" 2D stages just don’t do it for me much these days. Somehow putting an elephant in the background does not amaze me like it used to "

      Title: Last Blade 2 by Agetec

      Format: Dreamcast fighting game

      Reviewing Monkey: Chimpan-A

      The Hype: SNK may have left us, but their games are still around. With some help from Agetec, the distributors, this beat ‘em up game can now grace your Dreamcast. Featuring a collection of Samurai to choose from and whomp on, the game "recreates 1864 Japan". Assuming of course that 1864 Japan contained mystical mutant creatures, and spirits from other dimensions…

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Sound: First off, it’s all in Japanese. This does not stop certain characters from being incredibly annoying. The majority of the characters run from mediocre to bad in the voice over category. The sounds of clashing swords and battle are all a little overly synthesized, but don’t sound too bad. The music however sounds low quality, even for midi. Again, some updating would have done wonders. 2.5 out of 5

      Game Play: There are some really great gameplay things here. First off, the bad: The game controls clunkily on the Dreamcast. There is no support for the analog, so only the directional pad is useable. Which, while not a horrible thing, makes little sense on the Dreamcast. And don’t let your friends know about the magical kick button. With repeated mashing, the kick button will win you 80% of your fights. There are some great features though that will outweigh clunky controls. For one thing, you have the repel button. This button will put off an opponent’s attack, giving you a moment to counterattack into his lowered defenses, a great counteractive measure. Next we have the ability to select your character type. Choosing between power, speed, or middle ground, you can customize your character. Choose power and do damage when your opponent blocks, or choose speed and combo like mad. Your choice affects your play style as what your character can do vastly changes dependent on the choice. And of course, we have the ultimate tide turner. When your character’s health gets to a certain point, you’re able to use your super (otherwise only useable when your meter fills) an infinite amount of times. It’s a last ditch, back to the wall sort of thing, but it may mean the battle. These kinds of features ensure that a battle is never over until one of you is lying dead on the floor. 4 out of 5

      Level and Environment Designs: The stages for this game are relatively varied, although the lack of graphical splendor makes them less than interesting. I know I’ve been spoiled by the DOAs. 2D stages just don’t do it for me much these days. Somehow putting an elephant in the background does not amaze me like it used to (although having other game characters cameo in the same level does). Even for 2D though, the stages are fairly small, and with a few exceptions (like the burning ship) uninteresting. 2 out of 5

      Multiplayer: Well fighting games are all about the multiplayer, since no one’s playing for the story. Last Blade 2 has some great multiplayer appeal. Keeping both fighters in it until the end helps keep your victims… err, friends in the game and fighting. The character selection (16 fighters) and choices in character type give enough variety that the two players can keep interested for a while. 4 out of 5

      Replayability: Nothing makes my job easier than when the back of the box gives the answers to review categories. Right there on the package it tells you about the four unlockable characters, and weapon upgrades to find. "The Last Blade 2 offers you countless hours of challenging gameplay!" It’s mostly true. What they fail to mention is how you will all too soon turn to look at the more recent and better games that have been made (even by SNK) since 1998. If you really want to play with your favorite samurai, go buy Capcom vs SNK 2, and pick the S groove. 2 out of 5

      Story/Dramatics: As mentioned, it’s all in Japanese. The only English you get is your badly translated victory speech. And I mean, really badly translated. One guy’s victory line is "Fear not justice’s flame. Your butt’s mine, bubblehead." Bubblehead? Anyway, until you get to the last level you have no idea why you are fighting who you’re fighting, or what’s going on. Even when you get to the last level it’s not going to make much sense to you. Bad translation and or bad writing (who can tell) muddle the whole thing. Oh well, like I said, it’s not like anyone’s playing this thing for the thrilling storyline anyway. 1 out of 5

      Instructions and Learning Curve: This game has a slightly higher learning curve than your normal fighting game. Learning the difference between the different character types can take a while. Incorporating the repel button into your defense can take some practice, as the timing on it has to be perfect for it to work. Otherwise, it’s simply the usual learning of which special moves a character has. The instructions perform the bare minimum of their required duties. Telling you what the moves are, and where they’re used. Otherwise, it’s up to you to figure out. 3 out of 5

      Installation and Real System Requirements: Well this certainly isn’t pushing anything on the Dreamcast. I don’t think it was pushing anything in 98. At least there’re no load times to speak of. 2.5 out of 5

      The Verdict:

I suppose there’s nothing really wrong with this game, it’s just outdated. Far better products have come along since this one was made. There are some neat additions to gameplay, but the graphics are less than attractive. All in all, it will entertain for a while and then you’ll likely move on to the myriad of better fighting games available today.

      The Good: Infinite supers with low health means it ain’t over ‘till the fat lady sings.

      The Bad: Ugly graphics and less than perfect control

      The Overall Ugly: Great for true SNK diehard fans; everyone else will likely want to leave it for better.

      What it's Worth: A good 15 in the discount rack.