Lemmings 2: The Tribes

IBM VGA version of Lemmings 2

Lemmings 2: The Tribes is a puzzle game developed by DMA Design and first released by Psygnosis in 1993. It is the sequel to Lemmings and features gameplay similar to the original while expanding the concept with all new levels, new skills for players to use, and improved graphics and sound.

This time around a backstory is included and shown in the game introduction; it tells of a time when all the Lemmings on an island lived peacefully, but a prophecy tells of a darkness that will soon cover the island. To survive, the Lemmings need to get off the island by using the power of the Lemming Talisman. The Talisman is broken up into twelve pieces with one piece located with each of the twelve tribes on the island. As the guide, players need to help the Lemmings from all the tribes safely through a series of obstacles so they can assemble the Talisman and escape.

Each tribe needs to survive 10 levels for a total of 120 levels included in the game. The task for each level is the same as in the original game; Lemmings will begin appearing through a door at a starting location and players need to ensure as many of them as possible reach the level exit safely. Between the start and end of the level there are numerous dangers which could include the landscape itself (in the form of dangerous heights, water, and so on) or in the form of traps and other objects deadly to the lemmings. Initially, all the lemmings do is walk until they hit a wall and then turn around (or, as is often the case, they will walk straight into a hazard). Players can alter the behavior of selected lemmings by assigning various skills. There are over 60 skills available this time which include the ability to dig through the landscape, build bridges, climb, float, and much more. Although there are more skills than in the original game, only eight will be available at a time which will vary by level.

Players can switch between each of the 12 tribes at any time; each tribe begins with 60 lemmings, and to complete a level at least one needs to survive and players begin the next level with the number of survivors from the previous one. Each level can be retried if players wish to attempt to save more lemmings; in some cases, later levels may be more difficult (or even impossible) if enough lemmings aren't saved as multiple lemmings are needed to solve the puzzles. This progression is somewhat different from the original game where players simply needed to have a minimum number of lemmings survive and each level began again with a full inventory of 100 lemmings. The game also allows progress to be saved and does not use passwords as found in the original game.