Shock Wave 2: Beyond the Gate is a game for 3DO set twenty years post an alien invasion. The gameplay revolves around Captain Flint and his spaceship Cortez's crew who trail unidentified aliens to recover a stolen alien artifact, using a dormant jumpgate. Stranded in a mysterious star system, they must locate the artifact and the aliens to return home.
As Flint, players interact with crew members, scan planets for potential mission points, and select the most fitting weapons and equipment for upcoming tasks. They have access to a fighter, a stationary turret providing cover during missions, and a hovercraft.
Following accomplished missions, demolished alien wreckage is examined for weapon and equipment improvements. The game encompasses an expansive storyline across six unique systems, each with multiple missions. The narrative progresses via live-action cut scenes.
It has been twenty years since the invading aliens have been driven back through the jumpgate. On a planet close to the dormant gate, an alien artifact is found. When unknown aliens steal the artifact, privateer Captain Flint of the spaceship Cortez and his crew follow their ship through the jumpgate, which leaves them stranded in an unknown star system. To find their way back, they have to find the artifact and the aliens.
You take control of Flint. Aboard the Cortez, you can receive messages from your crew members, scan the planets in the system for possible mission sites and select suitable weapons and equipment for the next mission. Three different craft are available for the missions: a fighter, a hovercraft and a stationary turret used to give cover to your crew mates when they are on a mission.
After completed missions, the wreckage from destroyed aliens is analyzed and used to produce better weapons and equipment. The storyline will take you through six different systems, each with a variety of missions to complete. Live-action cut-scenes continue the story.