Editing Descent II

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{About|the video game|the unrelated film|The Descent Part 2}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Descent II
| image = Descent II cover art.png
| developer = [[Parallax Software]]<br />[[Interplay Productions]] (Mac OS)<br />R-Comp Interactive (Risc OS)
| publisher = [[Interplay Productions]]<br />Mac Play (Mac OS)<br />R-Comp Interactive (Risc OS)
| series = 
| director = {{ubl|Mike Kulas|Matt Toschlog}}
| producer = Rusty Buchert{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=68–69}}
| designer = {{ubl|Jasen Whiteside|Mark Dinse|Che-Yuan Wang}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Matt Toschlog|Mike Kulas|John Slagel|Jason Leighton|Che-Yuan Wang}}
| artist = {{ubl|Adam Pletcher|Jasen Whiteside|Doug Brooks}}
| writer = Ryan Garcia
| composer = {{ubl|Dan Wentz|Brian Luzietti|Larry Peacock|Leslie Spitzer|Jim Torres|Tim Wiles}}
| released = '''MS-DOS'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|March 13, 1996|EU|March 29, 1996}}'''Mac OS'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|August 1996}}'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 15, 1997|EU|Mid-1997}}'''RISC OS'''<br />{{vgrelease|WW|May 19, 2001}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]], [[shoot 'em up]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[DOS]]|[[Mac OS]]|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[RISC OS]]|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]}}
}}

'''''Descent II''''' is a 1996 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Parallax Software]] and first published for [[DOS]] by [[Interplay Productions]]. A version for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] was released under the title '''''Descent Maximum'''''. It is the second installment in the ''Descent'' video game series and the sequel to ''[[Descent (video game)|Descent]]''. The player controls a spaceship from the pilot's perspective and must navigate extrasolar underground mines to locate and destroy their reactors and escape being caught in their self-destructions, while engaging and surviving infected robots, which will attempt to destroy the ship. Unlike other first-person shooters, its [[six degrees of freedom|six-degrees-of-freedom]] scheme allows the player to move and rotate in any three-dimensional space and direction.

''Descent II'' started as a project intended to expand the original using a [[compact disc]]'s storage, and later became a standalone product. The game received very positive reviews from video game critics, who widely lauded the multiplayer mode and the inclusion of the Guide-Bot, a scouting robot that guides the player to their objectives. The PlayStation version's reception was rather mixed, with critics often disagreeing in their evaluations of its [[frame rate]]. A sequel, ''[[Descent 3]]'', was released in 1999.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Descent II gameplay.png|250px|thumb|left|After finding and freeing it, the Guide-Bot can then be used to locate and lead the player to many points of the level. In this case, it is directing the player to the blue key, the player's current objective.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=23–25}} From top-left counterclockwise, the [[Heads-up display (video games)|HUD]] comprises the [[extra life]] counter, a missile lock alarm, an afterburner energy gauge, an energy bar, the primary weapons window, a status indicator of the player ship's shields, the secondary weapons window, a bomb counter, and the current score.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=41–42}}]]

Like its predecessor, ''Descent II'' is a six-degrees-of-freedom [[shoot 'em up]]<ref name="Tom's"/> game in which the player pilots a fighter spaceship from a first-person perspective in zero gravity. It differs from standard first-person shooters in that it allows the player to move freely across three-dimensional planes and rotate on three axes, often termed [[flight dynamics|pitch, yaw, and roll]].<ref name="RPS-Descent"/><ref name="Daqaq"/> Besides the keyboard, ''Descent II'' features a wide range of supported hardware configurations with which to play it, including the [[Gravis Gamepad]] and certain brands of joysticks,{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=12–13|loc=Controls Menu}} some of which support [[force feedback]]—making it one of the earliest PC games to support force feedback.<ref name="Popular Mechanics"/> Virtual reality and [[stereoscopy|stereoscopic]] graphics are also officially supported.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=45|loc=VR Headset Information}}<ref name="TotalGames review"/><ref name=boot/>

In the game's single-player mode, the player must complete four levels in each of six differently themed star systems where different types of robots attempt to hinder the player's progress.<ref name=PCPP/> In each level, the player must find and destroy the mine's reactor and then escape the mine through an exit door before the mine self-destructs.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=34}} Every fourth level has a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss robot]] that takes the place of the reactor.{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=90}} Each level is composed of rooms separated by doors, most of which can be opened by shooting or bumping into them.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=32}} Some other doors are colored blue, yellow, or red and require a key of the corresponding color to be opened.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=35}}<ref name=TAD2/> In addition to brightening passages by shooting flares or turning on a headlight if the latter has been picked up,{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=90}} at least three measures can be used to prevent getting lost in the mines, two of which are using a wireframe [[automap]] that documents all explored areas of the mine and dropping markers in certain locations. The markers are displayed on the automap.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=35–36|loc=The Automap}}{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=39–40|loc=Markers}} Along the way, the player may also find and free a Guide-Bot, a commandable scouting assistant that guides the player to a specified objective or powerup.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=23–25|loc=The Guide-Bot}} Additionally, many stages have human hostages that award an additional point bonus if they are rescued before completing the level.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=34–35}}

