Lemmings 2: The Tribes

Lemmings 2: The Tribes
Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	February 26, 1993; 33 years ago
Founder	DMA Design
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Lemmings 2: The Tribes
Owner	Psygnosis (publisher)

Lemmings 2: The Tribes is a puzzle strategy title launched in 1993 by DMA Design and distributed by Psygnosis. It serves as the follow-up to the 1991 acclaimed Lemmings. In this installment, players lead various anthropomorphic lemming clans through levels using an expanded set of abilities to guide them to safety. The sequel introduced a less linear format, featuring twelve distinct worlds with ten stages each, a continuous storyline, a broader array of skills, simplified victory conditions, and a practice mode designed for skill experimentation. Psygnosis increased its involvement during development to emulate the original game's success. The title was widely adapted for multiple systems, including Mega Drive, Super NES, and Game Boy. Lemmings 2 enjoyed commercial success and was praised for its enriched gameplay diversity and mechanics.

Gameplay

In Lemmings 2, players navigate twelve worlds composed of ten levels apiece, directing lemmings from entrances to exits within set timeframes by employing various abilities. Differing from its predecessor, only a single lemming is required to reach the exit per stage; however, the total number saved influences medal awards—Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Lemmings saved in one level carry over to subsequent ones, occasionally necessitating revisiting earlier stages to accumulate enough survivors for future challenges.

The game builds upon the original’s eight skills by introducing 43 new ones, including capabilities for overcoming obstacles, constructing bridges, and breaking through barriers. Players can pause the action or eliminate all lemmings in unwinnable situations using the "nuke" option. Additional features include a fast-forward function to accelerate gameplay and a fan-created tool that enables flight-related skills such as balloon usage.

Players can select any world from a map interface and save their progress between levels. A practice mode allows testing of any eight skills across four dedicated stages. Achieving full completion involves collecting all golden talisman fragments by earning gold medals in every level, thereby increasing replayability.

Plot

On Lemming Island, twelve tribes coexist peacefully until an ancient prophecy foretells an impending great darkness. To survive this threat, the lemmings must escape using the Lemming Talisman, which is divided into twelve pieces held by each tribe. With player guidance, they must unite at the island’s center to avert their destruction.

Development

Developed by British company DMA Design and published by Psygnosis, Lemmings 2 saw notable publisher involvement in design and production aspects, as recounted by programmer Brian Watson. The development team aimed to replicate the widespread appeal of the original game, with lead programmer David Jones highlighting considerations for multi-platform releases. Developer Mike Dailly noted that structuring the game around tribes was intended to provide a more open-ended experience and extend player engagement. The fast-forward feature originated from an abandoned arcade adaptation intended to align with arcade gameplay speed.

Initially released on February 26, 1993, for MS-DOS, Amiga, and Atari ST, Lemmings 2 was subsequently ported extensively to systems like Mega Drive, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy. Console adaptations featured fewer levels, reduced skills, and limited on-screen lemmings due to hardware constraints. Dailly described porting as significantly more challenging—especially for the Super NES version—which benefited from extended development time granted by Psygnosis and included enhancements such as parallax scrolling backgrounds, additional animations, and sound effects. This version also supported the Super NES Mouse and contained hidden compatibility with the Super Scope. Although versions for the Master System and Game Gear were created by Spidersoft, they never reached publication.

Reception

Lemmings 2 was met with generally favorable critiques, although it did not achieve the same level of popularity nor was it released on as many platforms as the original title. It reached the top position in UK Amiga sales during February 1993 and led PC sales in March of the same year.

Reviewers often regarded the sequel as a step forward from its predecessor. Bruce and Margaret Howden from Compute! emphasized the engaging new mechanics and the broader range of Lemming skills, describing it as "perfection improved upon." Computer Gaming World praised Psygnosis for offering "double the gameplay" featuring meticulously crafted puzzles, charming animations, and a soundtrack uniquely tailored to each Lemming tribe, labeling it among the best purchases of the year.

The Genesis edition received attention from GamePro for its straightforward controls despite the small size of characters, alongside commendations for inventive level design, diverse available actions, and a wide difficulty spectrum. Similar approval was given to the SNES version, which introduced nonlinear elements to the puzzle genre. Reviewers at Electronic Gaming Monthly valued its novel twists and visual presentation, recommending it particularly to those familiar with the series. Next Generation endorsed the Genesis release as an excellent choice for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

A retrospective review in 2001 by Quandary noted that while the graphics appeared somewhat "flat," the puzzles remained demanding and on par with later entries such as 3D Lemmings and Lemmings Revolution, despite lacking mid-level save functionality.

The game earned the Best Action/Arcade Game award at the 1994 Codie Awards. Additionally, in 1995, Total! placed it 33rd in their Top 100 SNES Games list, highlighting its expanded levels, introduction of new Lemming types, and overall refinement of the original concept.

External links

FS-UAE Amiga emulator compatible with multiple platforms