Play Thunder Force II Online

Summary

Thunder Force II (often called Thunder Force 2) debuted as one of the six launch titles for the U.S. Genesis, instantly setting a high bar for the system’s shooter lineup. Each mission starts with a top‑view, free‑directional segment where you hunt down enemy base cores, then flips to a classic side‑scrolling assault once the objectives are cleared, a dual‑stage design that would shape the series forever.

The game introduced a weapon system that became a series staple: a default twin‑shot, a forward and backward “Back” shot, plus a bomb for the overhead sections, all upgradable via collectible items. The new “Hunter” weapon joins the arsenal, and you can toggle between weapons on the fly—though a ship loss strips you back to the basics. Adding to the chaos are CRAW pods, orbiting drones that block bullets and fire their own shots; you can grab up to two, and a special item even speeds their rotation for tighter defense.

Critics praised the title’s relentless action, with ACE ranking it among the top three Mega Drive games of 1989 and UK mags lauding its packed levels and massive bosses. It later resurfaced in the Thunder Force Gold Pack Volume 1 for Saturn and even re‑appeared on Nintendo Classics in 2021, confirming its lasting appeal among retro shooters.

Storyline

Taking place shortly after the events of the original Thunder Force, the ORN Empire constructs a new super‑battleship known as Plealos (also called Preareos). Using this vessel the empire launches another assault on the Galaxy Federation, wiping out the Federation‑aligned world of Reda and inflicting massive damage on the planet Nepura (Nebula), which it eventually seizes.

The Federation learns that Plealos is hidden deep beneath Nebula’s surface when not in use and plans a counter‑offensive. They dispatch the latest Fire Leo fighter, the FIRE LEO‑02 Exceliza, to smash ORN bases on Nepura and locate the hidden battleship. Players pilot the Exceliza, battling through a series of varied stages to finally destroy Plealos and turn the tide for the Galaxy Federation.