Within each level, the player may find and collect power-ups scattered throughout the mine or dropped by dying robots. Many of the power-ups expand the ship's weaponry, which is divided into primary and secondary weapons. Primary weapons range from a variety of pulse lasers and plasma bolts,<ref name=Gambler/> and all of them consume energy in varying increments, except for two [[rotary cannon]]s whose ammunition consists of explosive shells instead. Secondary weapons include many types of missiles, and mines which are dropped behind the player's ship to slow pursuing enemies. Ten new weapons have been added for ''Descent II'' of which some are upgrades from the original ''Descent'' weapons which are all present as well; new weapons include the Phoenix cannon which fires energy orbs that rebound off walls, the Omega cannon which fires [[electrostatic discharge]], and the Guided Missile which can be remote piloted by the player.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/197096-descent-ii/faqs/50804 | title=Descent II - Enemy/Weapon FAQ - PC - by chaosshade2638 - GameFAQs }}</ref> The player can also collect equipment items which grant special abilities. For example, a converter exists for converting energy in excess of 100 units into shields, whereas the afterburner allows the player to temporarily fly forward twice as fast.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=23, 28–31}} Levels may contain energy stations the player can fly through to recharge their ship's energy level while in motion,{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=37}} as well as generators that spawn more robots.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=39}} Shooting out certain control panels causes a variety of events, such as doors opening, walls being removed, or force fields being deactivated.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=33}} In a few levels, behind some hidden doors are teleporters that warp the player to the current star system's secret level. These secret levels are not required to complete the game but contain many power-ups, and can be revisited provided that their reactors have not been destroyed and the teleporters are discovered. Players cannot save the game in a secret level, and have to teleport back to a regular level in order to save their game progress.{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=90}}{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=36–37|loc=Secret Levels}}

The player's ship is protected by a shield which decreases when incurring damage from attacks and collisions with force fields,{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=38}} is replenished by picking up shield power-ups, and like energy is limited by a capacity of 200 units.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=23, 28–31}} If the shield is fully depleted and the ship takes any additional damage, the ship will explode, costing the player one life and killing any hostages on board,{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=34–35|loc=Hostages}} leaving most of its weapons where it was destroyed. A respawning player has to start at the level entrance with a ship having only minimum armaments, so it is often challenging to retrieve their previous ship's weapons. New to ''Descent II'' is the ability to drop weapons, so a player can stockpile surplus weaponry in safe locations in the event of a respawn.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=27}} Failing to escape the mine during the self-destruct sequence will also cost the player a life, as well as their power-ups, and any hostages embarked, although having destroyed the reactor or boss robot the player will still advance to the next level.<ref name="CNET"/> If the player loses all lives, the game will end, and their high scores are recorded.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=40}} Points are gained for destroying robots, rescuing the hostages, and end-of-level bonuses based on the player's performance with score multipliers for escaping the mine; scoring enough points results in an extra life.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=40}}

''Descent II'' also features a multiplayer mode whereby two to eight players can compete against each other in several game types, which include a [[deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]] mode called Anarchy and [[capture the flag|Capture-the-Flag]], in which two teams compete against each other to capture opposing flags. Conditions for ending the level such as maximum time limit, how long the reactor will remain invulnerable before it can be destroyed, and the number of kills to reach can be set, as can which power-ups to allow and whether players may drop surveillance cameras. The game also features a co-operative mode that allows up to four players to work together to complete single-player levels.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=54–58}} A player can send messages and predefined taunts, handicap their ship's shields they begin with after respawning, and in Capture-the-Flag drop and pass flags to their teammates.{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=46–48}} ''Descent II''{{'}}s multiplayer was designed for [[modem]]s, [[null-modem]]s,{{Sfn|Manual|1996|p=49}} and [[local area network]]s, but an alternative then widely used is to use third-party software such as [[Kali (software)|Kali]] to play the game on the Internet.<ref name="Ars Technica"/> It is possible to have DOS and Macintosh versions of the game play on the same server, providing a [[cross-platform play|cross-platform]] experience.<ref name=NGen21/> The PlayStation version has a two-player mode that requires [[PlayStation Link Cable|a link cable]] used to connect two consoles running the same game. It contains the same game modes as found in the original DOS version, except for Capture-the-Flag.<ref name="D2-PS"/>

== Plot ==
The plot is linear<ref name="Tom's"/> and is mostly provided for the introductory and concluding [[full-motion video]] cutscenes. After the "Material Defender" (voiced by [[George DelHoyo]])<ref name=CTFT>{{cite book|title=Contemporary Theatre, Film & Televition|last=Riggs|first=Thomas|publisher=[[Thomson-Gale]]|date=2004|volume=56|page=78|isbn=0-7876-7099-5}}</ref> has destroyed all of the Solar System's mines in the original game, he stops in the [[asteroid belt]] to dock. He is then contacted by Post-Terran Mining Corporation executive Dravis, who exploits a loophole in a contract to coerce him to accept a new mission or forfeit his reward and face legal action. The Material Defender consents, and as Dravis tries to convince him that he is merely embarking on a reconnaissance mission, his ship is fitted with a prototype warp core. He is then sent to clear out PTMC's deep space mines beyond the Solar System.<ref name=PCPP/><ref name="video game"/>

The Material Defender teleports to [[Zeta Aquilae]] and five other, fictional star systems and destroys their mines. In the sixth system, the last mine seems to run all through a planetoid, which is revealed in the final cutscene to be a large spaceship. After the spaceship breaks apart, the Material Defender alerts Dravis to his return home, but his warp drive malfunctions and he teleports to an unknown location. The camera then fades to that location and the ship appears, heavily damaged and crackling with excess radiation drifting towards the camera, ending with the words "to be continued..." being displayed.<ref name="Tom's"/><ref name="video game"/>

== Development ==
Parallax Software began ''Descent II''{{'}}s development as an [[expansion pack]] for the original ''Descent'' game using a CD's storage, but it later evolved into a separate project lasting about one year.<ref name=UIUC/> ''Descent II''{{'}}s graphics were upgraded to operate at [[Super VGA]] standards,<ref name="PCGamer review"/> and can also take advantage of [[3D accelerator|3D acceleration graphics cards]].<ref name=boot/> The [[MIDI]] soundtrack was composed by Dan Wentz, whereas the included redbook features [[industrial metal]] contributed by notable musicians such as [[Type O Negative]] and [[Nivek Ogre|Ogre]] of [[Skinny Puppy]].{{Sfn|Manual|1996|pp=68–69}} It cost {{US$|500000|long=no}} to produce the game.<ref name=Dmitri>{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254305325|title=Structure and competition in the U.S. home video game industry|last=Williams|first=Dmitri|journal=[[International Journal on Media Management]]|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|date=May 28, 2009|volume=4|issue=1|pages=41–54|doi=10.1080/14241270209389979|s2cid=17848916}}</ref>

