Power stone
Format : Dreamcast
Review by : The Ragin Cajun
Players : 1 - 2
Type : Beat em up
It is somewhat fitting that capcom, credited with almost single handily inventing the 2d beat-em-up should be the ones to re-invent the 3d beat-em-up with this delightful game.
The premise of powerstone is simple, smack the seven shades of shit out of you opponent in a " best of 3" contest, and that's where the similarities between this game and any others finish.
For a start each bout takes place in an isometric arena ( just remember the viewpoint for the original FIFA and you'll be O.K) each arena is littered with chairs, tables, barrels , rock and god knows what else that can be used to bludgeon you opponent to death with. Add to this the titular Powerstones ( gems that when all three of which are collected transform you fighter form a rock hard human to a comic book type superhero.) add awe inspiring graphics and sound and you have one of the most original beat 'em ups since the original virtua fighter.
The true test of the game however is in its two player mode. This has to be the funniest thing since , well the last very funny thing. Invite some friends around for a game and watch as they manage to pull off 17 hit combos without a clue what they are doing and nearly die of the laughter. Also games can change in the space of a few seconds, one minute you can be thrashing you best friend , next he has all the Powerstones and is using you as a human punchbag. A true multiplayer classic.
However it I not without its faults. The CPU characters are somewhat prone to getting trapped in corners and there are some tiny ( and I mean almost microscopic) graphical flaws. Its longevity is also in question, as with all beat-em-ups they can get repetitive, and this is true of powerstone. Despite some really inventive uses of the V.M unit for mini-games the sad truth is that because of its simplicity there is no real long term-depth to it. But on the flip side it is always good of one of those "quick 5 min games" and like goldeneye you will (almost) never tire of its multiplayer option.
All in all an essential by for the dreamcast, more so than Virtua fighter 3tb , in my humble opinion.
Sound :
9/10
Gameplay :
8/10
Difficulty :
8/10
Graphics :
9/10
9/10
Overall :
Review by : The Ragin Cajun
Images :