Game: Battle Arena Toshinden 2| Release: May 23rd, 1996| Genre: 3D Fighting| Publisher: Takara| Developer: Tamsoft
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 is a fighting game released for the PlayStation in 1996, and it is the sequel to the original Battle Arena Toshinden game. Developed by Tamsoft and published by Takara, the game features a roster of 15 playable characters, each with their unique fighting styles and moves.
The game’s graphics are a notable improvement over its predecessor, with more detailed character models and improved animation. The stages also feature more elaborate designs and interactive elements, such as destructible objects and obstacles.
The game’s combat system is largely unchanged from the original, with players able to perform various combinations of punches, kicks, and special moves. However, the game does introduce a new “super combo” system, which allows players to execute powerful moves that require precise timing and button inputs.
One area where Battle Arena Toshinden 2 falls short is its lack of depth and replayability. While the game offers a decent variety of characters and moves, there are no additional modes or features beyond the standard arcade and versus modes. Additionally, the game’s AI can be frustratingly difficult, which can lead to repetitive and frustrating gameplay for solo players.
Another criticism of the game is its storyline, which is thin and uninteresting. The game’s cutscenes and dialogue are poorly written and lack any real emotional weight or character development. As a result, the game’s single-player mode feels more like a chore than an engaging experience.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2 is a decent fighting game with improved graphics and some new gameplay mechanics. However, its lack of depth and uninspired storyline prevent it from standing out among its peers in the crowded fighting game genre.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Gameplay
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s gameplay is solid and enjoyable, with a good mix of old and new features. The game’s fighting mechanics are largely similar to its predecessor, with players able to perform various combos and special moves using a combination of button inputs and directional commands.
One of the game’s new features is the super combo system, which allows players to perform powerful moves that can turn the tide of a battle. These moves require precise timing and button inputs, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.
The game’s roster of 15 playable characters is diverse, with each character having their unique fighting style and move set. This variety adds to the game’s replayability, as players can experiment with different characters and playstyles.
The game’s graphics are a significant improvement over its predecessor, with more detailed character models and environments. The stages also feature interactive elements such as destructible objects and obstacles, adding to the gameplay’s dynamism.
One criticism of the gameplay is that the AI can be frustratingly difficult, even on lower difficulty settings. This can lead to repetitive and frustrating gameplay, especially for solo players.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s gameplay is solid and enjoyable, with a good mix of old and new features. However, the frustrating AI and lack of additional modes or features prevent it from being a truly exceptional fighting game.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Story
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s story is lackluster and forgettable, with poorly written cutscenes and dialogue that fail to engage the player. The game’s plot revolves around a mysterious organization known as the “Secret Society,” who are seeking to take over the world using powerful weapons known as “Battle Arenas.”
The game’s characters are largely one-dimensional, with little depth or development. Even the game’s main protagonist, Eiji Shinjo, has a simplistic backstory and little personality beyond his desire for revenge against the Secret Society.
The game’s cutscenes are also poorly executed, with stilted voice acting and awkward animations. The dialogue is often cliched and predictable, failing to add any real emotional weight or intrigue to the story.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s story is forgettable and uninspired, failing to engage the player or add any real depth to the game’s world or characters.
Rating: 3 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Difficulty
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s difficulty is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the game’s challenging AI can provide a rewarding experience for skilled players looking for a challenge. On the other hand, the game’s difficulty can be frustratingly high, even on lower difficulty settings, which can lead to repetitive and frustrating gameplay.
The game’s AI is aggressive and relentless, often chaining together combos and special moves that can be difficult to counter. This can make battles feel more like endurance tests than strategic encounters.
While the game’s difficulty can be a plus for experienced players, it can be a major turnoff for more casual players. The lack of any difficulty settings beyond “easy,” “normal,” and “hard” can also make the game feel inaccessible to players looking for a more relaxed experience.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s difficulty is a mixed bag, with some players finding it rewarding and others finding it frustrating. While the challenging AI can be a plus for skilled players, it can also make the game feel inaccessible to more casual players.
Rating: 6 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Graphics
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s graphics are a significant improvement over its predecessor, with more detailed character models and environments. The game’s character designs are unique and diverse, with each character having their own distinct look and feel.
The game’s stages are also well-designed, with interactive elements such as destructible objects and obstacles that add to the game’s dynamism. The backgrounds are well-detailed and add to the game’s overall atmosphere.
The game’s animations are smooth and fluid, with the characters moving and fighting with a sense of weight and impact. The special moves are also visually impressive, with colorful and flashy effects that add to the game’s spectacle.
One criticism of the graphics is that they can feel a bit dated compared to more modern fighting games. The character models can look blocky and low-poly at times, and the game’s overall art style may not appeal to everyone.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s graphics are a significant improvement over its predecessor and hold up reasonably well, even today. The game’s unique character designs, interactive stages, and flashy animations make for an engaging visual experience.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Controls
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s controls are solid and responsive, with a good mix of basic and special moves that are easy to execute. The game’s control scheme is intuitive and easy to learn, making it accessible to both new and experienced players.
The game’s basic moves consist of punches, kicks, and throws, which can be combined to perform various combos. The game’s special moves are also easy to execute, with most requiring simple directional commands and button inputs.
The game’s super combo system, which allows players to perform powerful moves that can turn the tide of a battle, requires more precise timing and button inputs. However, this adds an extra layer of depth to the game’s controls and can be satisfying to execute successfully.
One criticism of the controls is that the game’s responsiveness can be impacted by the player’s choice of controller. Some players may find that the game’s controls feel less precise or more difficult to execute when using certain types of controllers.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s controls are solid and easy to learn, with a good mix of basic and special moves that are satisfying to execute. While the game’s controls can be impacted by the player’s choice of controller, this is a minor issue that does not significantly detract from the gameplay.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Sound
Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s sound design is a mixed bag, with some elements being well-executed and others falling short.
The game’s soundtrack features a mix of upbeat electronic tracks and more dramatic orchestral pieces. While some of these tracks are catchy and memorable, others can feel repetitive or forgettable.
The game’s sound effects are generally well-done, with satisfying impact sounds for hits and special moves. However, some of the sound effects, such as the voice acting for the characters, can feel cheesy and dated.
One criticism of the game’s sound design is that it can be difficult to hear some of the audio cues during gameplay. This can be especially problematic during battles, where hearing the sound of an incoming attack can be crucial to evading or countering.
Overall, Battle Arena Toshinden 2’s sound design is a mixed bag. While some of the music and sound effects are well-executed, others can feel repetitive or dated. The difficulty in hearing some of the audio cues during gameplay can also be a hindrance to the overall experience.
Rating: 6 out of 10.
Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Overall Rating
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