''Descent II''{{'}}s [[portal engine]] remained fundamentally unchanged; it operates on the premise of adjacent cubes or [[polyhedron|polyhedra]] whose sides connecting them form portals. The scenes that are drawn are the cube the player ship is in and the areas of other cubes the camera can see through their portals, and the process is repeated as the player enters a different polyhedron. Cubes can be deformed so long as they remain [[convex set|convex]]. Respectively, these prevent overdraw and accelerate [[portal rendering]], making the engine practical to run on even inexpensive personal computers of that time.<ref name="GDM-March98">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GDM_March_1998|title=Peeking Through Portals|last=Perez|first=Adrian|magazine=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]|date=March 1998|access-date=March 29, 2021|page=45}}</ref><ref name="Descent3"/> The preceding ''Descent'' introduced a dynamic light-sourcing scheme by which the environment could be lit with flares, while newly added in ''Descent II'' is the ability to shoot out sources of light which will darken rooms as well as a headlight powerup which can continuously illuminate the space in front of the player.{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=90}}

The game's directors, Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog, explained they upgraded the game's [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] to contain instructions mimicking the tactics they saw players use in multiplayer mode, such as dodging behind walls and sneaking up from behind. The [[C (programming language)|C]]-written code composing the AI was expanded to about 4,000 lines, a task the two described as being difficult.{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=92}}

===Releases===
The ''Descent II'' [[Game demo|demo]] was released in December 1995, becoming one of the most downloaded PC games in January 1996. Unlike the preceding ''Descent'' whose shareware release could be upgraded to the full version while leaving the existing shareware files intact including player saves, the ''Descent II'' demo was a self-contained program that was not upgradable to the full version.<ref name="PelitJan96"/><ref name="CGWMar96"/> Like the original ''Descent'' the demo version of Descent II presented the story as still screens with text and also uses the in-game engine for the mine escape sequence; while the full version replaces all of these with [[full-motion video]] [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered cutscenes]] incorporating voice acting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lparchive.org/Descent-II/Update%2002/|title=Descent II Part #1 - Opening Demo and Level 01}}</ref>  The demo features eight of ten weapons from the first ''Descent'' and six of ten weapons from the full ''Descent II''. The ''Descent II'' demo featured the first three regular levels of the game (the teleporter to the secret level was disabled), after completing the third level the player moves from Zeta Aquilae to a new star system with the story to be continued. The full release (see below) adds a fourth regular level (with a boss in lieu of the reactor) as well as the secret level to the Zeta Aquilae system, making it in line with the next five star systems (each has four regular levels plus a secret level), for a total of 30 levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lparchive.org/Descent-II/Update%2004/|title=Descent II Part #3 - Level 03}}</ref>

The full base ''Descent II'' game was published for DOS by Interplay in the United States on March 13, 1996,<ref name="Interplay-Mar96" /><ref name="PCGamerMar96" /> and in the United Kingdom on March 29, 1996.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1996 |title=News |pages=13 |work=[[Paisley Daily Express]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/833152593/?terms=%22Descent%202%22&match=1 |access-date=November 27, 2023 |quote=The unsurprisingly titled ''Descent 2'' will feature over 30 new levels...Out at the end of the month.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 28, 1996 |title=PC Software From Only £14.99 // Any PC Game Half Price<br/>First 10 Customers // Friday & Saturday |pages=15 |work=[[Gloucester Citizen|The Citizen]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/981863247/?terms=%22Descent%20ii%22&match=1 |access-date=November 27, 2023 |quote=''Descent II'' // CD-ROM. New // Or half price when purchased with any PC, Printer, Modem or CD-ROM drive."}}</ref> It was co-distributed by [[LaserSoft Imaging]], whom Interplay gave the rights as part of a settlement after the former lost a court battle regarding its product add-on for the first ''Descent'' game, which Interplay alleged [[trademark infringement|infringed its trademark]]—setting a precedent for how companies can sell add-ons for protected games.<ref name="PCGamerFeb96"/> Interplay's division specified in Macintosh games, [[MacPlay]], published it for Macintosh in August 1996.<ref name="MacPlay"/>

''Descent II: Destination Quartzon'' was a truncated version with the first eight regular levels and two secret levels (constituting the first and second star systems, "Zeta Aquilae" and "Quartzon"). Not compatible with the ''Descent II'' full release, ''Destination Quartzon'' was bundled software with hardware such as the [[List of Logitech products#Joysticks|Logitech WingMan Extreme]] joystick and [[Diamond Multimedia]] video cards with the [[3dfx Interactive#Voodoo Graphics PCI|Voodoo Graphics]] chipset.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/descent-ii-destination-quartzon | title=Descent II: Destination Quartzon (1996) }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/D2DestQuartzon | title=Descent II: Destination Quartzon | year=1996 }}</ref>

In November 1996 came ''Descent II: The Infinite Abyss'', a [[Windows 95]] upgrade that supports 3D accelerated graphics, contains ''The Vertigo Series'' add-on, and the original DOS game patched to support accelerated graphics. ''The Vertigo Series'', which could be purchased separately, contains 22 new levels (to be played sequentially), a new multiplayer game mode, new music and enemies. The add-on is also bundled with the [https://web.archive.org/web/20030220081721/http://brainware.net/ Mission Builder], a [[level editor|level]] and robot editor that can also convert the original ''Descent''{{'}}s levels for this game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://interplay.com/press/dsc2.html|title=Interplay Capitolizes on Success of Descent(TM) Descent(TM) II: The Infinite Abyss Releases|publisher=Interplay Productions|date=November 15, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980710155315/http://interplay.com/press/dsc2.html|archive-date=July 10, 1998|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_100_Volume_09_Number_01_1997-01_IDG_Publishing_US|title=Descent II: Infinite Abyss|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=100|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1997|access-date=March 26, 2021|page=66}}</ref>

