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"Pity this one isn't gonna be in English."

To many people's dismay and frustration, Tobal 2 was never released in the US. This was the aftermath of Square's decision of intentionally not releasing it, as they lost some profit after Tobal No.1 was out, and the translation cost. But let's move on to the review, shall we?

Tobal 2 is the sequel to Tobal No.1, one of the greatest fighting game of its time. Tobal 2 has set a new standard in itself, making its predecessor look lame and boring, I mean it. All the previous fighters are back with some new additions such as Chaco, Mark and many monsters. The awesome quest mode is back, with a story behind that takes you to dungeons, UFO, castle, and much more. One-on-one fight (one player, two player etc.) is superb. Other than those things, you'll be able to capture monsters, save your previous fights, and alter character colours to name a few. There are some bit of humour too; rolling the fighters' eyes in the victory stance, change the female fighters' colour so it'll be skin colour all over (naughty gamer). But I won't spoil the fun. See for yourself.

The graphic department has improved a few thousand miles ahead. Fighters no longer look as blocky as they were in the first game. Instead, the texture on the fighters were smoothened and molded (don't know what to say) to create stunning detail. Some example are visible muscle tone, facial difference (yeah, but its so realistic), and the rolling eyes as I have said before.^_^ Also, fighters now move non-jerkily, with logical speed too. Each punch, kick or combos are done fluidly, you'll be hooked. To sum it up, everything you see look real, especially in the quest mode and the great intro.

Sound? Hmm, this part has also made a majestic leap ahead of its competitors. The BGM suit snugly according to the environment; UFO, mining shafts, futuristic city etc. For example, the UFO in quest mode. Once inside (minor spoiler, skip if you prefer), you'll see nothing but grey, metallic colour as the wall with a dark corridor ahead. Isn't it a gothic setting? Okay, the BGM has changed to be more distant-sound-ahead, with occasional loudness (a bit) that'll scare you. Enough with that. Sound effect made by the action onscreen are accurate to its expected sound. Fireball, punches, kicks, shouts, taunts and more, are all crystal clear. A perfect combo along with the great graphic.

There exist various game modes to play with, such as the kick-ass quest mode. In the improved mode, you'll be able to build up your character's attributes, trade with merchants, explore into the lost ruins, catch monsters to be used later, custom build potions, materia hunting and so the list goes. As an example, potions can be mixed according to your taste, resulting in bizarre results wether as a benefit (limited invincibility, invisibility, hyper speed etc) , or as a weapon. Weapons can also be utilised to your need. Heck, even the leftover bones can be used as a killing tool, aside from the dynamites, screws and so on. I'll let you explore for yourself for now.

Unfortunately, the AI is somewhat unbalanced. Even in easy mode, the final boss is SO, EXCRUCIATINGLY, CANDY-ASS hard (I'm speaking based on personal experience). It seems to be able to predict where you'll land your next hit, and he'll fight back as hard as you could think. Of course, all isn't lost, if you use a dirty trick. Even dirty tricks such as ringing (huh?) him out intentionally, retaliating (good luck, as he'll catch up with you) all the time and circling after the first hit you landed successfully until time out use some luck to perform. In my opinion, the unbalanced AI created a steep victory road towards the end of the tournament mode. New players will cringe for justice (like me), and eventually after some time succesfully beat the game. One thing, don't be fooled by the easiness of the first levels, or you'll regret playing.

Controls are responsive, but they don't allow for the last-minute hit as in combos. Move continually in a direction too long, and the fighter will fall to his back. Ain't it applies in real life too? Along with the controls, complex combos also come with it. You better know the location of the game pad's buttons, or you'll go mad going to the wrong one. Let's move on to the most demanding part of Tobal 2: executing the combos. As I stated before, the controls are responsive. But in order to achieve the perfect interaction between the player and the game, an unusually perfect timing is needed. I'll stop this part now. I'm not gonna let down the hope of would-be players.

Overall, the gameplay is solid, enjoyable and will last long with its innovative modes. But small problems that stack taller and taller made some waste of time. If you're a hardcore gamer, buy this game (although in Japanese). Still unsure, then rent or test first (lame advice from me). I give 8 out of 10.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99