Is the sequel to Pokemon Stadium different enough to warrant a purchase?

User Rating: 8 | Pokemon Stadium Kin Gin Crystal Version N64
If you are a fan of Pokemon, this game's likely been on your radar for quite some time now. In almost all areas, it doesn't disappoint. In a lot of ways, it's superior to its predecessor, as there is a good deal more challenge and other valuable things to do. The Pokemon Academy section of the game was brilliant, and the mini-games are a lot more fun. What it boils down to is this: Did you play through Gold or Silver? Did you enjoy battling? If so, you will love this game. If you did not, pass. While Pokemon Stadium 2 does a lot of things, it is basically a repetitive, turn-based fighting game. And if you're not into that, stay away. Otherwise, grab your Pokemon and let's scrap.


Presentation: Packed with tons of battles, an in-game Poke-tutorial, entertaining mini-games and Gold/Silver playability, this one's a keeper for anyone who's worked hard to train their own Pokemon. 9.5/10

Graphics:They did a nice job with the 3-D Pokemon and even improved some of the bland backgrounds from the original. But where did the fainting animations go? 7.5/10

Sound: Since most of this game is spent in battle, you'd think they would make the announcer less generic. Ah, well. At least the thunder sounds cool 5.5/10

Gameplay: If you like the battles in Pokemon, you will like this game. But be prepared for a lot of it... in fact, too much. The battles get tiresome 7.5/10

Lasting Appeal: If you have painstakingly trained Pokemon and want to challenge your friends, this is the arena to do it in. If you haven't played through Gold or Silver, Stadium 2 isn't for you. 7.5/10

Overall: 8/10

My Verdict: Rent it first :)