Infeztation 2 (Monte Boyd) $5.99 USD
Game description: Infeztation 2: Mystery of the Crystal Moon is the sequel to Monte Boyd's acclaimed 2024 Commodore 64 platform shooter InfeZtation. Once again you take on the role of the Galactic Sheriff, this time dispatched to a distant Crystal Moon where an illegal mining operation has been uncovered. The mission is straightforward: collect all the crystals scattered across each level, then exit through any opening on the right edge of the stage. Her trusty robot sidekick D3P-UT returns alongside her, and even gets his own dedicated mini-game this time around. The game spans four distinct zones — the rocky alien terrain of the Surface, the glittering subterranean Crystal Caves, the grimy industrial Refinery, and the hauntingly atmospheric Lost City. Each brings its own visual palette and enemy roster. The Lost City also introduces environmental puzzle toggles that must be activated to progress, adding a light problem-solving element to the final stretch. Controls are handled via joystick in port 2: left and right to run, up to jump, fire to shoot, and hold down to interact. Five weapons are available across the game. The standard issue rifle has unlimited ammo but is slow to reload with limited range. Pickups unlock the plasma gun, which captures enemies in a ball for a touch-kill; the rapid-fire rifle attachment, which improves reload speed and range; the lightning gun, which deals extra damage and has some vertical reach but is unpredictable; and the boomerang gun, whose shots return for a second hit. When any special weapon runs dry, you automatically revert to the rifle with rapid fire. All power-ups reset at the end of each level. A password system allows you to return to any stage already completed.
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Production - 95%
95%
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Fun - 89%
89%
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Depth - 94%
94%
Summary
Monte Boyd has spent the better part of eighteen months building Infeztation 2: Mystery of the Crystal Moon, and the ambition is evident from the moment you start playing. This is not a case of a developer playing it safe with a successful formula — it is a genuine leap forward that reshapes almost everything that defined the original while holding onto what made it special.
The most immediately striking change is visual. Monte has moved away from the mini-figure aesthetic of infeZtation and gone with larger-scale characters set against a bigger, bolder game world. The results are gorgeous. Each of the four zones has its own distinct personality — from the alien rockscapes of the Surface to the glittering depths of the Crystal Caves and the eerie ruins of the Lost City — and the character scaling goes a long way to differentiating this sequel from its predecessor. It feels like a more cinematic, more immediate experience, and the presentation absolutely earns that ambition.
The shift to full multi-directional scrolling across expansive levels also pays off handsomely. Where the original rewarded patience and methodical enemy clearance, InfeZtation 2 gives you a greater sense of freedom and exploration as you navigate its sprawling stages. The pacing is tighter and more propulsive, each level feeling like a focused sprint with clear forward momentum rather than a slow, deliberate grind. It is a different kind of satisfaction, and a very welcome one.
The expanded weapon system adds further texture to the action. You can genuinely feel the difference between each pickup — the plasma gun in particular is a delight, trapping enemies in a containment ball and making short work of tough encounters in tight spots. The decision to reset all special weapons at the end of each level keeps things honest and prevents any single pickup from trivialising the experience.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise, however, is the SID soundtrack. The original infeZtation was flagged here at RGN for music that did not quite live up to the rest of the production — but Monte has clearly put serious work into addressing that. InfeZtation 2 features his best SID work to date, with a handful of level tunes that are genuinely hard to shake once they get into your head. It is the kind of score that earns its place alongside the visuals rather than lagging behind them.
There is one caveat worth noting. The game’s randomised enemy placement, while welcome for keeping each run feeling varied, can occasionally work against you — throwing together combinations that feel less like a designed challenge and more like an unlucky draw. It is not a frequent enough problem to derail the experience, but it will sting when it happens.
As for replayability, there is plenty to sink your teeth into across the full playthrough, and the password system means you are never forced to retrace ground you have already covered. Once the credits roll there may not be a great deal pulling you back for another run, but the journey itself is thoroughly rewarding — and given the quality on offer here, that is far from a criticism.
InfeZtation 2: Mystery of the Crystal Moon is bigger, bolder, and more technically accomplished than its predecessor. Given how strong the original was, that is really saying something.
Overall
93%User Review
( vote)Pros
Stunning visual upgrade: The move to larger-scale characters and a full-colour multi-directional world is a marked step up from the original, with each of the four zones delivering a genuinely distinct and beautifully realised look.
Multi-directional scrolling opens the game up: The expanded level design delivers a real sense of freedom and exploration, giving the sequel a more propulsive, cinematic feel that sets it apart from the methodical pacing of the first game.
Satisfying weapon variety: The expanded arsenal goes beyond cosmetic differences — each weapon has a distinct tactical use, and the plasma gun in particular is enormously satisfying when used against tougher enemies in confined spaces.
Password system respects your time: Being able to pick up from any level you’ve already reached means the game never punishes you for putting it down, which is the right call for a title of this scope and length.
Cons
Random enemy generation can punish unfairly: The game’s randomised enemy placement, while keeping things varied, occasionally produces combat situations that feel less like a fair challenge and more like an unlucky roll of the dice — something that may frustrate players at the worst possible moments.
ADDITIONAL SCREENSHOTS:
Your review has no cons at all? I can hardly accept this as a worthwhile review, or a review at all. I much prefer an actual balanced opinion.
Review score: 2/10
Regardless as to whether you accept it or not, it is my subjective opinion. Just like how your opinion is valid as well. All reviews are welcomed here, not just the ones that I agree with.