Difference between revisions of "Thunder Force II"

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{{stub}}
 
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
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| bobscreen=ThunderForceII_MDTitleScreen.png
+
| bobscreen=ThunderForceII MDTitleScreen.png
 +
| bobscreen2=ThunderForceII MD JP TitleScreen.png
 +
| tab1=NTSC-U/PAL
 +
| tab2=NTSC-J
 
| publisher=[[Technosoft]]
 
| publisher=[[Technosoft]]
 
| developer=[[Technosoft]]
 
| developer=[[Technosoft]]
−
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
+
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
−
| romsize=512KB
+
| sounddriver=T.S vx.xx (Technosoft)
−
| usa=14 August 1989
+
| peripherals=
−
| europe=1989
+
| players=1
−
| japan=15 June 1989
+
| genre=Shooting{{fileref|ThunderForce2 MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}{{fileref|ThunderForceII MD KR Box.jpg}}
−
| rrp_jp=6,800
+
| originalsystem=X68000
−
| genre=Shoot-'em-Up
+
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1989-06-15{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp=T-18013
 +
| md_rrp_jp=6,800e{{magref|bemega|1990-02|115}}
 +
| md_date_us=1989-08-14
 +
| md_code_us=1000<!--{{magref|sv|8|60}}-->
 +
| md_date_eu=1990-11{{magref|mm|1|88}}
 +
| md_code_eu=1000<!--{{magref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 +
| md_date_uk=1990-10<!--Should be a launch title, likely 1st week Oct. 1990-11{{magref|mm|1|88}}-->
 +
| md_code_uk=1000<!--{{magref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 +
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|11|76}}{{magref|ace|37|51}}
 +
| md_date_fr=1990
 +
| md_rrp_fr=369{{magref|playerone|2|57}}
 +
| md_date_br=199x
 +
| md_date_kr=199x
 +
| md_code_kr=GM4010JG
 +
| md_date_au=199x
 +
| md_date_ca=199x
 +
| md_date_se=199x
 +
| md_date_se_r=199x
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Thunder Force II''''', known in Japan as  '''''Thunder Force II MD''''' (サンダーフォースII ＭＤ), is the second installment of the ''Thunder Force'' series of shoot-'em-ups by [[Technosoft]]. Initially released in 1988 for the Sharp X68000, it was ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and released internationally in 1989. It was the first Sega Mega Drive game in Japan published by a third party.
+
{{releasesArcade
 +
| megatech_date_uk=19xx
 +
}}
 +
{{releasesSwitch
 +
| switchonline_date_jp=2021-12-17{{ref|https://archive.md/4u5Th|https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/f75139e8-8413-450e-9369-eba602eb0510}}
 +
| switchonline_rrp_jp=sub
 +
| switchonline_date_us=2021-12-16{{ref|https://archive.ph/2EXZ3|https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1471646839225077761}}
 +
| switchonline_rrp_us=sub
 +
| switchonline_date_eu=2021-12-17{{ref|https://archive.md/MY83i|https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1471767310490906627}}
 +
| switchonline_rrp_eu=sub
 +
| switchonline_date_uk=2021-12-17{{ref|https://archive.md/CRf0I|https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1471767308695707649}}
 +
| switchonline_rrp_uk=sub
 +
| switchonline_date_au=2021-12-17{{ref|https://archive.md/pSlxj|https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ/status/1472084212689752069}}
 +
| switchonline_rrp_au=sub
 +
}}
 +
| otherformats={{NonSega|X68}}
 +
}}
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a 1988 shoot-'em-up developed by [[Technosoft]] for the [[X68000]], and the second installment in their ''Thunder Force'' series. The following year, it was ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] as '''''Thunder Force II MD''''' (サンダーフォースII ＭＤ), and this version was released worldwide as simply ''Thunder Force II''. It was the first third party Sega Mega Drive game.
  
