Joe Blade 2 is a run-and-gun action-platform video game developed and published by Players Software, released in 1989. It is the sequel to the 1988 game Joe Blade and was available on several 8-bit home computers, including the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Gameplay
Players control the titular character, Joe Blade, a heavily armed commando often on missions to rescue hostages or neutralize criminal threats. The game typically features side-scrolling levels where Joe must navigate perilous environments, jump over obstacles, and engage in combat with numerous enemies. Joe is equipped with a firearm, and various power-ups can be collected throughout the levels to enhance his abilities, such as increasing fire rate or granting temporary invincibility. The game is known for its challenging difficulty, requiring precise movement and strategic use of weapons to overcome the large number of on-screen enemies and environmental hazards. Each level often culminates in a boss encounter.
Development and Release
Developed by Players Software, Joe Blade 2 built upon the foundation of its predecessor, aiming to offer improved graphics and expanded gameplay mechanics within the limitations of the 8-bit platforms. The game was released at a time when the run-and-gun genre was popular on home computers, often drawing comparisons to arcade titles of the era. It was sold as a budget title, characteristic of Players Software's releases.
Legacy
Joe Blade 2 is the middle installment of a trilogy of games featuring the character Joe Blade. It was followed by Joe Blade 3 in 1990, concluding the series. The games are representative of the budget gaming market of the late 1980s, providing action-oriented gameplay for a lower price point to a wide audience of home computer users.
External Links
- (Further information can be found on gaming history wikis and databases specific to 8-bit computer games.)