This game featured ten playable characters, and has a unique type of battle system that is not 2D unlike other games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Killer Instinct, allowing players to enjoy the awesome fight immensely. Power Stone is one of Sega's forgotten games, and luckily, old players rejoiced as this game out on the PSP as part of the Power Stone Collection alongside its sequel, Power Stone 2.
Plot. In the 19th Century, strong believers of legends, myth, and superstition search for fame, fortune and glory. There is one legend above many, a treasure that makes any dream come true. Believers from all over the world set out on a fateful journey across the globe to find this treasure, and they are also forced to fight one another in pursuit of the legendary treasure known as, the Power Stone.
Each fighter begins with one power emerald, and after receiving powerful attacks they can lose the stone and they have to race quickly to steal it from their opponents before they retrieve it. Once they obtain three stones, they turn into powerful warriors unleashing stronger attacks and with power fusions that releases an ultimate attack that is so powerful it can cause great harm to those who receive it.
Concept. Power Stone in single player allows players to select one of ten different fighters such as: Falcon, Wang Tang, Rouge, Galuda, Kraken, Gunrock, Ayame, Jack, Fokker, and so on. Each character has his/her own ending after completing the game by defeating the final boss, Vargas. If players want to take a break from Single Player they will have a lot more fun playing for two against their friends or family members to have the time of their lives.
Controls. If you're accustomed to 2D fighting games like Street Fighter, Smash Bros, and Mortal Kombat, this 3D game will blow you away. Like basic controls you can punch, kick, and throw. When you have all three stones and turn into your super form, pressing the L and R buttons at the same time will create a "Power Fusion", thus unleashing super attacks.
Design. The characters of the game have a unique and wonderful design and so do the stages of the characters. This game is more like anime influence which makes it a masterpiece courtesy of Capcom. When you think of Capcom, you always thought of games such as Street Fighter, Final Fight, Ghosts 'N Goblins, Mega Man, and Resident Evil, but the company changed all that when they created Power Stone.
Sound and Music. Narration is in English, but the characters can only be heard speaking Japanese. The music is more fantasy based, unlike other fighting games that have rock, techno, and jazzy themes. Most of the theme songs are so epic, including Falcon's theme which is more like that of a superhero theme.
Memories. I played this game back in 2000 when I was 14 years old and I had my Dreamcast (I still have it). A friend of mine lent me this game, and we would spend hours playing with my friends and cousin. What great times I had in those days. Taking a break from Power Stone at times we would play games like Sonic Adventure, Code Veronica, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2, MDK2, and Rayman, oh memories.
History. Power Stone was so successful that a sequel was inevitable. The game has also spawned an anime series which lasted for only 26 episodes. In the following year Power Stone 2 was released in Japan on April, while in America it was released by the end of the summer of 2000. Power Stone 2 featured old and new characters, new villains, and stage fighting as well which was also a success. Most were expecting a third game, but years went by and it was becoming a forgotten game. However, in 2006 with the rise of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) the Power Stone Collection was released with both Power Stone and Power Stone 2. This is a game that is lost over the years, but still memorable upon gamers of the old generation.
Rantings. For Western Releases at first when I was a kid I ranted that the characters didn't speak english at all and only Japanese. But still it was interesting, unfortunately they did not any subtitle translation for entrances, taunts, victory, and losing quotes. Now the Kraken stage was annoying with those cannons shooting at you and the anchor as well. A weapon I found actually ridiculous was the soccer ball.
Good Aspects. The game's replay value is very high. If you love Street Fighter you will DEFINITELY love this game as well. You can purchase the Power Stone Collection on the PlayStation Network, only on the PSP. Even though I wish it was on the PlayStation 3's PSN as well. Capcom has done such an amazing job with this great game. My question is "What happened to awesome games like this?" because all we have is a bunch of games that involves shooting people and people claiming "Graphics this, graphics that!"
Overall. Power Stone is a game I would absolutely recommend to play on your Dreamcast if you have it, or on your PSP. Power Stone gets a 10 out of 10.
God Bless and Play Hard Gamers!