−
After the events of the first ''Thunder Force'', the defeated ORN Empire decide to attack the Galaxy Federation again. Using ''Plealos'', their new battleship, ORN is able to destroy the planet Reda and take the planet Nepura as their own. Fortunately, the Galaxy Federation discovers Nepura is used to hold ''Plealos'' when it is not being used, and they set out to destroy ''Plealos''.
+
==Story==
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Thunder Force II, Introduction.png|width=200|Fire LEO-02 ''Exceliza''}}
 +
After the events of the first ''Thunder Force'', the defeated ORN Empire decide to attack the Galaxy Federation again. The ORN Empire creates a powerful new battleship, the ''Plealos'', which they use to destroy the planet Reda and take the planet Nepura as their own. Eventually, the Galaxy Federation learns that ORN houses ''Plealos'' deep below Nebula's surface when not in use, and they set out to destroy ''Plealos'' with a new version of the powerful "Fire LEO" fighter craft, the Fire LEO-02 ''Exceliza''.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
{{A}} and {{C}} switch weapons. {{B}} fires and can be held down for rapidfire. Each of the stages are split into two sections:
+
The game is a shoot-'em-up whose levels are split into two gameplay styles: top-view and side-view stages. Top-view stages are the free-roaming, overhead stages from the original ''Thunder Force''. The screen constantly scrolls in the direction that the ship is facing. The objective is to locate and destroy the cores of four enemy bases. Side-view stages play like a traditional side-scrolling shooter; the screen constantly scrolls to the right. The entire stage does not fit on the screen, so moving up and down reveals more of it. This would become the only format in subsequent entries of the series. Each level begins with a top-view stage, then progresses to a side-view stage, which concludes with a boss encounter. The final stage solely uses the top view.
−
* '''Top-down section:''' The screen constantly scrolls in the direction the ship is facing. The ships weapon shoots in the direction the ship is facing, though other weapons and powerups can change the direction shots are fired in. The objective is to find and destroy all the bases.
+
 
−
* '''Side-scrolling section:''' These are traditional schmup side-scrolling levels. Simply defeat the boss at the end to complete the level.
+
The Exceliza is moved in any direction using the D-pad. It shoots with {{B}}, which can be held for continuous fire. It is equipped with multiple weapons, which can be cycled left with {{A}} and right with {{C}}. The player starts with two weapons and can acquire more by collecting items. The top-view and the side-view stages have different sets of weapons. The player can also equip up to two Claw add-ons, which are small pods that revolve around the ship. The Claws block weak incoming bullets and provide extra firepower by firing single, normal shots.
 +
 
 +
The Exceliza is destroyed in one hit from an enemy or an obstacle. Losing a life also loses any acquired weapons and Claws. The player gains an extra life at 20,000 points and then every 50,000 points after that.
 +
 
 +
By pressing {{A}}+{{Start}} on the title screen, the player will enter Configuration Mode, where they can change various settings such as difficulty and starting lives, or listen to the music and sound effects.
 +
 
