Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django

"Enjoyable sequel to the first."

Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django is the sequel of the fun, quirky little game released around a year ago. What made that game interesting was the inclusion of a solar sensor, which made it so sunlight affects various conditions within the game. The sequel, while similar to the first in that it also utilizes the sensor, and the same graphical and movement engine, deviates in some ways from the play of the original, and also toughens it up a bit and improves on some of the first's less redeeming aspects.

A difference most will see is in the feel of the two games. The first plays more like a strict action/adventure. You had respectable number of short 'mini-dungeons' to go through, and there was not much emphasis on story. Boktai 2, while keeping the action, stealth, and puzzle elements of the original, also introduces RPG elements into the mix. You now have the option of raising your stats, equip 4 types of weapons plus protective gear, and gives a town to roam, which houses numerous characters that you'll meet throughout the game.

Boktai 2 also does away with the linear type arrangement of levels of the first. The town also acts as a hub, from which you can access the levels in nearby locations. There are no longer as many 'mini-dungeons' or Undead dungeons as the first, but the optional ones that are included are almost as big as the 'main' dungeons, and quite a challenge themselves. Also, you can gain access to Requests, in which you are given a specific goal to accomplish, along with various conditions. It provides alot of re-playability, to those who are worried with the less amount of dungeons available.

The sequel also fixes up the item system a bit. You can now carry a limited amount of items, which makes it a bit tougher than the first, wherein you could carry up to 99 of every item you want, making the game much easier just by spending time growing fruits, and stocking up.

Instead of the various gun parts the first provided, you now get different types of weapons and magic. Switching magic can be cumbersome, since you can only have 4 set in a sort of 'quick menu'. But it is still pretty fun, and quite a few of the spells are interesting, and some require no energy to use as well. The solar forging aspect gives you a hands on approach to creating weapons, giving them special effects and enhancing their power. With the number of weapons to collect/create, and the number of abilities you may get on the, the game gives you lots of customization.

The role of sunlight is expanded in this game. You now have to use it in alot of the puzzles, and it also affects many aspects such as item decay, forging weapons, and item prices when shopping. This may dismay or delight players, as not all really enjoy having to spend alot of time in the sun. You may also be more likely to use up your energy, if you're used to the battery type storage of the original, because you start with much less and you have to increase it on your own.

The action is pretty faithful to the first, but also fixed a bit. Multiple levels now affect hitting an enemy (i.e., if you're on a ledge above an enemy, you can't hit him from above anymore like the first). Many might find the game harder with the smaller item bag as well, and it's a bit harder to just straight out go through the game shooting everything in sight. Many more areas will require you to use wit along with firepower to get through with as little damage as possible. And like I said earlier, for alot of puzzles you will have to use sunlight in various ways.

The graphical system is pretty much unchanged from the first. The game contains colorful environments, well animated sprites, and cute character designs. The sound, even coming from the tiny GBA speaker, is quite good. The game still comes with many small voice clips and the excellent background music.

One problem I did have is with the slowdown which occurs at some parts of the game. In the first game, I only experienced slowdown once (I set fire to 5 mummies, and the action of them all running around slowed the game down a lot). You encounter rooms in which there are alot of enemies more frequently in Boktai 2, but the slowdown problem is still there. I also found this problem in rooms with just 2 or 3 enemies (rooms with slimes). It's enough to be bothersome, but thankfully it doesn't happen all the time.

All in all, Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django is a pretty solid game. It's certainly very enjoyable, but the sunlight aspect might prove a problem for some people (tight schedules, sensitive skin). The initial difficulty might also prove a turn off to younger players. However, it is a great game and deserves a try, sun-lover or not.

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