The PlayStation version of ''Descent II'', known as ''Descent Maximum'', was launched on May 15, 1997 in North America and in mid-1997 in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-06-11 |title=Sony PlayStation Available Software sorted by Release Date @ www.vidgames.com |url=http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html |access-date=2023-11-27 |archive-date=June 11, 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980611181118/http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/playstation-pro-07|title=PlayStation Update - Descent Maximum|magazine=PlayStation Pro|publisher=[[IDG]]|date=May 1997|access-date=March 26, 2021|issue=7|page=7}}</ref> Instead of a straight port, it had 36 new levels, textures and full-motion video over the PC version of ''Descent II''.<ref name=NGen29/><ref name="DM GSpot review"/>

On October 29, 1997, Interplay published ''Descent I and II: The Definitive Collection'', a compilation containing the full versions of ''Descent'', the ''Levels of the World'' mission pack, ''Descent II'', and ''Vertigo'' mission packs, and a mission editor. Besides a choice of the original ''Descent II'' levels (subtitled ''Counterstrike''), or the ''Vertigo Series'' levels, the first ''Descent'' levels (subtitled ''The First Strike'') can be started in the ''Descent II'' game UI where robots adopt the ''Descent II'' sounds and improved AI. There is also a preview for the upcoming ''Descent 3''.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://interplay.com/press/descent.html|title=Interplay To Ship Descent™ I & II: The Definitive Collection In Time For Christmas Rush|publisher=Interplay Productions|date=September 17, 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980710171627/http://interplay.com/press/descent.html|archive-date=July 10, 1998|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1998, the ''Descent II'' [[source code]], like that of ''Descent'' before it, was released to the general public under a copyrighted proprietary license,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/descent-source-code-released/1100-2462520/|title=Descent Source Code Released - Get your hands on the recipe that made Descent a household word.|first=Alan|last=Dunkin|date=January 26, 1998|access-date=August 13, 2014|work=[[GameSpot]]|quote=''Parallax Software, the software developer that created the popular three-dimensional action games Descent and Descent II, has released Descent's source code (version 1.5) to the public domain for non-commercial purposes.''}}</ref> leading to community [[source port]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/335259/the-best-modern-open-source-ports-of-classic-games/|title=The Best Modern, Open Source Ports of Classic Games|last=Crider|first=Michael|work=How-To Geek|date=December 24, 2017|access-date=March 23, 2021}}</ref> It was later ported to [[RISC OS]] by R-Comp Interactive, and the port debuted at the annual Wakefield Acorn RISC OS Show on May 19, 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/AcornUser233-May01|title=Show time - Wakefield Show 2001|magazine=[[Acorn User]]|date=May 2001|access-date=March 27, 2021|issue=233|page=37}}</ref><ref name="RISCWorld">{{cite magazine|url=http://apdl.davidhill.co/riscworld/volumes/volume2/issue3/games/index.htm|department=Games World |title=Descent 2 launches at Wakefield|last=McFlanders|first=Dafyd|magazine=RISCWorld|date=September 2001|access-date=March 27, 2021|volume=2|issue=3}}</ref>

''Descent II'' entered digital distribution when it appeared on [[GameTap]] on September 7, 2006.<ref name="GameTap">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/08/gamesetlinks_weekend_left.php|title=GameSetLinks: Weekend Leftovers, Innit?|last=Carless|first=Simon|work=[[GameSetWatch]]|date=August 22, 2006|access-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327072128/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/08/gamesetlinks_weekend_left.php|archive-date=March 27, 2021|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/09/gametap_dates_sam_n_max_ninjas.php|title=GameTap Dates Sam 'N Max, Ninja-s About|last=Carless|first=Simon|work=[[GameSetWatch]]|date=September 7, 2006|access-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327071812/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/09/gametap_dates_sam_n_max_ninjas.php|archive-date=March 27, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> It subsequently became one of the launch titles of the [[GOG.com|Good Old Games]] beta on September 8, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/54545/good-old-games-launches-public|title=Good Old Games Launches Public Beta Sept. 8|last=Faylor|first=Chris|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=March 27, 2021}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/09/first-look-gog-revives-classic-pc-games-for-download-age/|title=First look: GOG revives classic PC games for download age|last=Caron|first=Frank|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=September 9, 2008|access-date=March 27, 2021}}</ref> and on February 19, 2014, it was re-released on Valve's [[Steam (service)|Steam]] digital distribution service.<ref name="D2 steam"/> However, the ''Descent'' trilogy was withdrawn from Good Old Games in December 2015 after its creators, Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog, alleged that Interplay, who owns the ''Descent'' trademark but not the copyright of the trilogy, had not paid the developers royalties on their sale since 2007. As a result, Parallax terminated the 21-year sales agreement, revoking from Interplay the permission to distribute the trilogy.<ref name=Polygon/> Later, the games were also removed from Steam. The trilogy returned on Good Old Games for sale in November 2017 and later on Steam.<ref name="GOG-2017"/><ref name="Steam-2017"/>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 74% (PS)<ref name="GameRankings"/>
| MC = 89/100 (DOS)<ref name="Metacritic"/>
| CGR = 291/300 (DOS)<ref name=cgr/>
| CGW = {{rating|4|5}} (DOS)<ref name="CGWJun96"/>
| EGM = 5.25/10 (PS)<ref name=EGM93/>
| GameRev = B (MAC)<ref name=GameRev/>
| GP = 7.0/10 (PS)<ref name="Game Players"/>
| GSpot = 9.2/10 (DOS)<ref name="GSpot review"/><br />5.4/10 (PS)<ref name="DM GSpot review"/>
| IGN = 7.5/10 (PS)<ref name="IGN"/>
| ML = {{rating|3|4}} (MAC)<ref name="MacAddict"/>
| MW = 7.7/10 (MAC)<ref name="Macworld"/>
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}} (DOS, MAC)<ref name=NGen18/><ref name=NGen21/><br />{{rating|3|5}} (PS)<ref name=NGen29/>
| PCGUS = 88% (DOS)<ref name="PCGamer review"/>
| PCM = {{rating|4|4}} (DOS)<ref name="PCMag review"/>
| PCPP = 9/10 (DOS)<ref name=PCPP/>
| PCZone = 90% (DOS)<ref name=PCZone/>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1Score = {{rating|5|5}} (DOS)<ref name=Max5/>
| rev2 = ''[[Strana Igr|GameLand]]''
| rev2Score = 6/10 (PS)<ref name=GameLand/>
| rev3 = ''[[PC Review]]''
| rev3Score = 8/10 (DOS)<ref name="PC Review"/>
| rev4 = ''Total Games Network''
| rev4Score = 93% (DOS)<ref name="TotalGames review"/>
}}

