Assault Suit Leynos 2 brings back a cult-classic mecha experience with enhancements aimed at modern players, but it doesn’t quite smooth out all the rough edges of its 1997 origins. As a remaster of the Sega Saturn original, this version reintroduces players to intense side-scrolling combat with deep customization and a branching narrative that reacts to mission outcomes. While the core gameplay remains as engaging as ever, the quality-of-life improvements help make it more approachable, though some dated design elements and technical issues persist.
The game’s premise places players in control of an Assault Suit, a heavily armed mech designed for fast-paced combat in the 22nd century. Missions unfold dynamically, with story beats that change depending on player performance. Comrades react in real-time, adding a sense of immersion to the battlefield, though the storytelling remains somewhat sparse outside of combat encounters. The attempt to blend action and narrative is compelling and commendable, but mission briefings and plot developments often lack the depth to make a lasting impact.
Where Assault Suit Leynos 2 shines is in its customization system. Players can fine-tune their mechs with different weapons, armor, and auxiliary components, allowing for a variety of strategic approaches. The ability to mix and match gear is rewarding, but some of the original game’s complexity – such as compatibility restrictions between parts – may feel unintuitive. Still, the sense of progression and experimentation remains a highlight, giving players plenty of incentive to refine their loadouts.
Gameplay itself is a mix of methodical mech movement and high-intensity combat, requiring players to carefully manage positioning and resources. The weighty, deliberate controls stay true to the original’s design, reinforcing the feeling of piloting a massive war machine. However, this also means movement can feel sluggish, especially compared to more modern action titles. The addition of rewind and quick-save functions helps mitigate some of the game’s inherent difficulty, making it more accessible to those unfamiliar with the series’ punishing mechanics.
Visually, this remaster retains the gritty, industrial aesthetic of the Saturn version, but the enhancements are subtle. While the original sprite work holds up well, the updated interface and smoothing options don’t do much to modernize the overall look. On the audio side, the soundtrack delivers high-energy tracks fitting for mech combat, but some sound effects feel dated, lacking the impact and richness seen in modern releases. While nostalgia plays a big role in the game’s appeal, the presentation may feel underwhelming for players unfamiliar with its legacy.
Ultimately, Assault Suit Leynos 2 successfully preserves a mecha classic while offering enough modern conveniences to keep it playable on contemporary platforms. The strategic depth and intense combat remain its biggest strengths, but some aspects- like stiff controls and an unpolished presentation – may limit its appeal beyond its dedicated fanbase. For those who appreciate old-school mecha action, this release is a welcome return, but newcomers may find it a tough introduction to the genre.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 