 +
===Weapons===
 +
====Top View====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Twin Shot
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Twin Shot.png
 +
| desc=Fires two streams of bullets straight ahead.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Back Fire
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Back Fire.png
 +
| desc=Shoots one stream of bullets ahead and the other behind the Exceliza.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Laser.png
 +
| desc=Replaces the Twin Shot with a more powerful (but narrower) laser beam.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wide Shot
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Wide Shot.png
 +
| desc=Replaces the Back Fire with large plasma balls that shoot ahead and at 45-degree angles.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Five Wave
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Five Wave.png
 +
| desc=Shoots waves ahead in a formation of five positions, covering a large area.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Destroy
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Destroy.png
 +
| desc=Shoots three streams of small plasma balls ahead.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Clash
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Clash.png
 +
| desc=Fires ring-shaped projectiles forward in a revolving pattern.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hunter
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Hunter.png
 +
| desc=Shoots plasma balls that seek targets.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
====Side View====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Twin Shot
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Twin Shot.png
 +
| desc=Fires two streams of bullets straight ahead.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Back Fire
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Back Fire.png
 +
| desc=Shoots one stream of bullets ahead and the other behind the Exceliza.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Laser.png
 +
| desc=Replaces the Twin Shot with long laser beams that pierce through enemies and walls.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Mega Flash
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Mega Flash.png
 +
| desc=Shoots circular projectiles in three streams forwards (straight ahead and at 45-degree angles) and two streams backwards (at 30-degree angles), which are less powerful but cover a large area.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wave Shot
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Wave Shot.png
 +
| desc=Shoots waves ahead in a tall pattern, which can pass through walls.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Side Blaster
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Side Blaster.png
 +
| desc=Shoots waves directly above and below the Exceliza.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Nova
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Nova.png
 +
| desc=Fires ring-shaped projectiles in three directions in the direction opposite to the last direction moved.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hunter
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Hunter.png
 +
| desc=Shoots plasma balls that seek targets.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Claw
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Equips a Claw, a pod that orbits the Exceliza and provides support fire and protects it from damage. The Exceliza can have up to two Claws at a time.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Roll
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Boosts the power of the Claw, doubling its rotational speed for a duration. It has no effect if the player does not have a Claw.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Breaker
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Surrounds the Exceliza in a force field that renders it invulnerable to damage for a duration. The Breaker turns red before it deactivates.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=1-Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Awards the player with an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
====Top-View====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Laser weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wide Shot
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Wide Shot weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Five Wave
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Five Wave weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Destroy
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Destroy weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Clash
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Clash weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hunter
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Hunter weapon.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
====Side-View====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Laser weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Mega Flash
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Mega Flash weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wave Shot
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Wave Shot weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Side Blaster
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Side Blaster weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Nova
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Nova weapon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hunter
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Thunder Force II, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acquires the Hunter weapon.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
==Physical Scans==
+
===Levels===
−
===Mega Drive Version===
+
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
−
<gallery>
+
{{InfoRow
−
File:ThunderForce2 MD US Box.jpg|US cover
+
| title=The Planet Nebula
−
File:Thunder Force II MD US cart.jpg|US cart
+
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Stage 1-1.png
−
File:ThunderForce2 MD JP Box.jpg|JP cover
+
| screenshot2=Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2.png
−
File:ThunderForce2 MD JP Cart.jpg|JP cart
+
| screenshot3=Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2 Boss.png
−
</gallery>
+
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Underground City
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Deeper Inside the Planet
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ancient Ruins
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2 Boss.png
 +
| screenshot4=Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| screenshot5=Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Ultra Combat Weapon Fortress Plealos
 +
| screenshot=Thunder Force II, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Thunder Force II, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Release===
 +
Thunder Force II MD was released as the first third party game for the Mega Drive in Japan. 
  