Upon release, ''Descent II'' received very positive reviews from video game critics.<ref name="Metacritic"/> Citing its replay value, ''[[GameSpot]]'' commented: "If you don't like ''Descent'' at least a little bit, make no mistake, there is something wrong with you."<ref name="GSpot review"/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' opined that a few sequels "can boast the improvements like those made on ''Descent II''", citing the SVGA graphics, the story sequences in full motion video, and the new items. It forgave the same simple mission formula because of the improvements.<ref name=NGen18/> ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' compared the gameplay and enhancements of the sequel to those of ''[[Doom II]]'', but complained about the graininess of the textures, and the two magazines warned that players who did not care for the original might not care for the sequel either.<ref name=NGen21/><ref name="CGWJun96"/>

The addition of the Guide-Bot was well-received.{{efn|<ref name="TotalGames review"/><ref name=PCPP/><ref name="CNET"/><ref name=NGen21/><ref name="PCGamer review"/><ref name=cgr/><ref name="CGWJun96"/><ref name="GSpot review"/><ref name="MacAddict"/><ref name="Macworld"/><ref name="PCMag review"/><ref name=PCZone/><ref name=Max5/><ref name="CGM review"/>{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=87}}}} In a very positive review, ''[[PC Magazine]]'' considered it to be a valuable addition to the game "because the automap is just as confusing as it was in the original game".<ref name="PCMag review"/> Conversely, ''[[PC Review]]'' felt the Guide-Bot ran contrary to the disorienting character of the series and that the Guide-Bot diminished the need to use strategy, but did write that using the robot was optional.<ref name="PC Review"/> ''[[Computer Game Review]]'' liked the AI of the new cast of robots in general and other measures taken to prevent getting lost, such as plotting map positions with markers.<ref name=cgr/> The multiplayer mode was also widely lauded.{{efn|<ref name="TotalGames review"/>{{Sfn|PC Player|1996|p=90}}<ref name=NGen21/><ref name="PCGamer review"/><ref name=cgr/><ref name="CGWJun96"/><ref name="GSpot review"/><ref name="MacAddict"/><ref name="Macworld"/><ref name=PCZone/><ref name=Max5/><ref name="PC Review"/><ref name="CGM review"/>}} ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]'' called the Capture-the-Flag mode "intensely enjoyable", but expressed concerns about the lack of outdoor levels<ref name="CGM review"/> (these were added in the game's sequel, ''[[Descent 3]]'', released in 1999).<ref name="Descent3"/> Other critics differed in how they analyzed the level design. ''[[PC PowerPlay]]'' strongly praised the scenery and the combination of maneuvers, including [[circle-strafing|shooting while strafing and turning]], with the "adventurous" style of the levels.<ref name=PCPP/> While calling the levels innovative, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' found there to be too many "claustrophobic" and labyrinthine levels. The latter view was disputed by ''[[PC Zone]]'', who described the levels as being more "complex and overlapping" compared to the original's, which it described were focused on "winding tunnels, tiny chambers, huge caverns which lead to micro alleyways, long cramped corridors [etc.]". However, the two magazines agreed that the levels were too hard on easier difficulty settings. ''PC Zone'' also praised support for virtual reality.<ref name="PCGamer review"/><ref name=PCZone/> ''Maximum'' wrote that the levels retained the 3D sensations and "ingenious structural design", but asserted the game's difficulty was made less frustrating because of the abundance of shield orbs, the inclusion of powerful weapons, and the ability to transfer energy to shields.<ref name=Max5/> ''Total Games Network'' described the music when played on a stereo system as a "veritable sonic maelstrom."<ref name="TotalGames review"/>

Reviews for the Macintosh version iterated many critical points found in those for the DOS version. Making similar comments about this version as the ones about ''Descent II'' for DOS, ''Next Generation'' noted it as an unusual case of a Macintosh port releasing shortly after the DOS version.<ref name=NGen21/> ''[[GameRevolution]]'' enthusiastically lauded the graphics and the fluidity of the animations, its only criticism being the complexity of controlling the ship using only the keyboard and not a joystick. It thus highly recommended using one, and also suggested that a direction indicator would have helped beginners become adjusted to the controls.<ref name=GameRev/> ''[[Macworld]]'' judged the graphics to be "extremely detailed and well rendered", but noted that some smaller robots resembled [[origami]]. ''[[MacADDICT]]'' wrote that the use of animated textures by the levels' new settings brought about a realistic alien world. It also put forth criticisms specifically for the Macintosh version, such as the high system requirements for the [[Power Mac]] and freezes that can lead to corrupt player files, which can be prevented by turning off all of the nonessential [[Extension (Mac OS)|system extensions]]. The two aforementioned reviewers cautioned about the game's potential to induce [[motion sickness]], but ultimately recommended it.<ref name="MacAddict"/><ref name="Macworld"/>

