Last year’s Assault Heroes was an innovative shooter that stood out as one of the best titles available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Now, Wanako Games, the developer behind the original game, is releasing the game’s sequel, Assault Heroes for Xbox 360, and the results are pretty solid. Assault Heroes 2 doesn’t change the formula set by the original game a whole lot, but manages to keep what made the original so fun while adding some great new elements to the mix. All in all, fans of the original game as well as newcomers shouldn’t be disappointed in this capable sequel.

The gameplay in Assault Heroes 2 is quite similar to the gameplay in the first game. The action unfolds from a top-down view, and you’ll be able to tear through the battlefield in a variety of different vehicles. Among the new vehicles are helicopters and even mechs as you play on a variety of different environments, taking on myriad foes and capping each stage with an epic boss battle.

One of the things that make Assault Heroes 2 so cool is the destructible environments. Basically everything can be destroyed, like buildings, trees, and so on. The attention to detail is very impressive, adding life to each of the battlefields and keeping the game fresh each time you play.

Assault Heroes 2 is a great game, and if it has any problems or gripes it would be its brevity. Most people should have no problem getting through the game in an afternoon. For fans of online play, Assault Heroes 2 supports a co-op mode for two players, either online or off. The co-op mode features the same stages and wild brand of action as the single-player mode, plus the benefit of special moves that you can only perform with a buddy.

Graphically, Assault Heroes 2 is a great looking title, especially for a XLA game. The vehicle models look very impressive, and intense action unfolds at a smooth clip. The environments take the cake though, as their destructibility adds a great quality to the game.

The game’s sound effects are also pretty good. The score is great and helps pull you into the action. The sound effects also sound pretty good, but could use a bit more punch.

Assault Heroes 2 carries the torch nicely from the first game, adding even more intense action and new features to the mix. If you’re a fan of fast-paced arcade action, then you should definitely give this one a look.

Gameplay: 8.5
The gameplay in Assault Heroes 2 is a unique take on the top-down shooter genre that adds some interesting new vehicle elements to the mix while keeping the high level of intensity that the genre is known for. The only problem is the game’s brevity, as it is quite short.

Graphics: 8.5
Graphically, Assault Heroes 2 looks great, with detailed vehicle models and some nice effects. However, the destructible environments really steal the show.

Sound: 8.0
The epic score sounds great, but the sound effects could use a bit more punch.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.0
The game doesn’t change things up fun from its predecessor, but stands as a great and fun successor.

Multiplayer: 8.5
The inclusion of a co-op mode is a great touch and adds a good quality to the game.

Overall: 8.5
Assault Heroes 2 is not quite as revolutionary as the original, but adds enough new features to keep the experience fresh and fun.