 +
The Swedish version shown below has an interesting story behind it. The distributor in the Nordic countries was Playmix/[[BRIO]], famous for its classic wooden toys and unharmful playthings. This is the first and probably last time they used censorship on a game. The missiles on this early game's front were considered too violent and the picture was replaced by the ship from the Japanese version instead. After they mixed it together, they simple photographed it and printed it on Fujicolor paper (can be seen on the back of the inlay). This version is therefore fairly common in Sweden.
 +
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Program:''' Izumi Fukuda, Takashi Iwanaga, Haruhiko Otsuka
 +
*'''Graphics & Design:''' Osamu Tsujikawa
 +
*'''Stage Design:''' Takashi Iwanaga
 +
*'''Music Compose:''' Tomomi Ohtani
 +
*'''Sound Effects:''' Naosuke Arai
 +
*'''Wording:''' Kazue Matsuoka, Kikuo Tamichi, Fumio Sugano
 +
*'''Special Thanks To:''' Soichiro Hikichi, Kazuhiro Imamura
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Thunder Force II MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Cover artist (US/EU):''' [[Marc Ericksen]]
 +
| console=MD
 +
| source=Uncredited
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{gallery
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-02|115}}
 +
|{{gitem
 +
|CG GR 3 Mega Drive advert.jpg|Print advert in Computer Games (GR) #3: "Ioúnios 1990" (1990-xx-xx)
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-09|138-139}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|ace|37|50-51
 +
|cvg|107|122-123
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-11|139}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|cvg|111|74
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|sfsw|1993-03|36
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
{{gitem|ThunderForceII MD US coverart original.png}}
 +
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
===Mega-Tech version===
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega-Tech
 +
| front=ThunderForceII MT cover.jpg
 +
}}
 +
===Mega Drive version===
 +
{{ratings|MD}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=ThunderForce2 MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=ThunderForce2 MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=ThunderForce2MD MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=Thunderforce2 md jp manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=US
 +
| cover=ThunderForce2 MD US Box.jpg
 +
| cart=Thunder Force II MD US cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Thunder Force II MD US Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=EU
 +
| cover=ThunderForce2 MD EU Box.jpg
 +
| cart=ThunderForceII MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| item1=TFII MD EU pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 +
| manual=Thunder Force II MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=SE
 +
| cover=Thunderforce SWE.jpeg
 +
| cart=
 +
| manual=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=SE rental (Kanal10 SE cover)
 +
| cover=TFII MD SE rental cover.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=SE rental (Kanal10 EU cover)
 +
| front=TFII MD SE rental ALT cover.jpg
 +
| spine=TFII MD SE rental ALT cover spine.jpg
 +
| back=TFII MD SE rental ALT cover back.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=AU
 +
| cover=TFII MD AU cover.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=AU (alt)
 +
| cover=TFII MD AU alt cover.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=BR
 +
| cover=ThunderForceII MD BR cover.jpg
 +
| cart=ThunderForceII MD BR Cart.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=CA
 +
| cover=TFII MD CA cover.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=KR
 +
| cover=ThunderForceII MD KR Box.jpg
 +
| cart=ThunderForceII MD KR cart.jpg
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
{{ThunderForceIIOmni}}
 
{{ThunderForce}}
 
{{ThunderForce}}
−
 
+
[[Category:Mega-Tech games]]
−
[[Category:Mega Drive Games]]
 
−
[[Category:1989 Mega Drive Games]]
 
−
[[Category:Mega Drive Shoot-'em-Up Games]]
 
−
[[Category:Mega-Tech Games]]
 

Revision as of 23:25, 23 May 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

ThunderForceII MDTitleScreen.png

ThunderForceII MD JP TitleScreen.png

Thunder Force II
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Nintendo Switch Online
Publisher: Technosoft
Developer:
Original system(s): X68000
Sound driver: T.S vx.xx (Technosoft)
Genre: Shooting[1][2][3]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥6,800 (7,004)6,800e[4] T-18013
Sega Mega Drive
US 		1000
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1000
Sega Mega Drive
FR 		369F369[8]
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[6][7] 1000
Sega Mega Drive
SE
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
CA
Sega Mega Drive
BR
Sega Mega Drive
KR 		GM4010JG
Arcade (Mega-Tech System)
UK		 £? ?

























Nintendo Switch Online
JP ▼ 		SUBsub
Nintendo Switch Online
US ▼ 		SUBsub
Nintendo Switch Online
EU ▼ 		SUBsub
Nintendo Switch Online
UK ▼ 		SUBsub
Nintendo Switch Online
AU ▼ 		SUBsub
Non-Sega versions

Thunder Force II is a 1988 shoot-'em-up developed by Technosoft for the X68000, and the second installment in their Thunder Force series. The following year, it was ported to the Sega Mega Drive as Thunder Force II MD (サンダーフォースII ＭＤ), and this version was released worldwide as simply Thunder Force II. It was the first third party Sega Mega Drive game.

Story

Thunder Force II, Introduction.png

Fire LEO-02 Exceliza

After the events of the first Thunder Force, the defeated ORN Empire decide to attack the Galaxy Federation again. The ORN Empire creates a powerful new battleship, the Plealos, which they use to destroy the planet Reda and take the planet Nepura as their own. Eventually, the Galaxy Federation learns that ORN houses Plealos deep below Nebula's surface when not in use, and they set out to destroy Plealos with a new version of the powerful "Fire LEO" fighter craft, the Fire LEO-02 Exceliza.

