DESCRIPTION

Guilty Gear X2 is the sequel to Arc System Works' high-resolution fighter, Guilty Gear X. Similar to its predecessor, Guilty Gear X2 offers various tweaks and improvements, along with more tangible additions such as new fighters and extra modes. Gameplay is governed by a multitude of powerful special moves such as Psych Bursts, Roman Cancels, Overdrives, Faultless Defense, Dead Angles, and One-Hit Kills (Sammy Studios nomenclature for a stock selection of, cancels, air juggles and counters). A roster of 23 playable characters (some hidden) awaits players, and features an indiscriminate collection of old and new, though no less quirky, faces. Among the new arrivals are the androgynous, yo-yo wielding Bridget and I-No, a leather-clad woman armed with a guitar.

Arcade, Versus, and Training disciplines will be familiar to even casual fans of the genre, augmented by the considerably more involved Mission and Story modes. The Story mode thrusts players into a series of encounters that are book-ended by basic discourse between combatants, and ultimately reveal more about each character and their relationships. Paths and endings will vary based upon various in-game factors. The Mission mode presents players with a collection of 50 predetermined challenges that require one to contend with time and health handicaps in addition to limited move sets and other such constraints. A unique take on the usual Survival mode, M.O.M. (Medal of Millionaires) tracks the number of combos performed during a bout (via an onscreen meter) and awards points and medals accordingly.

A plethora of secrets — both time-released and through excellent play in the various game modes — can be unlocked and include artwork, EX and SP character variations as well as extra games modes such as the GG mode. Like its forebears, Guilty Gear X2 features a metal/rock guitar soundtrack. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide