Down Load 2 - PC Engine Super CD-Rom

In this sequel to Down Load, the player once again takes control of Syd, a young "cyber diver" - a highly trained agent who is able to infiltrate the "cyber world", a virtual reality network that has replaced real life for so many humans in this grim futuristic scenario of the end of the 21st century. This time, Syd is up against an even bigger menace: a terrorist organization that has taken possession of Adolf Hitler's brain, in order to re-create it in a digital form, thus reviving one of the most vile and insane dictators in human history!

Like its predecessor, Down Load 2 is a side-scrolling shooter; it shares many elements with the original game, such as the overall setting, "virtual reality" levels with abstract design (along with real-world locations), etc. However, the control scheme is a bit different. Instead of choosing a main weapon and a sub-weapon in the beginning of a mission, the player has four types of weapons and is able to switch between them at any time. In addition to the vulcan cannon and the laser beam from the first game, the player can also use homing missiles and a powerful short-range lightning gun as main weapons here.

All the weapons can be upgraded with power ups, up to three times each. Another type of a power up increases the speed of the ship (yes, Syd pilots a spaceship-like aircraft this time, not his trademark flying bike). Secondary weapons must be picked up, and include additional missiles, bombs, and protective shields. As before, powerful boss enemies must be defeated before proceeding to the next stage. Anime-style cut scenes with voice-overs advance the story.

This sequel shifts toward harder action stages and more intense boss encounters, while preserving the futuristic noir tone that made the first game a cult favorite.

⭐ Gameplay & System

• Side-scrolling shoot-’em-up

• Faster scrolling and tighter enemy spacing than the first game

• Expanded weapon system & shot power-ups

• Larger multi-phase bosses

• Environmental hazards & set-piece stage transitions

Stage themes include:

• Cyber-labs & data terminals

• Megacity aerial routes

• Military research facilities

• Digital network combat zones

Difficulty ramps higher than the first title — designed for shooter fans.

The soundtrack again leans into moody synth + dramatic cyber-rock, matching the bleak sci-fi setting.

⭐ Super CD-ROM² Upgrade Notes

Compared to the original Down Load:

✔ CD-quality music & arranged tracks
✔ More frequent voiced story scenes
✔ Cleaner & sharper visual presentation
✔ Larger sprite detail & smoother scrolling

This version feels like a refined and expanded continuation of the first game.

Product Details

Japanese Title:ダウンロード2 (Down Load 2)
Platform: PC Engine Super CD-ROM² (NTSC-J)
Genre: Shooter / Cyberpunk Action
Players: 1 player
Language: Japanese
Developer: T&E Soft
Publisher: T&E Soft
Release Year: 1991 (Japan)

Requires Super CD-ROM²-compatible hardware (PC Engine Duo, TurboDuo, or System Card 3.0).

***PC Engine CD-ROMs are region-free, meaning they will work on both Japanese PC Engine and North American Turbo Duo systems. However, Super System Cards are region-locked and may require adapters or modification for use on non-Japanese systems. Please verify compatibility before purchasing.