Gameplay

The game is a shoot-'em-up whose levels are split into two gameplay styles: top-view and side-view stages. Top-view stages are the free-roaming, overhead stages from the original Thunder Force. The screen constantly scrolls in the direction that the ship is facing. The objective is to locate and destroy the cores of four enemy bases. Side-view stages play like a traditional side-scrolling shooter; the screen constantly scrolls to the right. The entire stage does not fit on the screen, so moving up and down reveals more of it. This would become the only format in subsequent entries of the series. Each level begins with a top-view stage, then progresses to a side-view stage, which concludes with a boss encounter. The final stage solely uses the top view.

The Exceliza is moved in any direction using the D-pad. It shoots with B, which can be held for continuous fire. It is equipped with multiple weapons, which can be cycled left with A and right with C. The player starts with two weapons and can acquire more by collecting items. The top-view and the side-view stages have different sets of weapons. The player can also equip up to two Claw add-ons, which are small pods that revolve around the ship. The Claws block weak incoming bullets and provide extra firepower by firing single, normal shots.

The Exceliza is destroyed in one hit from an enemy or an obstacle. Losing a life also loses any acquired weapons and Claws. The player gains an extra life at 20,000 points and then every 50,000 points after that.

By pressing A+ START  on the title screen, the player will enter Configuration Mode, where they can change various settings such as difficulty and starting lives, or listen to the music and sound effects.

Weapons

Top View

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Twin Shot.png

Twin Shot
Fires two streams of bullets straight ahead.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Back Fire.png

Back Fire
Shoots one stream of bullets ahead and the other behind the Exceliza.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Laser.png

Laser
Replaces the Twin Shot with a more powerful (but narrower) laser beam.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Wide Shot.png

Wide Shot
Replaces the Back Fire with large plasma balls that shoot ahead and at 45-degree angles.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Five Wave.png

Five Wave
Shoots waves ahead in a formation of five positions, covering a large area.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Destroy.png

Destroy
Shoots three streams of small plasma balls ahead.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Clash.png

Clash
Fires ring-shaped projectiles forward in a revolving pattern.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Top View, Hunter.png

Hunter
Shoots plasma balls that seek targets.

Side View

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Twin Shot.png

Twin Shot
Fires two streams of bullets straight ahead.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Back Fire.png

Back Fire
Shoots one stream of bullets ahead and the other behind the Exceliza.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Laser.png

Laser
Replaces the Twin Shot with long laser beams that pierce through enemies and walls.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Mega Flash.png

Mega Flash
Shoots circular projectiles in three streams forwards (straight ahead and at 45-degree angles) and two streams backwards (at 30-degree angles), which are less powerful but cover a large area.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Wave Shot.png

Wave Shot
Shoots waves ahead in a tall pattern, which can pass through walls.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Side Blaster.png

Side Blaster
Shoots waves directly above and below the Exceliza.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Nova.png

Nova
Fires ring-shaped projectiles in three directions in the direction opposite to the last direction moved.

Thunder Force II, Weapons, Side View, Hunter.png

Hunter
Shoots plasma balls that seek targets.

Items

Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Claw
Equips a Claw, a pod that orbits the Exceliza and provides support fire and protects it from damage. The Exceliza can have up to two Claws at a time.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Roll
Boosts the power of the Claw, doubling its rotational speed for a duration. It has no effect if the player does not have a Claw.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Breaker
Surrounds the Exceliza in a force field that renders it invulnerable to damage for a duration. The Breaker turns red before it deactivates.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 1-Up
Awards the player with an extra life.

Top-View

Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Laser
Acquires the Laser weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Wide Shot
Acquires the Wide Shot weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Five Wave
Acquires the Five Wave weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Destroy
Acquires the Destroy weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Clash
Acquires the Clash weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Hunter
Acquires the Hunter weapon.

