Mega Man Star Force 2: Zerker x Saurian

"Waves decline. Not this one."

Mega Man Star Force 2, the second game of the series, builds upon the foundations the first game set up while trying to make it somewhat new. Not exactly a difficult goal but it's fast-paced battles keep you interested while venturing down into the radio waves of the game.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics of the game aren't at all outstanding nor are they going to make your eyes bleed. The world is given to you in a manner that is familiar to those who've played the Battle Network series. This won't really impress you but it's still eye pleasing to say the least. In battle, you'll see that they worked on the battle sprites a bit more. In the previous installment, you could say that they were a bit blocky but it seems that they were touched up to avoid the blockiness. Though it's still noticeable to an extent, it won't distract you at all. Battle animation is quite fluid; their movements flow naturally enough. Virus and character designs are still smart as they incorporate the radio-theme of the game. You'll grow used to them and won't mind the viruses' various color changes _Too Much_.

Music: 6/10
The music is basically recycled from the last game. If there are some new jingles here and there, you won't even notice it. Seriously. Sometimes, you'll grow tired of the music and turn it down. If you're like me, you'll turn it completely off and listen to your own radio or stereo. The music, if you do decide to listen to it, does convey the feeling of the scenes and situations. This doesn't mean it's subtle and pleasing. In truth, it somewhat tries to force you to think it's life and death or comic relief.

Story: 6/10
The story, as follows with most sequels of its kind, forces itself just a bit too much. 2 months after
saving the world from sheer destruction from an alien race of radio waves, it turns out that our hero Geo Stelar, along with alien pal Omega-Xis, stepped down from fighting as much as possible and formed close relationships. After all, our Geo was a shut-in for years and this is supposedly a big thing for him. After several events of a day-to-day basis, panic strikes and our hero is starting to shine in the lime light as he tries his best to help others in a way that a bunch of radio waves only can. The main conflict in the story, which won't be spoiled here, is never really explained until the very end and even then, it's barely convincing enough to be reasonable enough to muster a real passion for the antagonist. I'd suggest not playing the game for the story that much.

Gameplay: 10/10
This is the most important part and it's wonderfully executed. It's the same formula as in Battle Network or the previous Star Force game - Run around, random battle, DELETE! DELETE! DELETE! It's the usual thing but it never seems to get old. In battle, you'll have a selection of six cards from your deck for attack or defense. This could range from a barrier to a cannon to a sword to a large fire-breathing Cow. Strategy plays a key part in your fights though sometimes strategy can be tossed out for quick kills on most fights. Difficulty wise, it ranges from surprisingly easy at first and then it could suddenly jump into a large string of curse words. You should've heard me vent my frustration. The game is forgiving and has a short learning curve that one can easily follow.

Replayability: 9/10
If you're like me, you're a collection freak. This game is a gold mine in that respect. The cards you collect from enemies, by the time you beat the game, will usually number around 60 or 70 and that's barely less than half of the actual amount of cards in the game. You'll be spending hours on end to get every single one. Additionally, the post-game content will satisfy you entirely if you thought the main game was child's play. It'll cause even more strings of curse words. Believe me.

Buy or Rent: Buy it. I can't comment on the online experience even then, I think that it's well worth the money to add this gem into your collection of games.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/01/08

Game Release: Mega Man Star Force 2: Zerker x Saurian (US, 06/24/08)