Power Stone 2 is a sequel in the most worthy sense (I'm talking Godfather 2 here, not Grease 2). The game is still set in the same 19th century time period, maintains the same international-around-the-globe-mystical style, and the overall gameplay premise hasn't deviated much either.

Its almost heart warming to see Capcom come up with such a wonderful game given their history of releasing quasi-sequels with rehashed and dated gameplay mechanics. A release like Power Stone is so full of personality and innovation that I would hope it isnt overlooked simply for its arcade look and feel. With the next-next-generation hardware, Capcom has found a way to offer a game that is a throwback to the days of 2D arcade brawlers but with new school 3D freedom. Its a clear sign of the times that hardware limitations are becoming less and less restrictive.

If Jackie Chan were a videogame (other than his own upcoming Stuntmaster), hed be Power Stone. Much like Chans renowned style of comedic martial arts filmmaking, Power Stone is a two-player competitive fighting game that allows players to freely roam about the stage with the ability to pick up, hurl, swing, or hang from nearly everything in it.