I preordered this so glad to know it's every bit as good as it looked last year. I personally love the cab livery art style and think it was a good call not to go the pixel route. It was great in the first game but it was dictated by the tech of its time so why not do it fresh.
@PJOReilly here you go mate. Let me know your thoughts. https://lastwordongaming.com/2022/01/20/windjammers-2-review-nintendo-switch-two-player-joy-outweighs-solo-player-fatigue/
All the best. Matt
“The only issue is that Windjammers 2 thrives on competitive play, and the lack of solo modes might be a problem for some.”
Wish it had like a world tour mode or something. But I guess arcade will suffice.
@jarvismp Good stuff! Seems like we had pretty similar thoughts on it.
@PJOReilly Indeed. It really will do great once plenty are online. It’s just mad and fun. Gaming at its best which is perfect timing as some places are imploding right now! 😂🍺
I’m playing it right now. Good game, but not that accessible for newcomers. The arcade ai is brutal and the limited continues seems like a backwards design decision.
Wow a 9? That seems questionable.
I've already got my Limited Run copy preordered. I'll be waiting awhile for it to arrive, but it'll be worth it. I've already waited many years, what's 8 more months? 😅
@coderkind can play on game pass for now. I've never played the original, so i will give this a try. I'm a single player gamer, so I'm not sure I'll like it, but it's worth a try.
@Jireland92 darn, that's not good news for me, then. I downloaded it on gamepass earlier, & the achievements were all single digits completions, also, which is bad for newer players that may push through some adversity to get achievements, then fall in love with it. Hopefully that's because it was new & not many ppl have played it much, but we'll see.
Fun game, love it! Just knew this would be an essential purchase. There is a lack of single player content but then again they did a great job with the arcade mode, it felt like a classic Street Fighter sort of experience, lots of fun for quick solo gaming. A bit difficult at first, even on easy, but that's because it's got tons of depth to the controls and abilities, and it takes a while to get the hang of it. It's satisfying once you start to get it down.
Always thought it was a shame that "Disc Jam" from 2017 wasn't a wider success. Basically a direct copy of Windjammers, but in more of a 3D space. I had lots of fun with friends with this. It's on Switch, too!
@Kanbei that’s a fair price.
@Moroboshi876 More of a "Second Part" because they added mechanics make it play more like a fighting game, with stricter execution timing, and meter management (the special meter is also used for picking a missed lob up off to the ground when in the first game there's no way to do that). The execution barrier to be decent at this is MUCH higher than it was in the original.
@Dethmunk yeah the graphics here aren't nice at all. Pixel art is better than whatever this is. This looks like those incredibly ugly NFT apes that people inexplicably spend money on even though anybody can just right click and save the image and so own it for free. An entire game made from that artstyle? Mmmm, I don't like it. But I don't mind as long as the gameplay is good. And it is. The only times I've ever seen this strange kind of cartoon artstyle work well, is when it's appropriate, like the Ducktales remake looked exactly like the cartoon it was based on, and so that made perfect sense, it was appropriate. I still can't believe that hasn't been released for Switch too, thinking about it. Because the base game underneath it is still top quality, because it's Ducktales for NES at its core, and after having been not for sale for years, the publisher renewed the license and started selling it again on steam, but they didn't bother to release it on a Nintendo console at the same time!? Silly people.
But yeah. Maybe it's just me, but these cartoon artstyles just always remind me of mobile games and flash games. Maybe for younger people, who never were around for the era of flash games on Newgrounds and the like, don't have this negative association with these kinds of graphics.
So, this is a volleyball game?
I absolutely love this game! Guess perhaps no one will see this comment now, but would be great if we could get some nlife tournaments going.
@luke88 How is the online in it, is it easy to find matches?
@OorWullie so far my experience has been really positive! It tells you how many players are online at the time. I've never seen a number above 25 but still find matches every time in 30-60 seconds. You often end up matching with the same people again and again, which can be great, I've had unbelievable sets of matches with the same random players the past few evenings (different people each evening). Unfortunately it doesn't include the "search for users you've played with" friends thing on the switch.
I actually emailed the Devs, and they emailed straight back saying they have a lot of things to add, and plan to add that too down the road. So hopefully it'll keep getting better.
Can't say long term obviously, but as of right now it's some of the best online gaming I've had in years.
@luke88 Thanks for that. I'm going to buy it at the weekend. Give me a few days to get the hang of it, then perhaps we can arrange some matches. For long term, it seems cross play being added is the best hope. The fact the other versions have it and not Switch, hopefully means it's just a matter of time before it's added.
@OorWullie yeah that would be great! It definitely took me a few hours for it to click. Let me know and I'll put my friend code here or something.
The game does include an invite option for your friends list, which I forgot to mention, so should be possible to catch one another online at some point.
Downloaded this on game pass and later on Switch to support Dotemu's great work on this. It is an awesom update to Windjammers that stays true to the original while adding fun new characters and mechanics. Every single online match I've played so far has been completely smooth due to the rollback netcode. Highly recommend!
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