Welcome Back To The Power Stone World (Power Stone 2 (DC))

Member Name: the_glass_man

Product:	Power Stone 2 (DC)
Date:	17/02/02 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good graphics, good sound track, good multiplayer

Disadvantages: repative

The original Power Stone developed by Capcom was a great success with because for a change in beat em ups it was 3D and you could use every piece of the room as a weapon. The game was very enjoyable but you had a guaranteed win when you got all three power stones and transformed.

The sequel everyone has been waiting for, well everyone with a Dreamcast at least, proves that you can always teach a dog new tricks. Power Stone 2 plays a lot like a 3D version of Super Smash Bros. The game is fast and furious, and although it can't be considered a fighting game like Dead or Alive 2, it's got arcade action all sewn up.
The game play of Power stone 2 is very much like its predecessor. It is a lot of fun, and though there are no blocks and counters like there were in the original Power stone, you can hide behind objects and obstacles to avoid attacks. They have improved the levels by making them a lot larger and adding short cut scenes to it. Now as well as just fighting they have added little links to different parts of the level. You can still attack them in these bits but they just add more fun into the game. Power Stone would be a very difficult game to follow if it was not for the easy controls that Capcom have given to it.

Though blocking has always been a big part of fighting games ever since Street Fighter 2, it actually doesn't take that long to get used to playing without them. If anything, the no block system makes things more action packed and tense. The fighting itself is incredible, the levels which it takes place in are extremely good too, giving you almost complete freedom to move around them. Nearly unrestricted 3D movement is definitely a well added feature, and is very well used by the game. You'll find yourself playing this game for a long time, since it has a very addictive quality to it. And the four-player mode is just something that adds that extra bit, You and your friends will have lots of fun, and won't w
ant to turn off the Dreamcast.

The characters all look very weird and are well produced but they could still do with a bit of adjusting. The graphics are well done. They are very good and the animation is great too, with fast and very solid movement, you do get a bit of slowdown when you perform your special move. The graphics are good and they are almost too good describe, and offer nearly nothing to criticise at all.

The music is also very well done, with a soundtrack that would not normally be found in this type of game. It is a very welcome surprise and sounds just great. Boring soundtracks used for action games these days. The sound effects and voices are not quite as skilful, but they are still very well done, which, like in the visual department, leaves very little to criticise.

Overall, there aren't that many games that are similar to Power Stone. Overall, if you like a well done, unique game that has its share of surprises and thrills, Power Stone 2 is your game. I recommend it if you enjoy playing with your friends as the four player mode is a great addition. This is a Dreamcast title worth having.

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