Monster Rancher 2 by Tecmo for Sony Playstation
The sequel to the deep and fun virtual monster breeder Monster Rancher is finally available in the United States. The Japanese version Monster Farm and Monster Farm 2 are huge hits in the land of the rising sun. So far Monster Rancher is just a cult phenomenon domestically.
Monster Rancher 2 allows you to breed monsters from compact discs, CD-roms, Play Station games and even Sega Dreamcast games. This time there are over 400 monsters to raise, breed, and fight. This game is similar to Pokemon and Tamagotchi but has an identity of it's own. Monster Rancher 2 is set on the same world but on a different continent then Monster Rancher. In this game you raise your monster (everything from Dragons to Pixies) through a variety of tasks, battles, expeditions and feedings. How you feed your monster and how you interact with your monster are important and will affect the development of your beast.
The sound has improved from the first game and the graphics are improved also but neither are reasons to purchase this game. This game is still about raising your monster or stable of monsters. If you are looking for a great combination fighting game, go elsewhere. Unlike those types of games you will care when your monster gets hurt.
Monster Rancher is cuter then the first and that does get to be slightly annoying , but for the most part Monster Rancher reclaims it's title as being the most fun and innovative titles on the Play Station.
Final Tally- 99% DJ JOE INC
Soul Calibur By Namco for Sega Dreamcast
This Dreamcast launch title comes from the company responsible for the highly successful Tekken series. Soul Calibur is an arcade perfect sequel to Soul Blade(known as Soul Edge in the arcades).From the stunning CGI opening sequence to the incredible backgrounds this game is both elegant and beautiful. Soul Calibur is a fighting game where the combatants are armed with medieval weaponry such as battle-axes, swords, and staffs. Like the original, this game features tight control and eye-popping combinations. While it does not feature one- hit kills like Bushido Blade or morphing monsters like Bloody Roar the combat is exciting and fun.
Once you beat the game's arcade mode there are other tasks to perform in the mission battle. If you do a solid job beating the game you will earn points to gaze upon the lovely art gallery. Fans familiar with the series will be happy with the re-emergence of Soul Edge veterans like Siegfried, Taki, Sophita, and others. Newcomers include Tekken veteran Yoshimitsu and Lizardman.
If you like fighting games and own a Dreamcast I recommend this great update of a classic Playstation/Arcade title.
Final Tally- 99% DJ JOE INC.
Console Coward
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