Pyramid 2, developed by the prolific Taiwanese studio Thin Chen Enterprise (Sachen), is a sequel that stays firmly rooted in the niche world of unlicensed 8-bit puzzling. Unlike the falling-block clones that saturated the market, this title utilizes a horizontal sliding mechanic where players must manipulate rows of Egyptian-themed tiles to create matches. It is a slow-burn logic game that requires more foresight than Tetris, often feeling closer to a primitive version of Puzznic. While the controls are functional, they possess a distinct "unlicensed" stiffness, making high-speed play a challenge for those accustomed to the fluid movement of first-party Nintendo releases.
Visually, the game is a product of its obscure origins, featuring dithered backgrounds and a limited color palette that attempts to evoke an ancient tomb atmosphere. The sprites are clear enough for a puzzle game, though the hieroglyphic icons can become difficult to distinguish during late-game stages when the screen becomes cluttered. The audio is perhaps the weakest link, consisting of a short, high-pitched loop that becomes grating almost immediately. However, for enthusiasts of the "Sachen sound," it carries a nostalgic, eerie charm that is synonymous with the era’s legal grey-market software.
For the modern collector, Pyramid 2 represents a fascinating deep dive into the history of Asian-market exclusives and the persistence of unlicensed developers. It never received a formal Western retail release, mostly appearing on "Super Joy" multicarts or as standalone cartridges in specialized import shops. While it lacks the "Seal of Quality" polish, it offers a surprisingly deep level of challenge that rewards patient players who can overlook the budget presentation. It remains a curiosity of the 8-bit era—a competent, if unpolished, brain-teaser that serves as a testament to the thriving underground development scene of the early nineties.
