Assault Heroes 2

After ravaging beaches, cities, and techno-fortresses with machine guns and dune buggies the first time around, the sequel to Assault Heroes goes the only other place it can…into spaaaaaaaaaace. You beat the alien bad guys and saved the day in the first game; now they’re back for revenge. You’ll quickly find yourself back in the twin-stick groove, steering and shooting in your 4x4 for great justice. You’re not always stuck behind the wheel: the on-foot underground levels feel heartier, and the closer camera angle gives them a Smash TV feel.

The right weapon in the right situation makes all the difference. The ice gun freezes and drops flying enemies, while suicidal footsoldiers will turn tail if you toast them with the flamethrower. In co-op games, either person can activate a joint attack, but these assaults are underwhelming: they don’t look cool or cause that much destruction. We unleashed co-op fury about 10 times before we realized it was working.

And suddenly, after defeating robotic apes, robotic scorpions, and a huge robotic ladybug, you and your pal are whisked into space, given some new weapons, and let loose on a large capital ship while enemy spacecraft swarm in Galaga-like patterns. But after you beat the robotic snake (you don’t say!), you’re back in the buggy again, leaving you to wonder…did the designers just get bored and demand a change of pace? This and the game’s final segment feel disappointingly tacked on from another project.

Despite the high overall level of polish, Assault Heroes 2 feels like an overlong expansion pack — and at $10, it's one that costs twice the price of the original. Good game? Yes, but a tough sell.