Rick starts the game equipped with a ray-gun (with limited shots) and several electronic detonators (also limited), both of which can be used to trigger and neutralize traps as well as blasting aliens. While aliens are easily spotted and terminated, the traps are what makes the game very devious and sets it apart from other platformers. You must also pay attention to various switches and levers that are scattered throughout each level. These activate lifts, guns, and various other alien equipment that will help your quest. The game takes you across five levels, from the interior of a spaceship to the alien planet and beyond. Unlike the first game, you can now play the levels in any order... but you have to complete all of them to get to the last one. The cartoony graphics are outstanding throughout, although (of course) duller than the Amiga original.

One major gripe I have is that it seems luck is more important than good judgment with many puzzles, trial-and-error being the only way to figure out how to get out. You will likely die many times (especially after level two) from doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. Despite frustrating deaths, though, you still want to keep playing, because Rick Dangerous 2 is chock-full of that "just one more try" quality that all classic games share. If you like the original and want more of the same, Rick Dangerous 2 won't disappoint, although be warned: it's not a little tougher than it's predecessor. A must-have!