Side-View

Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Laser
Acquires the Laser weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Mega Flash
Acquires the Mega Flash weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Wave Shot
Acquires the Wave Shot weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Side Blaster
Acquires the Side Blaster weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Nova
Acquires the Nova weapon.
Thunder Force II, Items.png
 Hunter
Acquires the Hunter weapon.

Levels

Thunder Force II, Stage 1-1.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 1-1.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

The Planet Nebula

Thunder Force II, Stage 2-1.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 2-1.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

The Underground City

Thunder Force II, Stage 3-1.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 3-1.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

Deeper Inside the Planet

Thunder Force II, Stage 4-1.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3 Boss.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 4-1.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 4-3 Boss.png

Ancient Ruins

Thunder Force II, Stage 5-1.png

Thunder Force II, Stage 5-2.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 5-1.png

  • Thunder Force II, Stage 5-2.png

The Ultra Combat Weapon Fortress Plealos

History

Release

Thunder Force II MD was released as the first third party game for the Mega Drive in Japan.

The Swedish version shown below has an interesting story behind it. The distributor in the Nordic countries was Playmix/BRIO, famous for its classic wooden toys and unharmful playthings. This is the first and probably last time they used censorship on a game. The missiles on this early game's front were considered too violent and the picture was replaced by the ship from the Japanese version instead. After they mixed it together, they simple photographed it and printed it on Fujicolor paper (can be seen on the back of the inlay). This version is therefore fairly common in Sweden.

Production credits

  • Program: Izumi Fukuda, Takashi Iwanaga, Haruhiko Otsuka
  • Graphics & Design: Osamu Tsujikawa
  • Stage Design: Takashi Iwanaga
  • Music Compose: Tomomi Ohtani
  • Sound Effects: Naosuke Arai
  • Wording: Kazue Matsuoka, Kikuo Tamichi, Fumio Sugano
  • Special Thanks To: Soichiro Hikichi, Kazuhiro Imamura
Source:
In-game credits
Thunder Force II MD credits.pdf
[14]
Source:
Uncredited


Magazine articles

Main article: Thunder Force II/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-02: "February 1990" (1990-01-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
CG GR 3 Mega Drive advert.jpg
Print advert in Computer Games (GR) #3: "Ioúnios 1990" (1990-xx-xx)
CG GR 3 Mega Drive advert.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-09: "September 1990" (1990-08-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in ACE (UK) #37: "October 1990" (1990-09-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-11: "November 1990" (1990-10-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #111: "February 1991" (1991-01-16)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Force (SE) #1993-03: "3/93" (1993-05-13)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

ThunderForceII MD US coverart original.png
ThunderForceII MD US coverart original.png

Physical scans

Mega-Tech version

Mega-Tech,
ThunderForceII MT cover.jpg
Cover

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[16]
ACE (UK) PAL
93
[17]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
70
[18]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
90
[19]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
81
[20]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK)
81
[21]
Consoles + (FR)
90
[22]
Console XS (UK) PAL
87
[23]
Cool Gamer (RU)
30
[24]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
80
[25]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[26]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
76
[27]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
70
[28]
Game Mania (UK)
85
[29]
Joystick (FR)
74
[30]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
82
[31]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
81
[32]
MegaTech (UK)
81
[33]
Mean Machines (UK)
82
[34]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
81
[35]
Megazone (AU)
85
[36]
Player One (FR)
58
[8]
Power Play (DE)
71
[37]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
75
[38]
Sega Pro (UK)
86
[39]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
81
[40]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
70
[41]
Tilt (FR)
60
[42]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
80
[43]
Zero (UK)
93
[44]
Sega Mega Drive
 77
Based on
30 reviews

