Back to the Future Part II

Back to the Future Part II is a 1990 action game from Image Works, based on the film. It was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, C64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, DOS and Master System, with music adapted from Alan Silvestri’s score by David Whittaker.

Gameplay

Doc Brown brings Marty McFly to 2015 to save his future family, but Biff’s meddling with time changes everything. The game follows the film’s story over five very different levels.

• Hoverboard chase: Escape Griff’s gang through Hill Valley in 2015.
• Jennifer puzzle: Guide Jennifer through the McFly house.
• Alternative 1985: A beat ’em up through Biff’s twisted Hill Valley.
• Sliding puzzle: Rearrange a picture puzzle.
• Final chase: A second hoverboard chase to recover the almanac.

The variety is ambitious, but none of the sections is particularly good, and the difficulty is high. The music is the most praised part of the game.

Verdict

Back to the Future Part II is a disappointing film conversion. Its varied levels and music are nice touches, but the gameplay is frustrating. Reviews ranged from 37% to 79%, and most critics found it weak.