Pokemon Stadium 2

"Same as the first in many ways, but this game is not one to miss"

Just like how Pokemon Stadium allowed Pokefans to see their Red/Blue/Yellow Pokemon in 3-D, Pokemon Stadium 2 brings your pals from Silver/Gold/Crystal to the big screen. However, a transfer pack is needed to do so, which unfortunately was not included in this game. Even so, this is a fine game that takes the first Pokemon Stadium and added many more new features, the most notable one being the ability to use 100 more Pokemon.

Graphics:

Actually, this part didn't change much. Most of the old Pokemon animations and battle moves stay the same. The only new changes are the new moves and the new Pokemon. They all faint the way the used to as well. The first change you will notice is trainers actually throw Pokeballs at the beginning of battles.

As for the layout, they did add a little more life to it, using more variety of color. During an elemental attack, the background fills with the aura of the attack, so a fire attack would have red aura.

One thing they still haven't changed is the fact that the Pokemon stay rooted to their spot the entire battle, but at least the Pokemon look good. The battle arenas have changed to push the limits of the N64 and it's actually quite impressive, a good point.

Overall, they tried fixing up the graphics from the first Pokemon Stadium and did a satisfying job with it.

Gameplay:

There is a stadium mode, Gym Leader Castle, mini-games, a Gameboy, a VS. mode, and more returning features. Those who are familiar with the first Pokemon Stadium will feel comfortable immediately. New features include a library where you can learn Pokemon basics, your room from Pokemon Silver/Gold/Crystal, and Mystery Gifting. I like the Mystery Gift, as you can mystery gift without having 2 Game Boy Colors now, but she rarely gives anything valuable. Still, these new features will keep you playing for a while.

The battle system did not change. It's still turn based, with highest Speed going first. You can battle in the Gym Leader Castle to fight leaders like Roxanne and Brawly from your game boy games. When you beat them all, including the elite four, you can fight against Kanto Gym Leaders! This adds significant amount of playing time and strategy. In the stadium, you can fight in various cups ranging with different rules. However, this portion of the game is the most frustrating part, since you must build one powerful team in order to clear it. Don't forget, certain legendaries are not enough.

Sound:

Pokemon battle cries are the same and Pokemon battle moves sound the way you would expect it. The announcer learned some new lines, but is still as annoying as ever. The Pokeball makes a nice sound when a Pokemon is released from it and returned to it. The menu interface includes some little sounds as well, at least they remembered this part.

The background music is good at times, and otherwise bad. Gym Leader battles and important battles have splendid music, probably one of the more amazing parts of the game. Sadly, music will the "lesser" trainers are dull and repetitive.

Story:

Unlike the gameboy games and like the first Pokemon Stadium, there is not much of a story. You could count the story as making your way through the Gym Leader Castle, but a story really isn't needed.

Playtime:

This game will have you hooked for hours, trying to unlock everything. Just when you think your done, you realize you unlocked an entire new mode and that you are only halfway done. It takes a long time to complete this game and even so, you can still try building new and more powerful teams.

Replayability:

Even if you do finish this game, with the ability to connect with the Game Boy games, the fun doesn't end. While you would never want to restart the game, it's definitely worth playing even after you beat it.

Rent/Buy:

Since it's really unlikely to rent N64 games nowadays, I recommend that you buy this game used, since it will be cheap. This game is as good as this generation of Pokemon will get, so you don't want to miss this.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/13/06