Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition was one of the first games I picked up for the Wii U towards the back end of 2012 (has it really been a year already?). I found this fast paced, block switching puzzle/platformer both enjoyable and challenging, and so relished the idea of a sequel. Can Mighty Switch Force! 2 live up to its predecessor?

A 2D platformer at heart, Mighty Switch Force! 2 sees players once again take control of Patricia Wagon as she battles through 16 levels, rescuing the Hooligan Sisters in the quickest time possible. However this time she has switched careers from a Police Officer to a Fire Fighter. Lucky for some – most people struggle to get one job and here she is flitting about without a care in the world. Anyway, I digress.

This career change has led to one of the game’s biggest changes – instead of gun; Patricia now carries a water hose. This hose is the key mechanic in a number of puzzles; be it simply extinguishing fires, to pushing enemies around the screen. At a number of points you’ll also be required to spray water through pipes at certain targets, or to destroy blocks.

Speaking of blocks, the “switch” part of the title comes from how you manipulate the blocks in each level. To start with there are two different types of block – one solid, and one transparent. Obviously you can walk through the transparent one, but the solid one will block your path. With the press of a button, however, the blocks switch places so the transparent one becomes solid.

Quick reflexes are required as you must keep switching the blocks to progress through each level. Be warned, if you happen to get caught in a block as it’s changing you’ll lose a life. Sounds logical, but it’s a very easy mistake to make.

As you delve further into the game you’ll uncover further blocks, such as ones that will fire you to different parts of the screen, or the Lock Blocks which won’t disappear if you are standing on them (creating a few devious puzzles), but apart from that it’s very much business as usual. Those who have played Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition will feel quite a bit of déjà vu.

Déjà vu isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as the game plays very well. Although it feels slower than the original, Mighty Switch Force! 2 is still fast paced, with well-designed levels and some pretty tight times to beat to get a “par” completion. Each level also has a baby in it for you to rescue, although you do this by giving it an almighty kick off the screen. Genuinely amusing!

In terms of Wii U specific features (the game is already out on the Nintendo 3DS), you can play the entire thing using just the GamePad. To be honest this became my default way of playing.

Visually the game certainly has a charm to it, reminding me of something from the 16 bit era (which is meant in the best possible way!). The music is also catchy, and I found myself humming away to it more than once.

To clear the game the first time round took less than two hours. After you do this there is a little reward as an incentive to go back and get a par time on every level, but in all honesty I’m not sure if you’ll want to.

What’s Good:

• Looks and sounds good.
• Well-designed levels.
• Enjoyable gameplay.

What’s Bad:

• The fact it’s so similar to the original may put people off.

Don’t approach Mighty Switch Force! 2 expecting massive changes and innovative new features, as it is very similar to the original game. Look past this, though, and you’ll find an enjoyable little game that will keep you entertained for a couple of hours. Money well spent.

Score 7/10