My Played Video Games Review: Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics for the Super Nintendo

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Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics, known as Joe & Mac 3: Lost in the Tropics in the PAL region, is a 1994 Super Nintendo/Super Famicom adventure video game. It is a sequel to the 1991 arcade game Joe & Mac developed by Data East.

Not many people have played the first game, and even fewer have experienced the second. This is quite a shame since Data East of Japan put a lot of effort into these two games, creating something that's quite a lot of fun to play.

Japan only box cover art. (Image source)

The Story

Our heroes, Joe and Mac, have taken on the mission to retrieve their leader's stolen crown and restore peace to their village. Naturally, they are not just doing this out of sheer goodwill—they're also looking to win the favor of the local cave-girls too.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics are wonderful. Each level is lush with detail and vibrant colors. The environments are interactive and captivating, showcasing the capabilities of the Super Nintendo. The enemies exhibit a lot of comical expressions and advanced behaviors for a game of its time. The developers at Data East really pushed the system to its limits with this one, making it one of the best-looking 16-bit games out there. If you're a fan of 2D graphics, don't miss out on this game.

Despite the impressive graphics, the sound isn't particularly special. Some sound effects are good, but overall, they are average. The music is decent in most levels, complementing the game without being memorable or extraordinary. It won't leave you humming the tunes or searching for the soundtrack, but it does its job in enhancing the gameplay experience.

Gameplay video sample of Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics on the SNES. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

The game offers straightforward and accessible gameplay, making it easy for anyone to jump right in. The controls are minimal, with just three primary actions: jump, dash, and attack. True to its title, the game supports a two-player mode, allowing you to team up with a friend for some cooperative fun.

You'll face off against various rival cavemen and dinosaurs. Enemies are typically dangerous on contact, and you'll also need to be mindful of occasional ranged attacks and environmental hazards.

As you progress, you can collect club icons to power up your weapon, granting you a limited ranged attack. You can also ride on small dinosaurs, adding a unique element to the gameplay.

Consuming food items restores your health, and some foods allow you to spit out projectiles like seeds or bones, adding a fun twist to the game's mechanics.

The simplicity of the controls combined with these engaging elements ensures that it is both easy to pick up and entertaining to play.

Typically, you can complete most of Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics in about an hour or less. Once you've beaten the game, you might find yourself wanting to play it again with friends from time to time. It's the kind of game that, despite its simplicity, invites occasional replays for its nostalgic charm and cooperative fun.

My Verdict

This game is truly underrated. Few have played it, and it's quite hard to find. If you ever get the chance to try this little-known gem, do it. It's a fantastic title and one of the best side-scrollers on the Super Nintendo. The graphics are splendid, and the gameplay is refreshing and a lot of fun, especially with a friend. If you love 2D action games, Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics is for you.

Play it on the irreplaceable Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a well-liked emulator. Play it with a friend.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!