Digimon Battle Spirit 2 (GBA) (Digimon Battle Spirit 2 (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Digimon Battle Spirit 2 (GBA)
Date:	05/05/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Improved gameplay over original

Disadvantages: Audio

"Digimon Battle Spirit 2" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2004 by Bandai. It is based on the popular Digimon series and is a sequel to the original "Battle Spirit". In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Battle Spirit is billed as being from the fighting genre and bears resemblance to the popular Super Smash Brothers series. In it, players select from a new variety of Digimon monsters from series four of the animated television releases including Kumamon and Kazemon. Before battle each monster is equipped with a set number of "D-Spirit" balls and it is the players objective to successfully steal as many of these balls as possible through attacking the opponent. Each fighter remains in top condition throughout the battle and the round is decided by who has the highest number of D-Spirit balls. It is a simple fighting game and players navigate through platform stages in aims of attacking the opponent with basic punches, kicks and unique special attacks. Unlike the first Battle Spirit, controls have been simplified and are much more responsive creating a balanced fighting stage. It was initially very difficult to block attacks but now appears to be much more smoothed out in transition between button pressing an actual action. Multiplayer play is also enabled by use of an optional game link cable.

The game's graphics are presented from a side perspective which focuses on the the stage in its entirety. An abundance of colour is used throughout which makes for a positive visual experience. Detailing is somewhat basic but I was able to clearly differentiate between the various Digimon monsters. The stage platforms are also clear in their design and are easily identified on screen. The soundtrack on the other hand is very primitive and almost sounds like an 8-bit composition heard on earlier games in the 1990s. It is very repelling on a more modern system and I opted to play this game in silence.

Overall, Battle Spirit 2 is a good improvement over the original Battle Spirit and those who enjoyed the first would definitely find this game enjoyable. It does hold its own as a decent fighting title and could be entertaining as a multiplayer game.

Summary: Thumbs up