Real Bout 2 Review

After receiving and playing my copy of RBS, I was overjoyed when I received my copy of RB2. If you have read my RBS review, you then know that I loved that game. How does this game stack up to it's predecessor? Read On.

Backgrounds looked a little grainier in RB2 than they did in RBS, most likely due to the sheer number of them in the latter. RB2 also has 2-3 characters sharing a stage like RBS did, but the time of day will be different depending on which character you are using (Example: Terry fights at daytime vice sunset for Rick.) and not changing between rounds. Some may like this, but I preferred the old way and how it makes the fights seem more drawn out. The objects in the corners have also been removed, to my dismay.

On the positive side, some of the stages in this game are among the best I have ever seen in a Neo-Geo game. Especially the alley with the grocery stores (I love how it closes shop on Mary's version) and the rooftop with neon everywhere. The two intros to the game are also extra nice.

SNK decided to recycle the RBS music into RB2, The only thing new you'll hear are the BGMs for the brand new characters. Unfortunately, they also recycled that Godforsaken "Samurai Shodown" Geese Howard theme song. AARRGH! If anyone out there can hack my RB2 to play the KOF'96 version of his theme, email me.

Now this is where it's gonna sting a little. This game feels a little rushed to me. For instance, there are no character intros and win poses only come after the second win. Also there have been changes to the movelist that I didn't like and controls don't seem quite as responsive as they were in RBS. On a positive note, there is the option to remove the background plane and a continue service like those in the later KOF games and MotW.

If I hadn't played RBS before this game, this game probably would have gotten a better review. I must say that I was a bit disappointed in this game after playing RBS. It's not bad by any means, but it could have been so much better, and Real Bout Special is proof of that. It is worth picking up, but I'd get RBS and MotW first.