Primal Rage II (Test Version 0.36a)

Primal Rage II is a two-player versus fighting game released by Atari in 1997. Continuing the story from the original Primal Rage, this test version introduces new characters known as Avatars alongside returning prehistoric gods locked in an eternal struggle for dominance. Players utilize an eight-way joystick and six buttons to control their chosen fighter, battling opponents across diverse environments with a variety of powerful attacks. The game’s development was cut short during production; while a playable cabinet briefly appeared at an arcade in California, Primal Rage II never saw widespread release. A significant element intended for the final version included Necrosan, a dragon-like antagonist originally planned for the first game but ultimately omitted. Despite its incomplete state, early builds hinted at fresh gameplay and character concepts that expanded upon the foundation of the original title. Though production ceased and Atari deemed it would not generate sufficient sales, some components of this test version were later displayed, preserving a glimpse into what could have been. The story created for Primal Rage II was eventually adapted into a novel titled Primal Rage: The Avatars, extending its narrative beyond the arcade cabinet.