Rengoku 2 The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N.

With H.E.A.V.E.N., gamers visit another Tower where a mechanical warrior with bolt-on weaponry scales the floors and battles similarly mechanical enemies. The differences in overall visuals, animation quality, and control from the original Rengoku are substantial. Whereas the original felt very much like a first generation game with its awkward control and rough hewn graphics, the sequel is smooth with bright bold colors, eye candy special effects, and fluid running motion. If the two Rengoku games didn't share the Tower concept and bolt-on weaponry, Hudson could have just called this something else entirely. The protagonist roams around a level, locks-on to targets, and shoots them on the fly. Background objects are also interactive and may be damaged by gunfire. A vector-based map on the upper right corner of the screen keeps track of enemies and map layout.

The first Rengoku did not have game sharing or network functionality but the sequel features 2-4 player connectivity for death matches. Hudson listened and addressed the demands of critics and jaded gamers by adding much more exotic weapons, the ability to use the analog nub for control/movement, and smoother game play.