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In the mid-1990s, the beat 'em up genre was reaching its absolute peak on home consoles, and Taito decided to jump back into the fray with a heavy-hitting sequel. Released in 1994, Sonic Blast Man II (often referred to by fans and in some regions as Sonic Blast Man 2) serves as the direct follow-up to the original superhero-themed brawler. While the first game was known for its quirky arcade origins and somewhat lumbering pace, the sequel refined the formula, offering faster action, more playable characters, and a significantly expanded move set. It stands today as a hidden gem of the 16-bit era, showcasing Taito’s ability to blend comic book aesthetics with satisfying, crunching combat.
The narrative picks up after the initial defeat of the cosmic threats in the first installment. Peace is short-lived, however, as the malevolent Heavy Blast Man emerges as a new, formidable threat to the planet. Not content with mere conquest, Heavy Blast Man has begun a horrific campaign to enslave humanity by transforming innocent people into hideous, mindless monsters forced to serve his dark agenda.
Recognizing that the threat is too large for one hero alone, Sonic Blast Man returns to the front lines, but this time he isn't solo. He is joined by two powerful allies: the swift and agile Sonia, and the mysterious, high-tech warrior Captain Choyear. Together, this trio travels across various urban and extraterrestrial landscapes, dismantling Heavy Blast Man's minions and bosses in a desperate bid to save the Earth from total destruction. The setting shifts from gritty city streets to futuristic laboratories, providing a vibrant backdrop for the superheroic carnage.
Sonic Blast Man II is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up that emphasizes character variety and tactical special moves. Players can choose from three distinct heroes, each offering a unique playstyle:
In addition to standard punches, kicks, and throws, each character has access to a variety of "Super Moves." These are essential for clearing the screen when players find themselves in tight spots or surrounded by Heavy Blast Man’s elite monsters. The game features a variety of levels, each culminating in a boss fight that requires players to learn patterns and use their special abilities wisely. The controls are responsive, and the addition of a dash mechanic significantly improves the flow of combat compared to its predecessor.
This game was released on several platforms, primarily focusing on the home console market in Japan and North America.
Sonic Blast Man II is widely considered by retro enthusiasts to be a massive improvement over the original game. By introducing three-player character selection and refining the frame rate and movement speed, Taito successfully transitioned the series from a novelty based on an arcade punching machine into a legitimate contender in the SNES brawler library. Though it didn't achieve the same level of mainstream fame as Final Fight or Streets of Rage, it remains a highly sought-after collectible due to its limited print run and high-quality sprite work. It represents a specific era of Taito’s creativity where they were willing to take risks with strange character designs and over-the-top superhero themes.