Thunder Force II

Mega Drive, JP
ThunderForce2 MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
ThunderForce2MD MD JP CartTop.jpg
ThunderForce2 MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Thunderforce2 md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
ThunderForce2 MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Thunder Force II MD US cart.jpg
Cart
Thunder Force II MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
ThunderForce2 MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
ThunderForceII MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Thunder Force II MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
TFII MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, SE
Thunderforce SWE.jpeg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE rental (Kanal10 SE cover)
TFII MD SE rental cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE rental (Kanal10 EU cover)
TFII MD SE rental ALT cover back.jpgTFII MD SE rental ALT cover spine.jpgTFII MD SE rental ALT cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU
TFII MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU (alt)
TFII MD AU alt cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR
ThunderForceII MD BR cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderForceII MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, CA
TFII MD CA cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, KR
ThunderForceII MD KR Box.jpg
Cover
ThunderForceII MD KR cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Thunder Force II/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ File:ThunderForce2 MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  3. ↑ File:ThunderForceII MD KR Box.jpg
  4. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1990" (JP; 1990-01-08), page 115
  5. ↑ Mean Machines, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-xx), page 88
  6. ↑ Raze, "September 1991" (UK; 1991-07-25), page 76
  7. ↑ ACE, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-xx), page 51
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Player One, "Octobre 1990" (FR; 1990-xx-xx), page 57
  9. ↑ https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/f75139e8-8413-450e-9369-eba602eb0510 (archive.today)
  10. ↑ @NintendoAmerica on Twitter (archive.today)
  11. ↑ @NintendoEurope on Twitter (archive.today)
  12. ↑ @NintendoUK on Twitter (archive.today)
  13. ↑ @NintendoAUNZ on Twitter (archive.today)
  14. ↑ File:Thunder Force II MD credits.pdf
  15. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-16), page 122
  16. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 242
  17. ↑ ACE, "November 1989" (UK; 1989-10-xx), page 144
  18. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1990" (JP; 1990-01-08), page 72
  19. ↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "" (UK; 1989-10-16), page 77
  20. ↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume IV" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 37
  21. ↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 50
  22. ↑ Consoles +, "Tilt Hors-Serie" (FR; 1991-07-xx), page 36
  23. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 135
  24. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 224
  25. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "September 1989" (UK; 1989-08-16), page 102
  26. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "November 1989" (US; 1989-xx-xx), page 13
  27. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 107
  28. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1989-xx-xx), page 1
  29. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
  30. ↑ Joystick, "Juin 1990" (FR; 1990-05-xx), page 82
  31. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
  32. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "November 1989" (JP; 1989-10-07), page 49
  33. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 81
  34. ↑ Mean Machines, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-xx), page 86
  35. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 142
  36. ↑ Megazone, "October/November 1991" (AU; 1991-xx-xx), page 30
  37. ↑ Power Play, "1/90" (DE; 1989-12-15), page 86
  38. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 54
  39. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 30
  40. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
  41. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 86
  42. ↑ Tilt, "Septembre 1990" (FR; 1990-0x-xx), page 100
  43. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 27
  44. ↑ Zero, "February 1990" (UK; 19xx-xx-xx), page 82


Thunder Force II

ThunderForceII MDTitleScreen.png

Main page | Comparisons | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information


Music: Technosoft Music Collection: Thunder Force I & II (2022)

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Thunder Force games for Sega systems / developed by Sega
Sega Mega Drive
 Thunder Force II (1989) | Thunder Force III (1990) | Thunder Force IV / Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar (1992)
Arcade
 Thunder Force AC (1990)
Sega Saturn
 Thunder Force: Gold Pack 1 (1996) | Thunder Force: Gold Pack 2 (1996) | Thunder Force V (1997)
Sony PlayStation 2
 Thunder Force VI (2008)
Nintendo Switch
 Sega Ages Thunder Force IV (2018) | Sega Ages Thunder Force AC (2020)
Thunder Force related media
Music
 Best of Thunder Force (1997) | Thunder Force VI Soundtrack Demo (2008) | Thunder Force IV (2019) | Technosoft Music Collection: Thunder Force III & AC (2020) | Technosoft Music Collection: Thunder Force IV (2021) | Technosoft Music Collection: Thunder Force I & II (2022)
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