Pokemon Stadium 2

"A truly great sequel!"

While a great game, Pokemon Stadium is now old, and most people have become bored of it. Now, I'm no exception... I've beaten it at least three times, and it's not fun anymore if you know what's gonna happen. But then came along this new game... Because I liked the first version so much, I decided to give this thing a try, and WOW, was I surprised. The first game was wicked, and this is even better. It's as much of an improvement as Gold is from Blue! I've always wanted to see all of the new monsters in polygonal 3-D! ...And now my craving has been fulfilled. If you're reading this, you're probably a fan of the series. And if you have an N64, there's no excuse for not getting this excellent game. I'd even pay you to get it... No, I'm kidding. But it's a great game, and it's worth your while to get a copy of your own. You won't be disappointed.

Okay, It's not perfect - no game is. But to go into more detail, I will rate each category of the game below, so you can see for yourself. Enjoy!

Graphics - 9/10

Just like expected, this game stretches the boundaries of the N64. There are absolutely stunning fire and lightning effects, a major boost from the old game. Also, the new Pokemon are displayed nicely, as well as the new stadiums. also, the new and more colorful screen layout adds a vibrant touch to the game. So, why a 9? What I'm about to say may put your opinion of the game down, so stop right now if you don't ant tat to happen. Okay, here goes... To tell you the truth, the Pokemon don't even battle. The creators trick you into thinking that they do. Come on, am I the only one that sees that the Pokemon never make contact? One just seems to execute an attack, then the view switches showing the impact, but the Pokemon never hit. That's what brought the rating down. But since the effects are so good, I can't complain about this one too much!

Sound - 9/10

The sound is actually quite realistic. Announcer, Pokemon sounds, and attack effects are displayed quite nicely. If you don't think it deserves a nine, you're probably used to Dreamcast or PS2. I'm not here to compare an N64 title to some super system. I'll just say that Nintendo did a job that was near the boundary of what the Nintendo 64 could do.

Gameplay - 9/10

For those of you that don't like RPGs, don't even bother reading this. I, actually like command-controlled games, so I won't give this a lower rating than it deserves. Actually, the game's layout and controllability is one of the best RPG layouts that I've seen. Not just the battling. I mean in general, like selecting options, selecting Pokemon and the quizzes. So it's agreed... It gets a 9/10.

Difficulty - 10/10

I hate games that take minutes to complete, and I also can't stand ones that last forever. However, this one is right on the line separating the two. It won't make novices insane, or take the challenge out of it for pros. Don't get the point, yet? Take Perfect Dark as a sample of a really hard game. War! on Perfect Agent is too difficult for words. It's nearly impossible! Mind you, I did beat it, but the mission took over an hour in total. You probably don't even have War!, though, because everything else on PA is too hard as well! If you compare that to Pokemon Stadium 2, you'll see the difference. It's just right, the way me and many others like it.

Replayability - 9/10

I will bet my soul that you won't beat it in a day. Even without sleep, it's impossible. I'll even guarantee that it'll take more than a week. You know, unless you're really good (or really determined), you won't beat it within a month. So, this rating would hardly apply. But even if you include that, I'll still say it gets a nine. Why? Well, a very distinct feature of this title is that you can connect your game boy game to the N64 via a Transfer Pak. It takes at least a year to fully complete Gold (I mean all items gotten, etc.). And since much of the game boy game's features relate to Pokemon Stadium 2, like the Mystery Gift, Pokemon uploads, and Oak's Lab, there is much to do in Pokemon Stadium 2 that relates to the GB versions. As such, this rating is pretty high.

Fun Factor - 10/10

Just as amusing as the prequel. Blasting away the computer's HP is still a blast, and blowing your friends apart is pleasure to no end. Some even say that they love losing to those better than them. I believe then, though I've not experienced it for myself. Really this game is funner than... sorry, can't say that one...But it's a fun game. Get the point? Good.

Total - 9/10

I won't bother totaling the points, but I see more nines than tens, so 9/10 is my final score. It's one of the best games that I've ever played. Go out and get it if you haven't already. I hope that I've convinced you to, but let me say it again...

Rent/Buy

BUY

Got it? It's a total waste of energy and money to rent it first. That is, if you like Pokemon. If you're just getting into them, you may want to rent it. Otherwise, good luck in finding a copy... HE HE HE!

P.S. I haven't turned evil, I just put in the giggles to express my point that you likely won't find the game anywhere... HE HE HE!

P.S. P.S. Sorry about that one, too.

P.S. P.S. P.S. HE H... Oh, I forgot.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/25/01, Updated 04/25/01