The PlayStation version received rather mixed reviews. Most of the critics praised the artificial intelligence.{{efn|<ref name=GameFan/><ref name=NGen29/><ref name=EGM93/><ref name=GPro103/><ref name="IGN"/><ref name=GameLand/>}} The most negative reviews came from [[Glenn Rubenstein]] of ''GameSpot'' and Shawn Smith of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', both of whom said they disliked the entire ''Descent'' series and its basic concept of 3D navigation in levels which have no clear "up" or "down",<ref name="DM GSpot review"/><ref name=EGM93/> as well as ''[[GameFan]]'', which lambasted the habitual inferiority of PlayStation ports of good PC games.<ref name=GameFan/> Smith and his three co-reviewers all criticized the choppy frame rate, though Crispin Boyer noted that the problem is largely eliminated when playing with the cockpit displays on. Both Boyer and Dan Hsu praised the additions over the original ''Descent'', such as the Guide-Bot and the new lighting effects.<ref name=EGM93/> Both ''GameFan'' and Dmitry Reznikov of ''[[Strana Igr|GameLand]]'' lauded all of the PC version's improvements included in the port, but the former reported an average rate of ten frames per second that would drop even lower with the cockpit displays disabled, and the latter believed that the frame rate drops cost an otherwise straight port of the PC version the opportunity to become a PlayStation hit.<ref name=GameFan/><ref name=GameLand/> Rubenstein disputed the criticisms of the frame rate, which he called smooth,<ref name="DM GSpot review"/> and ''[[GamePro]]'' said the frame rate only drops when the action is at its most intense. He praised the additions to the original ''Descent'' such as the FMV cutscenes, the Guide-Bot, and the Thief-Bot.<ref name=GPro103/> ''Next Generation'' was also pleased with these elements, summarizing that the game "features just enough improvements to the aging series to make it a welcome addition to the fold". However, it judged that the ''Descent'' series lacked the intensity and mood of competitors such as ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'' and ''[[Quake (video game)|Quake]]''.<ref name=NGen29/> These views were echoed by Roger Burchill of ''[[Ultra Game Players]]'', who felt that the ''Doom''-styled gameplay became dated, though he did welcome the link cable-based multiplayer mode.<ref name="Game Players"/>

''Descent II'' was a finalist for [[CNET Gamecenter]]'s 1996 "Best Action Game" award, which ultimately went to ''Quake''. The editors wrote that "''Descent II'' offered even more insane vertigo action than the original, plus an added bonus that set the tone for computer gaming in 1996--a multiplayer mode".<ref name=gamecenter1996>{{cite web| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205013139/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards96/indexa.html|url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/Features/Exclusives/Awards96/indexa.html|title=The Gamecenter Awards for 96|work=[[CNET Gamecenter]]|archive-date=February 5, 1997|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2019}}</ref> In 1996, ''Computer Gaming World'' declared ''Descent II'' the 123rd-best computer game ever released.<ref name=cgw150>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_148|title=150 Best (and 50 Worst) Games of All Time|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|date=November 1996|access-date=April 22, 2021|issue=148|page=78}}</ref> It was also ranked {{abbr|No.|Number}}&nbsp;46 on ''PC PowerPlay''{{'}}s list of the 50 games of the century, due to the game's "schizophrenically devised" maps, robots' artificial intelligence, and atmosphere whose intensity the magazine considered to be previously unparalleled.<ref name=PowerPlay-GotC>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-044-2000-01|title=Game of the Century: Top 50 Games of All Time|magazine=[[PC PowerPlay]]|date=January 2000|access-date=December 31, 2020|issue=44|page=36}}</ref> Later in 2000, the same magazine ranked it No.&nbsp;90 on their list of the top 100 games of all time, calling it the best of the ''Descent'' series.<ref name=PowerPlay-Top100>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-052-2000-09|title=The Top 100 Games of All Time|magazine=[[PC PowerPlay]]|date=September 2000|access-date=January 2, 2021|issue=52|page=53}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="video game">{{cite video game|title=Descent II|developer=[[Parallax Software]]|publisher=[[Interplay Productions]]|date=1996}}</ref>

<ref name="D2-PS">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/download/SonyPlaystationManuals/Descent%20Maximum%20%28USA%29_text.pdf|title=Descent Maximum|editor=Parallax Software|publisher=Interplay Productions|date=1997|access-date=April 19, 2021|page=20}}</ref>

<ref name="Ars Technica">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/03/classic-fps-descent-to-be-rebooted-by-star-citizen-alums|title=Classic FPS Descent to be rebooted by Star Citizen alums|last=Hutchinson|first=Lee|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=March 18, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name=boot>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/boot-magazine-issue07-the-in-crowd-mar-1997|title=Canopus Total 3D|magazine=[[Boot (magazine)|boot]]|date=March 1997|access-date=April 21, 2021|issue=7|page=58}}</ref>

<ref name="CGM review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/007/192/descent_2_review.html|access-date=May 23, 2003|title=Descent II|magazine=[[Computer Games Magazine]]|last=Keighley|first=Geoff|date=1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030523214315/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/007/192/descent_2_review.html|archive-date=May 23, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=cgr>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220191228/http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9605/descent2/descent2.htm|url=http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9605/descent2/descent2.htm|title=Prodigal Descendant|date=May 1996| last1=Gehrs|first1=Scott|last2=Chapman|first2=Ted|last3=Snyder|first3=Frank|work=[[Computer Game Review]]|archive-date=December 20, 1996|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="CGWMar96">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_140|title=Top 10 Downloads From Happy Puppy|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|date=March 1996|access-date=April 14, 2021|issue=140|page=33}}</ref>

<ref name="CGWJun96">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_143|title=Review - Descent II|last=Schuytema|first=Paul C.|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|date=June 1996|access-date=April 20, 2021|issue=143|pages=126, 128}}</ref>

