Keio Flying Squadron 2 is a 1996 platform video game developed and published by Victor Entertainment for the Sega Saturn. It is a direct sequel to Keio Flying Squadron (1993). In a departure from the first game, a side-scrolling shoot 'em up, Keio Flying Squadron 2 is a platformer with shooter sections. The story follows series protagonist Rami Nanahikari as she joins a race to find the Secret Treasure.
Development began in 1994 for the Sega CD. Initially conceived as an enhanced version of the first game, the project was moved to the Saturn and evolved into a full sequel with new graphical features. Although 3D games were gaining popularity in the 1990s, the team decided to retain 2D gameplay and transitioned from a shoot-em-up to a platformer in order to implement new sprites that would show off the characters more prominently. Several planned features, including 3D bonus stages, were cut during development. As with the previous title, the game's animated cutscenes were produced by Studio Pierrot.
Keio Flying Squadron 2 was released in Japan in May 1996, with a release in Europe following in September. It received mixed reviews, with praise for its graphics and music but criticism for its controls. The game was followed by Rami-chan no Ōedo Sugoroku: Keiō Yūgekitai Gaiden in 1998.
Plot A year has passed since the apocalyptic disaster known as the "Ark Catastrophe", which left a great crater in the center of Edo. The destruction wrought major economic consequences and while much investment was poured into the public works for the new Edo Castle, the citizens were all feeling the pinch of the recession.
Dr. Pon Eho was no exception. Although a freak of nature with an astronomical IQ of 1400, hard reality forced the genius tanuki to become a laborer in the construction of the new castle. One day, while he was shoveling away some gravel near the center of the crater, he unearthed the Secret Treasure Scroll and one of the Six Magical Orbs (called Jewels in the Japanese version). With the knowledge that the six Orbs together would bring him an enormous amount of treasure, he quickly left his job in search of the remaining five Orbs listed on the Scroll's map.
Meanwhile, Himiko Yamatai, "the 13th Queen of Yamatai-koku", makes a dramatic appearance at the Nanahikari family's dinner table and grabs the family's Magical Orb. But before she can get away, Dr. Pon ambushes her and steals it. Of course, Rami makes chase and joins the race for the great treasure, starting her on her new adventure.
Gameplay The game mainly consists of side-scrolling platformer stages. Two of the stages retain the shoot-'em-up style of the first game, but the Homing Spot Jrs. can be obtained as bonuses only. Besides the platformer and shoot-'em-up stages, there are vertically scrolling bonus stages, a rollercoaster stage and an underwater stage, classifying the game as a multi-genre platformer.
Several bonuses can be collected including three weapons: Atami - The Hammer of Dreams - A large mallet, used only for hitting enemies. Kinugawa - The Umbrella of Love - An umbrella, used to hit enemies, float and deflect overhead obstacles. Kusatsu - The Arrow of Hope - A bow and arrow set, used to shoot arrows at enemies.
Rami can also bounce on the heads of enemies to defeat them, as well as Kappas to reach higher places. Being damaged without holding an item results in the loss of a life. Background objects can be pick up and thrown at enemies to defeat them. Some background objects can also have a utility use. There are three difficulty levels which alter how many enemies there are to defeat and how quickly weapons disappear after being damaged.
Points Orbs can be collected throughout the game. Defeating some enemies also rewards points, but there are some enemies that are considered passive and will instead deduct points when defeated. A reward system accessed from the main menu unlocks helpful hints and behind-the-scenes extras depending on the highest and lowest scores achieved through playing.
Characters Japanese names are given in the Western order, given name first.
Rami Nanahikari - The 14-year-old grandchild of an ancient family and a descendant of aliens who came to Earth long ago. She wears a bunny suit, the formal attire of a Key Guardian. After her last adventure she was enjoying her life as an ordinary schoolgirl. However, now that she knows about the Secret Treasure, she has decided to join the battle between Dr. Pon and Himiko in search of it. Voiced by Miho Kanno (Japanese); Samantha Paris (English). Spot Nanahikari - The Nanahikari family's pet dragon, who has become like a younger brother to Rami. Because he worked so hard in the first game, he became soporose and now sleeps and nods out whenever he can. In this game, he has a supporting role assisting Rami. Spot is called Pochi in the Japanese release of the game. Voiced by Mika Kanai (Japanese); Samantha Paris (English; cutscenes); Roger L. Jackson (English; gameplay). "Grandma" and "Grandpa" Nanahikari - Rami's natural grandparents who have brought her up to be the next Key Guardian and belong to the Key Guardian Clan, who have been guarding the Key to the Secret Treasure and Magical Orb for generations. Two years ago, when they came to the realization that they no longer look very good in their bunny suits, they decided to resign their posts to Rami and enjoy their retirement. Voiced by Keiko Yamamoto (Japanese; Grandma), Jōji Yanami (Japanese; Grandpa); Roger L. Jackson (English; both). Dr. Pon Eho - A super intelligent tanuki with an IQ of 1400. He is critical of most humans, but on the other hand loves nature and is an ecologist who belongs to Greenpeace. He loves to buy new products that come on the market, but because he has no economical common sense, he is always broke. He always carries the part-time job section of the magazine. Voiced by Jōji Yanami (Japanese); Roger L. Jackson (English). Himiko Yamatai - The 13th Queen