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August 14th, 2014 
Carl Williams 
Space Harrier II was not the first 3D endless runner, but it was first on the Sega Genesis. Sega was eager to show off the power of their newly launched console and what better way to do that than with a title that would be severely limited on the Nintendo Entertainment System? Space Harrier II, as the title suggests, is a sequel, the first for the Sega Genesis.
Space Harrier II tried
The Genesis was not perfect at scaling objects on screen. It was better at it than the Nintendo Entertainment System though. That is probably one reason Sega chose it as a launch title. Space Harrier II did a decent job, for the time, at performing though it has not aged well at all. Just look at the video below for proof of that.
The unique perspective changed depending on whether you were running across the land or performing a long jump. This slight change in the view adds quite a bit of depth to the overall game. It also adds a bit more strategy in avoiding or killing enemies.
Harder than nails
This is an unforgiving title, one hit and you are dead. You get a few “lives” to burn through before it is game over, though they go quick. Gameplay consists of avoiding obstacles while killing enemies. Pillars, bushes, etc will fly at you as enemies drop in to do battle. With 12 levels it is going to be a battle to the death (the end boss’ demise or your patience).
Later on there would be a version of this game for the Sega 32X that is quite rare and sought after. Apparently, Sega of Canada were the ones to bring it to North America. They did so in extremely limited supply.
Space Harrier II has seen a release on nearly every computer available. To make it easier on you, we have collected some links below:
Amazon
eBay
iTunes
Wii Virtual Console
Windows (Steam, Gamersgate, DotEmu)
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