"Not as good as the first"

After playing the first Final Fight, I was disappointed with this one. First, some background info. There are three selectable characters: Haggar, Carlos and Maki. Haggar is once again the power dude, while Carlos and Maki are smaller and quicker. The game consists of six levels of side scrolling fighting. As usual, a cast of enemies is back again, along with six bosses. Powerups are still plentiful, and weapons arise in the form of 2X4s, pipes and knives. Unlike the first game, a two player option is present here.

Graphics: 7/10

I didn't like these graphics as much as the first game; they were just as big and colorful but not as clear. There is a lot more stuff to break in this game (fences, walls), but it just didn't work for me. The animations are no better than the first game, though the bosses were huge and decent.

Sound: 6/10

Forgetable. The usual assortment of pain screams are here, as well as the dull thwack of a 2X4 upside the head. Nothing impressive.

Gameplay: 6/10

Simply put, the game is too easy, especially in comparison to the first game. Much of the Final Fight series is based on getting close to guys and grabbing them, then executing a move. In this game, grabbing guys is WAY too easy; with only a few exceptions, you can walk right into guys and you'll grab them all the time. The bosses can all be easily beaten by attacking, backing off, then attacking again. Each character has several moves, but due to the fact that the AI is so bad, it doesn't really matter what you do to them.

Replay: 4/10

No motivation to play again. For those of us who love beating people up, maybe, but for anyone else, no.

Overall: 6/10

Sorry, this game was not as good as the original. If you own or have played the first game and are expecting more of the same, rent this game and try it, but I expect you'll be disappointed. Final Fight 2 gets my rating of a rental-only.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99