<ref name="CNET">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Cdcentral/Reviews/0,50,366,00.html|title=Descent II review|last=Newman|first=Heather|work=[[CNET]]|date=1996|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961222173302/http://www.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Cdcentral/Reviews/0,50,366,00.html|archive-date=December 22, 1996|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="D2 steam">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/21/iconic-pc-shooter-descent-2-sets-sights-on-steam/|access-date=March 23, 2014|title=Iconic PC shooter Descent 2 sets sights on Steam|publisher=[[Joystiq]]|last=Hinkle|first=David|date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325143537/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/21/iconic-pc-shooter-descent-2-sets-sights-on-steam/|archive-date=March 25, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Daqaq">{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E9VjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA69|chapter=Planar Motion of Rigid Bodies|title=Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies: A Self-Learning Approach|last=Daqaq|first=Mohammed F.|publisher=ASME Press, [[Wiley (publisher)|Wiley]]|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2021|pages=69–70|isbn=9781119463184}}</ref>

<ref name="Descent3">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/postmortem-outrage-s-descent-3|title=Postmortem: Outrage's Descent 3|last1=Derrick|first1=Craig|last2=Leighton|first2=Jason|work=[[Gamasutra]]|date=October 8, 1999|access-date=March 29, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name=EGM93>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_93_April_1997_U|title=Review Crew: Descent Max|last1=Boyer|first1=Crispin|last2=Smith|first2=Shawn|last3=Hsu|first3=Dan|author4=Sushi-X|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=93|date=April 1997|page=56}}</ref>

<ref name=Gambler>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/gambler_magazine-1996-09|title=Opis – Descent 2|trans-title=Description – Descent 2|language=pl|last=Pilarczyk|first=Paweł|magazine=[[Gambler (magazine)|Gambler]]|date=September 1996|issue=34|page=10|quote=Omega Cannon — powoduje wyładowanie elektryczne na celu, dzięki czemu nie potrzeba dokładnie namierzać. Jest bardzo silne, ale szybko się nagrzewa i po każdym strzale potrzebuje kilku sekund na ochłodzenie się.|trans-quote=The Omega Cannon causes an electric discharge on the target, so you do not need to aim precisely. It is very strong, but heats up quickly and takes a few seconds to cool down after each shot.}}</ref>

<ref name=GameFan>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamefanVolume5Issue03March1997|title=PlayStation Nation - Descent Maximum|author=Knightmare|magazine=[[GameFan]]|date=March 1997|access-date=March 26, 2021|volume=5|issue=3|page=40}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Players">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Ultra_Game_Players_97_May_1997_U|title=Review: Descent Maximum|last=Burchill|first=Roger|magazine=[[Game Players]]|date=May 1997|access-date=April 19, 2021|issue=97|page=78}}</ref>

<ref name="GSpot review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/descent-ii-review/1900-2538589/|access-date=March 18, 2014|title=Descent II Review|work=[[GameSpot]]|last=Hudak|first=Chris|date=May 1, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319002449/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/descent-ii-review/1900-2538589/|archive-date=March 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DM GSpot review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/descent-maximum-review/1900-2547264/|title=Descent Maximum Review|work=[[GameSpot]]|author=[[Glenn Rubenstein|Rubenstein, Glenn]]|date=July 17, 1997|access-date=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329133057/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/descent-maximum-review/1900-2547264/|archive-date=March 29, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=GameLand>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GameLand19970614|title=Descent Maximum review|language=ru|last=Reznikov|first=Dmitry|magazine=[[Strana Igr]]|date=July 1997|access-date=April 19, 2021|volume=6|issue=14|page=86}}</ref>

<ref name="GameRankings">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197097-descent-maximum/index.html|title=Descent Maximum - GameRankings|work=[[GameRankings]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012739/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197097-descent-maximum/index.html|archive-date=December 9, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web|url=http://www.game-revolution.com/games/mac/desmac.htm|title=Mac Review: Descent II|author=The Terror|work=[[GameRevolution]]|date=September 1996|access-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606101056/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/mac/desmac.htm|archive-date=June 6, 1997|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GOG-2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/752419/descent-la-serie-revient-sur-gog.htm|title=Descent : La série revient sur GOG|trans-title=The Descent series returns to GOG|language=fr|author=daFrans|work=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126094103/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/752419/descent-la-serie-revient-sur-gog.htm|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=GPro103>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_103_Volume_09_Number_04_1997-04_IDG_Publishing_US|title=PlayStation ProReview: Descent Maximum|author=Major Mike|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=103|date=April 1997|access-date=April 19, 2021|page=79}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/05/24/descent-maximum|title=Descent Maximum review|work=[[IGN]]|date=May 23, 1997|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418073149/https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/05/24/descent-maximum|archive-date=April 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Interplay-Mar96">{{cite press release|url=http://interplay.com/press/diifnlpr.html|title=Descent II Twice The 360° Insanity. Twice The Vertigo. It's D-day And You're Going Down!|publisher=Interplay Productions|date=March 13, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980710152224/http://interplay.com/press/diifnlpr.html|archive-date=July 10, 1998|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="MacAddict">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/MacAddict-002-199610|title=Reviews: Descent II|last=Kramer|first=Dave|magazine=[[MacADDICT]]|date=October 1996|access-date=April 5, 2021|issue=2|page=54}}</ref>

<ref name="MacPlay">{{cite press release|url=http://macplay.com/website/pressbox/d2.html|title=Bigger, Louder, Faster Than Before...MacPlay Announces Descent II!|publisher=[[MacPlay]]|date=May 16, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000930125801/http://macplay.com/website/pressbox/d2.html|archive-date=September 30, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Macworld">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/macworld00unse_24|title=Reviews: Descent II|last=Madar|first=Daniel|magazine=[[Macworld]]|date=December 1996|access-date=April 5, 2021|volume=13|issue=12|page=88}}</ref>

<ref name=Max5>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/maximum-the-video-game-magazine-issue-5-april-1996-uk|title=Maximum Reviews: Descent 2|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=5|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=April 1996|access-date=April 5, 2021|pages=158–9}}</ref>

