Produced by: Capcom

Genre: 3D Fighting

Players: One to Four

Although the original Power Stone was not a big commercial hit, it did manage to work it's way into the hearts of many a Dreamcast owner, me included. It was one of the first DC titles to really show what the machine could do, and even today it remains the most accomplished arena fighter on any machine. However, Capcom have taken a new direction with the sequel, moving away from a "fighter" to a "party game" in the same mould as Smash Brothers on the N64.

First things first - the most obvious improvement is the addtition of a four player option. Ever since I heard the news that PS2 would include this option, I was both excited and concerned. Would it alter the balance of the game? Would the DC be able to keep the frame rate smooth with four characters on screen at once? How the hell would you be able to keep track of it all, bearing in mind that the original PS was confusing enough with only two players? I really need not have worried - the balance of the game is as fine as the first, and the DC only struggles in very rare moments of manic action. It does get hard to figure out what is going on when the screen is masked by explosions, but you soon get used to it. It would have been so easy for Capcom to just "bolt" the four player option on to the PS engine, but they have made every effort to ensure that the game remains balanced and playable. They've also created one of the most fun "party" games in the process. The original Power Stoner cast make a return, along with six new characters, lncluding Pride, Fokker/Falcon's father, A cowboy named Accel (who seems reluctant to use his six shooters), a mad chef called Gourmand and a wooden robot boy named Pete. None of these new addtitions to the roster really stand out, and I found myself sticking to the original cast. The problem is that the characters from PS are so finely tuned and offer a such a wide range of playing styles that the newcomers are just "copies" and don't offer any new gameplay solutions.

Capcom continues to make use of both internet and arcade VMS link-up. As well as offering an internet battle option, PS2 has a special "Quest" mode where extra items are awarded - both internet and arcade access are required to attain all the secret items within the game. (Thankfully, the extra characters can be found without having to use the net or local arcade.) This "Quest" mode seems a little half hearted - I would liked to have seen an RPG option myself, Tobal No.1 style.

The graphics are pretty much the same as in the first - nothing much has improved here in terms of looks. The characters are exactly the same, but the stages have become at lot more complex in their design. The static "semi-real" locations of the first game have been replaced by moving, interactive stages, each with an over the top cartoon theme. For example, one stage starts on an airship, complete with gun emplacements. After a few minutes, the ship explodes, sending the characters earthward - they continue to duke it out, of course. The stage ends when the players land in a strange sky temple. Another stage is set at sea, with the action taking place on colorful submarines. The designers at Capcom really have let their imaginations run riot here, and it has paid off hansomly. However, I still feel that the arenas of the first game look that little bit better (Fokker's "Pub" stage remains my favourate arena in any fighting game ever).

The Power Stones themselves have been "downgraded" somewhat. In PS, the battles would basically boil down to a chase for the three stones. Once one player had attained the set, it was effectively game over (if they used the powers correctly). Capcom have altered the balance of the game ths time round - the "Super Powers" of the characters have been made weaker. The game is no longer just a chase for the stones - the advantage given once powered-up is only slight. This change means the gameplay is more "free" - you can run around trying to find the weapon you desire without having to worry too much that your opponent will locate all the stones and blitz you into submission. Some people may find this alteration annoying - after all, part of the original's charm was the fact that it was a manic race to gain the titular stones - but I feel the new system works much better. There's an option in the game to increase the damage given by attacks anyway, so anyone who wants the balance to be more like the original can alter the damage level accordingly.

As a one player game, PS2 will only give you about a month's worth of gameplay. PS2 should always be played with two or more people - it's a party game, and a damn fine one at that. The game engine has been improved and fine tuned, and Capcom have bettered the original in almost every repsect. It's not quite the leap forward that the first PS was, but then sequels rarely are. If you're after a game with depth, don't bother - PS2 is about instant fun, instant action. It's as shallow as a puddle, but you won't find a four player game anywhere else (with the possible exception of Bomberman) that's as enjoyable to play as this. Make full use of those four ports on the front of your DC - buy PS2 and three more controllers, and get some friends round.

4 out of 5