Multi-Player

The multiplayer mode allows for up to four person combat through a split screen, but no LAN or online support. It has two modes: the rather self-explanatory Deathmatch, and Bounty mode, which centers around collecting coins that injured players drop. In contrast to most first-person multiplayer games, MP2:E features the same control scheme as the singleplayer mode, including the morph ball and lock-on systems. This move, as well as the inclusion of multiplayer in the first place, has provoked some controversy from gamers, but Retro Studios maintains that this was to differentiate the game from the admittedly large number of multiplayer FPSs on the market. To make the system work better in multiplayer, use of the Boost Ball will throw off another player's lock, allowing an escape. Play is further livened up by different environments featuring grapple points, magnetic rails for the Spider Ball, Morph Ball cannons and water pits. All players start out with the Power Beam, Charge Beam, Morph Ball, Boost Ball, Spider Ball, Space Jump and Grapple Beam, and can pick up many of the single-player game's power-ups through crates or Randomizers scattered around. Critical reactions to the multiplayer mode are mainly mediocre, stating that the mode is simplistic fun, but is largely out of date when compared to other multiplayer games on the market. It certainly does not detract from the single player aspect, however.