DESCRIPTION

First appearing in the arcades in 1996, Capcom's Super Puzzle Fighter II has since endured excursions on the PC, PlayStation, Saturn, and Dreamcast. The core game mechanic has changed little since the series' inception, and tasks players with matching pairs of like-colored gems. Over time, Crash Gems also fall into the field of play, and when they come into contact with gems of the corresponding color, will remove all connected gems of that color. In turn, those gems that fall into the vacant space below can set off other reactions to create chain combos. By doing so, players send "Counter Gems" to their opponent. The ordinal number on these gems is reduced by one with every subsequent pair of gems dropped into play. When it reaches zero, they turn into normal gems.

Skilled players attempt to join an even number of gems either horizontally or vertically; causing them to bond and creating even larger "Power Gems" that, when used in a combo, will increase the number of Counter Gems sent to the opposing player. During play, the chosen Street Fighter or Darkstalkers avatars will execute their trademark attacks based upon the combinations you create. Character selection also dictates which pattern of Counter Gems is sent to your opponent.

Eight characters are initially available for selection — including Ken, Ryu, Chun Li, Morrigan, Sakura, and Felicia — but others (along with costumes and alternate modes) can be unlocked by playing through the Street Puzzle mode. The game offers competitive play for two players using a single system or via the Link Cable. The latter option requires each player to own a copy of the game, while the former allows both players to "share" the system: one player uses the D-Pad and L button, while the other plays with the A, B and R buttons. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide