Clockwork Knight 2 is a great example of the advancement of 2D side scrolling action games. This genre ruled on 16-bit consoles and was criminally ignored in subsequent generations. Sega did try to cover these bases on their Saturn console, at least early on, before abandoning it themselves. This could be part of the problem Sega had in general with the Saturn platform.

More of the same

Clockwork Knight 2 picks up immediately after the events of the first game. This led some magazines back in the day to make fact lacking claims about these two titles. These claims were not exactly proven wrong by decisions made at Sega. For one, you can unlock a boss rush type mode that includes all the bosses from the first game. Please note, this mode is apparently only available in certain copies of the game. If you have one, it might be a collector’s item now.

Both games feature the same number of levels and share items between the two games. Again, furthering the idea that Sega simply split one game into two releases.

It makes sense that things do not change too much between games considering the timing. It is not like years passed between the two adventures. Literally minutes have passed between the two games. What can change in a kid’s room that quickly?

I understand the concern though. It does feel like a rush or even a remix of sorts. Nothing like a true sequel but also not like half a game either.

Clockwork Knight 2 continues the adventures

Chelsea, this games Princess Peach/Toadstool, is kidnapped shortly after you fire CK2 up. This sets up the events that you must endure in Clockwork Knight 2.

Prepare for four more rooms with two levels each, just like the first game. You will encounter many of the same enemies as the previous adventure as well.

Sega did add a few things to Clockwork Knight 2 though. There are now four playing cards spread throughout each level. Spin each one to earn the Gold Key. Collect all the Gold Keys and you can earn a secret code.

Fans of auto scrolling “endless running” games on mobile will love this next addition. There are auto scrolling levels pitting Pepper on the back of his steed, Barabaro.

There are now hidden locations that feature a special race. Win these to earn a Gold Key.

Finally, there is the addition of the boss rush mode. As mentioned already, this may not be in your copy of the game as it was only included in some. No idea why – maybe they used more than one production plant to make the CD’s?

Continuing tradition simply wrong characters

As much as Clockwork Knight 2, and its predecessor, are neat to play, Sega had them wrong. What I mean is, had Sega launched a Sonic the Hedgehog game, or two, with this engine then maybe, just maybe, the Saturn could have faired better.

Imagine fighting Dr. Eggman in situations like those featured in the Clockwork Knight games? I can only imagine the ingenuity that would have been used now that the doctor had depth to work with.

This was not something Sega would rectify later either. The Sonic games we did get were simply direct ports, with slight improvements, from the Sega Genesis. Not what fans expected when they saw a Sega console sitting on shelves at stores.

While Clockwork Knight 1 and 2 were fun and interesting, they simply were not what fans wanted. Had Sega gave fans a great Sonic game I am willing to venture to say that games like this might have fared better as well.

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Carl Williams

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