Dark Cloud 2

Super Street Game Reviews

Fans of the original Dark Cloud, one of the all-time, best-selling RPG games, are sure to happy that the follow-up game Dark Cloud 2 has finally arrived. Dark Cloud 2 returns with a new character-driven story and plenty of exciting additions. It offers two playable characters, Max and Monica, cel-shading technology (the same technology that makes Sly Cooper so cool looking), GEORAMA (the ability to create an interactive 3D environment), and a new Invention System to make usable game play items for battle and exploration.

Start the game as Maximillian, a super-genius inventor who stumbles onto the mystery of what lies beyond his city's gates. Shortly into the game, Max gets the help of his new, time-travelling friend Monica, who leads Max on an adventure spanning the past, present, and future. As Max and Monica demolish evil monsters, collect crystals, and slowly rebuild their world, they will ultimately unlock the secrets that show the way to their final destiny.

Dark Cloud 2 combines action-adventure, strategy, combat, and magic to make it one of those "obsession-worthy" RPG games. Although we are fans of the RPG game format, some game offerings in this category can get a bit heavy for players just looking to spend some free time goofing off on the PlayStation 2. Dark Cloud 2 has a nice balance, allowing a player to spend a short time playing one or two levels, or in our case, marathon sessions that leave our butts numb, thumbs cramped, and audibly mumbling about power crystals, geostones, and treasure chests.

Whether it's deep in a dungeon maze or in the innocent sounding but deadly Rainbow Butterfly Wood, you must smash crates, rocks, and treasure chests to collect weapon crystals, maps, building materials, and ammo. It's not as easy as it sounds. Monsters chase you constantly, treasure chests blow up in your face, and getting the inventory items you need can be difficult. It's important to remember to keep your inventory balanced, your weapons updated, and your health meter high. Otherwise, you face the difficult task of trying to constantly come up with health and weapon points just to survive--and this often leaves you stuck on a level. If you break a weapon without having any way to repair it or your health is dangerously low, you are doomed unless you can find a way to restore it. Sometimes, your best bet is to just die, die, die, and try that level again--with a new strategy.

Battle sequences are fun and players can block, use long-range attacks, and apply both defensive and offensive moves to crush an enemy. Camera movement is fluid and nearly 360 degrees at all times depending on where the character is standing. The soundtrack follows the game play well and lets players know when danger is near, when all is clear or when it's time to go to battle. Each level is saturated with color, very detailed and unique, making it seem as if you've stepped into a 3-D cartoon. In Dark Cloud 2, Sony presents a truly fantastic game loaded with gorgeous environments and an exciting, multi-layered adventure that will appeal to a wide age-range of gamers. We give the game four nukes.
-Lisa Lippard