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Fighting Force 2
Score: 78%
ESRB: Teen
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Core Design
Media: CD/1
Players: 1
Genre: Action/ Adventure

Graphics & Sound:
Every time I think that the graphics on the PlayStation can't get better, they do. Every time I think, 'They can't top that,' they usually do. Well, Fighting Force 2 just looks good. Everything about the game is just graphically sound. Detail, texture, and color - it's all there and great. I would say that the graphics are improved 100 fold over its predecessor, Fighting Force.

Now the nit picky. The explosions were lacking, but the after effects of such were nice. The main character was graphically sound, but the 'bad guys' were too robot looking. The weapons looked good in inventory, but not too hot in action. However, overall, I have to say that the graphics for this 3rd person shooter were excellent (for a PlayStation). Everything was detailed enough to look great, but not too much to get in the way of good gaming.


Gameplay:
Okay, remember how great (and novel) Fighting Force was? Two-player action with a totally useable environment - nothing better. Maybe they should have stayed with that formula. I can sum up Fighting Force 2 in two words: short and boring. If you like games like Syphon Filter, Mission Impossible, and Metal Gear, then play Syphon Filter, Mission Impossible, and Metal Gear. If you like games like Fighting Force 1, then play Fighting Force 1. If you have nothing better to do for a weekend, then go play basketball or something. Seriously, the game's not that bad. It's not that good either. First of all, they took the multi-player action out. It's now totally single player. Secondly, a lot of the environmental interaction has hit the floor. Sure, you can pick up certain things along the way, but nothing like the first one. I do have to admit though, it is just as easy and just as short as the first. And it does have tremendously better graphics than the original. Same basic idea as the first one - run around killing people. Kick, punch, jump, use items, there are even some combos to master, but other than that, not much going. It is a 3rd person perspective, so it takes a little getting use to. Although, there is a 1st person mode available, it's infinitely better to stick to the default. I never did fully come to love the controls, but they work. This game has some good points to it, unfortunately, not enough to overshadow the bad ones.

Difficulty:
Too easy. Too short. Simple button combos. Confusing key configuration. Not too much to say other than that. I thought that it should be either harder or longer to supplement the lack; as it is, it just turns out to be - not fun. If you want a quick, easy killing game that looks great, this may be what you're looking for.

Game Mechanics:
Not too shabby. Not great, but not horrible. The combos were easy enough, and the layout was simple enough to get the hang of. I wasn't overly impressed with how the game handles, but I really can't find anything to complain about. The analog and vibration was a nice bonus, but lack of multi-player hurt it. I was surprised though at how smoothly it ran considering the quality of the graphics. As a matter of fact, the only real complaint I have in this area are the camera angles. They sucked, but what Eidos game has good ones? All in all, I think Fighting Force 2 is a good weekend rent.

-Storm, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jeremy Kelso

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