One of the latest games in SNK’s batch of arcade-to-Minis ports is Vanguard II, a space shooter from 1984. The original Vanguard received a fair bit of recognition in its heyday, but Vanguard II was not as fortunate. It’s certainly understandable – this sequel ditches nearly everything that made the original what it was. Altering the formula of the original for the sake of ingenuity is fine, but this follow-up just feels like a step backwards from the solid gameplay once offered.