of Yamatai-koku (called the Pompous Queen of the Ancients in the English version) and Rami's rival, who is in search of the Secret Treasure along with Rami and Dr. Pon. She believes that the Magical Orbs and the treasure, known as Jofuku's Gold, righteously belong to her since it was the 1st Queen Himiko that hid the treasure as an emergency measure for the day when there would be a need to re-establish Yamatai-koku. To destroy the magical seal of the door to the Secret Treasure, she controls the mysterious powered karakuri dolls Tōma and Shima (called Psi-Vee 1 and 2 in the English version). Due to her upbringing in poverty, she can be modest in lifestyle, but she is a queen after all, and her pride remains strong. She has her hair wrapped in a headband and neatly pinned up on both sides. Voiced by Mika Kanai (Japanese); Elaine A. Clarke (English). Kappa - Turtle-like humanoid creatures and a type of suijin from Shinto mythology, who are seen inhabiting the backdrops of the game. Rami can use these creatures as a spring to reach higher places. She can also pick them up and move them. One of the Kappas, named Kaiyan, narrates the introductory scene in the game's promotional video. (Transcript, Download) Voiced by Akiko Hiramatsu (Japanese; Kaiyan). Tanuki - Subordinates who work under Dr. Pon's direct orders. They appear throughout the game trying to intercept Rami's advancement. Voiced by Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese; Fire Tanuki, Fishing Tanuki, Castle Promenade Tanuki); Roger L. Jackson (English; Fire Raccoons, Fishing Raccoons, Castle Promenade Raccoon). Armed Tanuki - Rami can snatch the weapons from their hands and add them to her arsenal. Voiced by Nobuo Tobita (Japanese; Umbrella Tanuki); Roger L. Jackson (English; Umbrella Raccoon). Crane in Hanging Bag - Because he hates the cold weather, this bird lives in a bag made of leaves that hangs from a tree. He occasionally scares those who pass underneath. Nezumi Kozō Tanukichi - A thief who steals money from the rich to give to the poor. By defeating him when he holds a senryō box in his hand, Rami will obtain the box filled with money. Mini-Whaling Boat - A high-performance 2-person whaling boat capable of catching the largest type of whale. The harpoon gun which shoots from the head of the boat is extremely powerful. Mr. Piggy - Dr. Pon's marine reserve, who usually works as a houseboat captain. Musashi Sakaimari - The Ryōgoku Kokugikan's Daruma doll mascot, possessed by the spirit of the legendary sumo champion Raiden Tameemon. His muscular power has no rival. He always dreamed of setting foot in the wrestling arena, but was never given the chance due to his "lack of human spirit". Dr. Pon got him to be a subordinate by promising him the chance to become a genuine wrestler one day. Voiced by Dai Sasahara (Japanese; speaking), Tsukasa Tawada (Japanese; burping and vomiting); Roger L. Jackson (English). Tekkannon (+150 ml) - An armed chahakobi ningyō machine and an improved version of Tekkannon from the first game, built and operated by Dr. Pon. If it takes too much damage, it will become angry and transform into a super chahakobi ningyō. It can carry 360 liters of tea (for about 2,000 people) at a time, so it receives many inquiries, mainly from the employees of cafeterias owned by large companies. Tekkannon is called the Toxic Waste Disposer in the English version of the game. Voiced by Wataru Takagi (Japanese); Toby Gleason (English). Frog Tanuki - Tanuki who swim in the Aquarium at the amusement park Azuchi Jidaimura ("Azuchi Historic Village"), wearing red G-strings with a long tail to protect themselves from sharks. Kurobei the Octopus - An octopus in the Aquarium, who waves his tentacles around to attack Rami. Voiced by Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); Don Robins (English). Menreiki - A yōkai composed of three Noh masks (Hannya, Otafuku and Hyottoko), and a type of tsukumogami. He earns money by working part-time at the Haunted House at Azuchi Jidaimura in order to go to Easter Island and see the Moai statues. The masks are named the Three Funny Faces in the English version of the game. Voiced by Dai Sasahara (Japanese; Hannya), Keiko Yamamoto (Japanese; Otafuku), Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese; Hyottoko); Elaine A. Clark (English; Hannya, Otafuku), Roger L. Jackson (English; Hyottoko). Ninjas - Martial arts fighters who appear in Azuchi Castle, trying to attack Rami with shurikens and metal balls and transforming into Hōgyū Jizō statues. Voiced by Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); Roger L. Jackson (English). Karakuri Nobunaga and Hiyo-chan - A karakuri version of Oda Nobunaga and the boss and his pet rooster of Azuchi Castle. The castle was originally the main attraction of Azuchi Jidaimura, which started construction during the bubble era. Construction was assumed to have been stopped due to the Momoyama Company going bankrupt in the aftermath of the "Ark Catastrophe" a year ago, but it was completed before anyone knew it. Karakuri Nobunanga and Hiyo-chan are called Mech-Shogun and Birdie in the English version of the game. Voiced by Nobuo Tobita (Japanese; Nobunanga); Don Robins (English; Mech-Shogun). King UFO - A race hailing from an unknown space region that humans have not yet discovered, with the highest amount of hormone secretion in the universe. Nipper - Victor's dog mascot. He makes a cameo appearance in the Outer Space stage as a Soviet space dog used to test the crewed spacecraft Sputnik No. 2. 3-meter Alien - A Flatwoods monster with a bomb-shaped rocket launcher with human legs and huge mace-hands, first sighted in the small town of Flatwoods in West Virginia in 1952. In Japan, it is nicknamed the "3-meter alien" and has become so popular that even garage kits based on it are being sold (in some quarters). Voiced by Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); Elaine A. Clark (English).