Much better than the original, Power Stone 2 is a landmark title that combines the best of
fighting and action games. The line is so blurred between the two that you will be hard pressed
to categorize it. But who cares?
The controls are jump-right-in simple. Basic controls consist of a jump button, an attack button,
and an action button.
Combinations of two of these three buttons result in special moves that differ depending on the
chosen character. This universal character control is appropriate for more arcade-oriented play.
The game does a nice job of constantly changing the environment as you play; the "action movie
feel" is readily apparent, as you can even use weapons in the environment itself (a tank gun, for
example). Other weapons are discovered in ubiquitous treasure boxes.
The colored gems are the key to the game, just as in the original. Whoever gets all three gems
becomes extremely powerful, and the number of total gems increases with game play.
Many characters are available from the beginning of the game, some old and some new. Each
character gains different powers after monopolizing the gems, but these powers are often no
match for the game's incredibly cool bosses. The mechanical pharaoh spider boss is one of the
best.
The graphics look much better in person, with an ambitious 3-D look that smartly avoids clutter.
The game involves so much activity that more detailed graphics may have actually worked
against it. You will have enough trouble keeping track of who's who in all the melee.
Power Stone 2 has so many action-packed game play options that you'll be busy for a long time.
Give it a try.
Publisher: Capcom