Item: SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad
Rating: 86
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

86/100

Shock Troopers 2nd Squad is a high-octane 'run and gun' experience that serves as a perfect sequel to the arcade original. Released by SNK in 1998, it shifted to a more stylized, almost pre-rendered look that still holds up remarkably well on mobile screens. You choose from four mercenaries, each with a distinct loadout, and blast your way through a giant corporation's army.

The addition of drivable vehicles is the standout feature here, giving the game a 'Metal Slug' vibe but with its own unique top-down/isometric perspective. The branching paths add significant replay value, as you can take different routes to the final boss. On mobile, the ACA NEOGEO features (like save states and difficulty adjustment) make this notoriously difficult arcade title much more accessible. It’s frantic, loud, and incredibly fun—exactly what a classic action game should be.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

I remember the original Shock Troopers as a masterpiece of 2D sprite work and tight mechanics. This sequel, while functional, feels like a step back in the aesthetics department with its pre-rendered look that hasn't aged nearly as well. The gameplay remains solid run-and-gun fare, and the inclusion of vehicles adds some needed variety. However, the mobile controls for a game this demanding are a nightmare. Unless you're connecting a real controller, you're going to spend more time fighting the virtual joystick than the enemies. It’s a piece of history, sure, but it’s not the best the genre has to offer. It's a conservative recommendation at best.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Solid run-and-gun mechanics
Multiple characters and branching paths
Vehicular combat sections

Aesthetic shift is less appealing than the original
Touch controls are inadequate for the difficulty
Relatively short runtime

Technical Report

Performance: Occasional slowdown during heavy sprite counts; accurate emulation otherwise.

Accessibility:

Save States
Button Remapping
Difficulty Adjustment

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are an SNK completionist with a Bluetooth controller.

Skip if: You can't stand pre-rendered 90s sprites or only play with touch controls.

Similar Games:

Metal Slug
Gunstar Heroes

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 3 hours
Status: Finished Story

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1601559837

$3.99 13+★4.8 6 reviews

Author : SNK CORPORATION

Pubish Date : Wed Apr 13 2022

Last Update Date : Mon Apr 17 2023

Support Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish

Genres :

Version 1.1.0Mon Apr 17 2023

・Added a news feature to the title screen.
・Added Bluetooth controller support.
NEOGEO's masterpiece games are now available in the app !!
And in recent years, SNK has partnered with Hamster Corporation to bring many of the classic games on the NEOGEO onto modern gaming environments through the ACA NEOGEO series. Now on smartphone, the difficulty and look NEOGEO games had back then can be reproduced through screen settings and options. Also, players can benefit from online features such as online ranking modes. More, it features quick save/load and virtual pad customization functions to support comfortable play within the app. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the masterpieces that are still supported to this day.
[Game introduction]
SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad is a military action game released by SNK in 1998.
Four mercenaries have risen up to thwart the ambitions of a massive corporation.
In addition to a main attack, weapon, and jump abilities, vehicles have also been added to the gameplay,
which together with branching paths give the player the ultimate freedom in choosing how they will take on stages.
[Recommendation OS]
iOS 13 and above
©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Arcade Archives Series Produced by HAMSTER Co.
Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
NEOGEO's masterpiece games are now available in the app !!
And in recent years, SNK has partnered with Hamster Corporation to bring many of the classic games on the NEOGEO onto modern gaming environments through the ACA NEOGEO series. Now on smartphone, the difficulty and look NEOGEO games had back then can be reproduced through screen settings and options. Also, players can benefit from online features such as online ranking modes. More, it features quick save/load and virtual pad customization functions to support comfortable play within the app. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the masterpieces that are still supported to this day.
[Game introduction]
SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad is a military action game released by SNK in 1998.
Four mercenaries have risen up to thwart the ambitions of a massive corporation.
In addition to a main attack, weapon, and jump abilities, vehicles have also been added to the gameplay,
which together with branching paths give the player the ultimate freedom in choosing how they will take on stages.
[Recommendation OS]
iOS 13 and above
©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Arcade Archives Series Produced by HAMSTER Co.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 with 6 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad is a military action masterpiece released by SNK in 1998, now faithfully ported to mobile. Select one of four mercenaries and fight to thwart the ambitions of a reckless global corporation. The gameplay expands on the original with the addition of vehicles and branching paths, allowing players more freedom in how they tackle each stage. As part of the ACA NEOGEO series, the game includes modern features like online leaderboards, customizable difficulty, and nostalgic CRT display filters. Enjoy the peak of 90s arcade 'run and gun' action anywhere.

Features

Faithful 1998 Arcade Port

Four Unique Playable Mercenaries

Branching Stage Paths for Replayability

Drivable Combat Vehicles

Global Online Leaderboards

Tips

Choosing Your Mercenary

Each character has a different speed and special weapon. Leon is well-balanced for beginners, while Angel offers high mobility for dodging denser bullet patterns.

Promotion Videos

Shock Troopers 2nd Squad ACA NEOGEO Trailer

Gameplays

Vehicle Combat

Look for tanks and armored cars throughout the stages. Jumping into a vehicle provides a temporary health shield and massive firepower—essential for clearing crowded areas.