Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation
- Developers: Eighting/Razing
- Publishers: Hudson Soft, Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Virgin Interactive Entertainment (Europe) Ltd.
Bloody Roar 2: The Evolution of the Beast
Released in arcades in 1999, Bloody Roar 2 is a groundbreaking fighting game that introduced unique beast mechanics to the genre, allowing players to unleash the primal power of animalistic transformations. Developed by Eighting/Raizing, Bloody Roar 2 is the sequel to the original Bloody Roar and expands upon its predecessor’s formula with a larger roster of characters, more diverse fighting styles, and enhanced graphics.
Gameplay
Bloody Roar 2 is a 3D fighting game that plays similarly to other titles in the genre, with players controlling one of twelve characters and battling against each other in one-on-one matches. However, what sets Bloody Roar 2 apart is its unique beast system. Each character in the game has the ability to transform into a beast form, which grants them new attacks, increased speed and strength, and the ability to regenerate health.
The beast system adds a layer of strategy to Bloody Roar 2’s gameplay, as players must carefully decide when to transform and how to use their beast form’s unique abilities to their advantage. Transforming into a beast form consumes a portion of the player’s health, so players must be careful not to overextend themselves and leave themselves vulnerable to attack.
In addition to the beast system, Bloody Roar 2 also features a variety of other gameplay mechanics, including a rage system that powers up the player’s attacks, a guard system that can be used to block and counter attacks, and a variety of special moves and combos that can be used to deal devastating damage to opponents.
Characters
Bloody Roar 2 features a roster of twelve characters, each with their own unique fighting style and beast form. The characters include:
- Yugo Ogami: A Japanese wolf who seeks revenge for the death of his sister.
- Bakuryu: A Chinese tiger who fights to protect his village from an evil organization.
- Alice Tsukagami: A Japanese fox who is searching for her lost memories.
- Gado: A Russian bear who is trying to control his inner beast.
- Busuzima: A South American jaguar who is seeking to become the strongest fighter in the world.
- Jenny Burtory: An American lion who is fighting to avenge her father’s death.
- Fox: A Native American coyote who is trying to protect his people from an evil spirit.
- Shina: A Chinese pangolin who is searching for a cure for her deadly illness.
- Uriko Nakiri: A Japanese wolf who is trying to find her place in the world.
- Xion: A Chinese lion who is trying to control his dark powers.
- Cronos: A Greek lion who is seeking to become the strongest fighter in the universe.
- Stun: A secret character who is a powerful wolf-like creature.
Story
Bloody Roar 2’s story mode follows the twelve characters as they investigate a mysterious organization known as the ZLF, which is experimenting on animals and humans in order to create a new breed of super soldiers. As the characters learn more about the ZLF’s plans, they must band together to stop them and prevent them from unleashing their deadly creations upon the world.
Reception
Bloody Roar 2 was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and beautiful graphics. Bloody Roar 2 is considered to be one of the best fighting games of its generation and is still enjoyed by fans today.
Legacy
Bloody Roar 2 has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. The game’s unique beast system has been imitated by other fighting games, and its cast of characters has become iconic in the genre. Bloody Roar 2 is a classic fighting game that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Review Score
8.5/10