Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus: A Classic 3D Fighter

Story

Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus continues the saga of the original Toshinden tournament with a plot that delves deeper into the mysterious organization known as the Secret Society. The game is set a year after the first tournament. Gaia, the erstwhile champion and a former member of the Secret Society, has gone rogue, prompting the organization to host a new tournament to lure him out. Players take on the roles of various fighters, each with personal stakes in the tournament. The characters range from returning favorites like Eiji Shinjo, the protagonist seeking to uncover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance, to newcomers like Tracy, a police officer investigating the Secret Society. Each character has a unique backstory and motive, adding layers to the overarching narrative of intrigue and betrayal.

Gameplay

Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus offers an improved and refined gameplay experience compared to its predecessor. This 3D fighting game is renowned for its innovative use of the third dimension, allowing players to sidestep attacks and maneuver around the arena, adding depth to the combat mechanics. The game retains the weapon-based combat system, with each character wielding distinct weapons that influence their fighting style and strategy.

Combat System

The combat system in Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus is both accessible to newcomers and rewarding for veterans. Players can execute a variety of basic and special attacks, combos, and powerful super moves known as “Desperation Attacks” that can turn the tide of battle. The introduction of counterattacks and improved hit detection adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to time their attacks and defenses carefully.

Character Roster

The game features a diverse roster of fighters, each with unique abilities and movesets. Characters like Eiji Shinjo, Sofia, and Kayin Amoh return with enhanced abilities, while new entrants like Chaos and Master add fresh dynamics to the gameplay. Each character’s fighting style is intricately designed to reflect their personality and story, offering players a wide array of options to match their playstyle.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus boasted impressive graphics that pushed the boundaries of the PlayStation’s capabilities. The character models are more detailed than in the original, with smoother animations and more vibrant colors that bring the fighters to life. The arenas are richly designed, each with unique themes that enhance the immersive experience.

Visuals

The game transitions seamlessly between cutscenes and battles, maintaining a consistent aesthetic that emphasizes the dramatic nature of the fights. The use of 3D environments allows for dynamic camera angles that heighten the tension and excitement during combat, a feature that set it apart from many contemporaries.

Soundtrack and Audio

The soundtrack of Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus complements its fast-paced gameplay with a mix of energetic and atmospheric tracks. Each character has a theme that reflects their background and fighting style, enhancing the narrative immersion. The sound effects, particularly the clash of weapons and impact of hits, are crisp and satisfying, contributing to the visceral feel of the battles.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus was well-received for its improvements over the original. Critics praised its enhanced combat mechanics, character diversity, and graphical fidelity. The game quickly gained a dedicated following, cementing its place as a staple of the fighting game genre during the PlayStation era.

Despite facing stiff competition from contemporaries like Tekken and Virtua Fighter, Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus stood out for its unique charm and innovative features. It played a significant role in popularizing 3D fighting games and inspired many future titles in the genre.

Conclusion

Battle Arena Toshinden 2 Plus is a testament to the creativity and ambition of its developers. It successfully built upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering a deeper and more satisfying fighting experience. Its impact on the fighting game genre is undeniable, influencing the design and mechanics of many games that followed. While it may not have achieved the lasting fame of some of its rivals, it remains a beloved classic for those who experienced its unique blend of storytelling, gameplay, and visual flair during the golden age of the PlayStation.