Lemmings 2: The Tribes Overview
Lemmings 2: The Tribes expands the puzzle formula by introducing twelve distinct tribes, each with a unique cultural theme and ten associated levels. The overarching objective involves guiding these groups to reunite by recovering fragments of a Talisman to save their island.
Progression is structured across 120 levels, with the player free to switch between tribes at any point. This design means a player must be completely blocked in every tribe's set of levels to halt overall advancement, and progress is recorded via a save system rather than passwords.
The sequel introduces a vast array of over sixty specialized skills for manipulating the environment and directing the creatures, though each level employs a limited selection of about ten. These abilities include various tools for excavation, construction, and traversal, with some tribes featuring skills tailored to their setting. For clarity, dedicated practice levels allow for experimentation with any skill combination.
A notable shift from the original game is the scoring system, which incentivizes maximizing the number of creatures rescued. Performance on each tribe's levels is graded with Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals, with the highest award requiring the salvation of every lemming. Players may revisit completed levels to improve their rescue count and medal standing.