<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/descent-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|access-date=March 18, 2014|title=Descent II|work=[[Metacritic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827131350/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/descent-ii|archive-date=August 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=NGen18>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Next-Generation-1996-06|title=Descent II|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=18|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=June 1996|access-date=April 5, 2021|page=122}}</ref>

<ref name=NGen21>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Next-Generation-1996-09|title=Delovely|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=September 1996|access-date=April 5, 2021|page=158}}</ref>

<ref name=NGen29>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGeneration29May1997/Next_Generation_29_May_1997|title=Descent Maximum|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=29|date=May 1997|pages=144, 146}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamer review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/334.html|access-date=March 19, 2014|title=Descent II|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|last=Vaughn|first=Todd|date=June 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991115100926/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/334.html|archive-date=November 15, 1999|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamerFeb96">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/PCGamerFebruary1996|title=Descent off the Docket|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publication-place=United States|date=February 1996|access-date=April 14, 2021|volume=3|issue=2|page=61}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamerMar96">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/pc-gamer-uk-28-march-1996|title=Descent 2|department=Planet Gamer|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publication-place=United Kingdom|date=March 1996|access-date=April 14, 2021|issue=28|page=8}}</ref>

<ref name="PCMag review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/issues/1511/pcmg0098.htm|access-date=March 25, 2014|title=The 'Bots Are Back|magazine=[[PC Magazine]]|last=Ryan|first=Michael E.|date=June 11, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001101025255/http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/issues/1511/pcmg0098.htm|archive-date=November 1, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=PCPP>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-001-1996-05|title=Review: Descent 2|author=Mansill, Ben|magazine=[[PC PowerPlay]]|date=May 1996|access-date=May 11, 2021|issue=1|pages=44–47}}</ref>

<ref name="PC Review">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/pc-review-54|title=Review – Descent II|magazine=[[PC Review]]|date=April 1996|access-date=June 29, 2021|issue=54|pages=56–57|issn=0964-4547}}</ref>

<ref name=PCZone>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_37_April_1996|title=CD Review: Descent 2|last=McCandless|first=David|magazine=[[PC Zone]]|date=April 1996|access-date=May 11, 2021|issue=37|pages=50–54}}</ref>

<ref name="PelitJan96">{{cite magazine|title=Descentin paluu|trans-title=Return of Descent|language=fi|author=nn|magazine=[[Pelit]]|date=January 1996|issue=1/96|page=6}}</ref>

<ref name=Polygon>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/12/30/10691278/descent-games-pulled-from-gog-parallax-interplay|title=Descent games pulled from GOG.com, dev says it hasn't been paid since 2007|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 30, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Popular Mechanics">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RmYEAAAAMBAJ|title=Game Control|last=Fenton|first=Brian C.|magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]]|date=November 1996|access-date=April 14, 2021|page=72}}</ref>

<ref name="RPS-Descent">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/gaming-made-me-descent|title=Gaming Made Me: Descent|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=April 16, 2011|access-date=April 9, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Steam-2017">{{cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/273580|title=Descent 2 on Steam|work=[[Steam (service)|Steam]]|author=Parallax Software|publisher=Interplay Productions|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218064339/https://store.steampowered.com/app/273580|archive-date=December 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=TAD2>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/totallyunauthori00bode|title=Totally Unauthorized: Descent II|last=Bodensiek|first=Paul|publisher=[[Brady Games]]|date=1996|access-date=April 22, 2021|pages=28, 31, 37, 58, 78, 98, 117, 133|isbn=1-56686-498-4}}</ref>

<ref name="Tom's">{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshw.it/videogioco/descent-ve-lo-ricordate-quel-gioco-che-metteva-la-nausea/|title=Descent, ve lo ricordate quel gioco che metteva la nausea?|trans-title=Descent, do you remember that game that made you sick?|language=it|last=Cutali|first=Dan|work=[[Tom's Hardware]]|date=July 14, 2019|access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="TotalGames review">{{cite web|url=http://www.totalgames.net/pma/12306|access-date=February 18, 2004|title=Descent II 
|publisher=TotalGames.net|last=Hill|first=Stephen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218180522/http://www.totalgames.net/pma/12306|archive-date=February 18, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=UIUC>{{cite news|url=https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=548|title=Mike Kulas's ascent with Descent|work=Computer Science Alumni News|publisher=[[Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign]]|date=Summer 1997|access-date=April 9, 2021|volume=1|issue=8|at=p. 16, sec. ''What is Descent?''|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407065550/https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=548|archive-date=April 7, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

===Works cited===

*{{cite book|ref={{harvid|Manual|1996}}|url=https://archive.org/details/Descent_II|title=Descent II Instruction Manual|editor=[[Parallax Software]]|publisher=[[Interplay Productions]]|year=1996|access-date=December 31, 2020}}
*{{cite magazine|ref={{harvid|PC Player|1996}}|url=https://archive.org/details/PC-Player-German-Magazine-1996-04|title=Descent 2 |magazine=PC Player |pages=[https://archive.org/details/PC-Player-German-Magazine-1996-04/page/n67/mode/2up 86-87] |language=German|date=April 1996|access-date=April 30, 2021}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
*[https://store.steampowered.com/app/273580/Descent_2/ ''Descent II'' on Steam]
*[https://www.gog.com/game/descent_2 ''Descent II'' on GOG.com]
*{{Internet Archive game|DescentIi|the Descent II Interactive Demo|DOS}}
*{{moby game|id=/descent-ii}}

{{Descent and FreeSpace series|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Descent 02}}
[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:Descent (series)]]
[[Category:Acorn Archimedes games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:Commercial video games with freely available source code]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:DOS games ported to Windows]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]
[[Category:Interplay Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Shoot 'em ups]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games with 6 degrees of freedom]]
[[Category:Video games with cross-platform play]]
[[Category:Video games with stereoscopic 3D graphics]]
[[Category:Virtual reality games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Space combat simulators]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]