Gameplay- Pokémon Stadium 2, while lacking a traditional storyline, offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience. The main progression revolves around winning trophies in the Stadium, which features four distinct "Cups" with their unique rules and regulations: the Poké Cup, Prime Cup, Challenge Cup, and Little Cup. Each Cup adds variety and complexity to the battles. In the Stadium, players assemble a team of six Pokémon, which can be a mix of rental Pokémon provided by the game or imported Pokémon from a Game Boy cartridge. This flexibility allows for diverse strategies and team compositions. The Challenge Cup, in particular, introduces an element of randomness, as both the player and their opponents receive parties of Pokémon selected entirely at random. This Cup provides an exciting and unpredictable twist to the battles. The Gym Leader Castle presents an additional layer of challenge. To earn Gym badges and progress, players must defeat trainers at the eight Johto League Gyms. Each Gym specializes in a particular type of Pokémon, but the trainers within the Gym can employ a mix of types for balance, adding strategic depth to the battles. The three-on-three format for Pokémon battles adds a layer of complexity to these encounters, requiring players to carefully choose their team of six Pokémon, which can again consist of imported or rental Pokémon. As you progress, you'll encounter the Elite Four, and their defeat unlocks a rival battle. Beyond this, the game introduces the Kanto Gym Leaders and ultimately culminates in a face-off with the Pokémon Champion, Red. The gameplay's structure is well-designed to keep players engaged, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you conquer Gym after Gym and aim to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. Pokémon Stadium 2's gameplay is a mixture of strategy, unpredictability, and a steady progression system, making it a rewarding and entertaining experience for both Pokémon enthusiasts and newcomers to the franchise.
Modes & Features- Pokémon Stadium 2 offers a versatile Free Battle mode that allows players to engage in practice battles. You have the freedom to select rules from any of the tournament cups or even create custom rules to suit your preferences. With support for up to four players, the battles can become even more exciting. You can assemble teams using a combination of rental Pokémon and those imported from your Game Boy games via the Transfer Pak. Plus, who could forget the charming touch of Pikachu announcing its name when you select the trainer icon from the Pokémon section screen? One of the standout features of The Pokémon Stadium Series is the Game Boy Tower, which, unfortunately, is absent in the Nintendo Switch Online version. In the original, you could play Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal on your Nintendo 64. Winning Stadium cups and conquering the Gym Leader Castle unlocked higher speed options, allowing you to relive your Game Boy adventures with a fresh twist. If you connect Pokémon Stadium 2 to Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal, you unlock the intriguing "Mystery Gift" function. This feature lets you receive random items in your Game Boy game, adding an extra layer of excitement to your Pokémon journey. Some of these items include decorations for your in-game room, which can be both viewed and customized within Stadium 2. It's a unique and charming way to personalize your gaming experience. For players in Japan, Pokémon Stadium 2 introduced the innovative "Mobile Stadium" game mode. By using the mobile phone adapter bundled with copies of Pokémon Crystal, you could access this exciting feature. In Mobile Stadium, you could battle against other players downloaded from the mobile phone service in tournament-style matches. Moreover, you could also engage in battles with friends by transferring information across the mobile adapter, taking your Pokémon battles to a whole new level. For those seeking an upgrade in visual quality, the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak comes to the rescue. When inserted into the console, it elevates the texture resolution and overall image quality of Pokémon Stadium 2. Additionally, it reduces the frequency of data loading when playing Pokémon Crystal in the Game Boy Tower, ensuring a smoother and more visually appealing gaming experience. This hardware enhancement adds depth to the gameplay and is a welcome addition for those looking to optimize their Pokémon adventures on the Nintendo 64.
Mini Games- One of the standout features in Pokémon Stadium 2 is the Mini-Game Park, nestled in White City. This vibrant area invites up to four players to indulge in 12 exciting Pokémon-themed mini-games, promising a plethora of fun and competition. While it's not mandatory, players can even bring their favorite Pokémon from their Game Boy cartridges into select mini-games, adding a unique twist to the experience.
Gutsy Golbat: Transform into four Golbat and soar through a cavern, collecting hearts that are playfully blown by a Jynx. The challenge lies in avoiding collisions with both your opponents and the tricky Magnemite. A true test of aerial agility.
Topsy-Turvy: Assume the role of Hitmontop and engage in an intense showdown where the Rapid Spin move is your key to victory. Knock your opponents out of the arena, and the first player to secure five knockouts emerges as the winner.
Clear Cut Challenge: As Scyther, Scizor, or Pinsir, your task is to slice a white line on logs. The finesse in your cutting technique determines whether you gain or lose points. After five logs, the player with the highest score claims victory.
Furret's Frolic: Play as Furret and focus on knocking four Poké Balls into your designated corner to rack up points. Alternatively, you can opt to take the role of a Girafarig for a change of pace.
Barrier Ball: Step into the shoes of Mr. Mime, and engage in a fast-paced game where you bounce a Poké Ball back and forth across your opponent's court. Precision and agility are your best friends in this thrilling mini-game.
Pichu's Power Plant: As Pichu, engage in a race against time as you compete to be the first to fully charge up using four electrodes. Alternatively, you can opt for a Pikachu to take on the challenge.
Rampage Rollout: Transform into Donphan and partake in a race to complete nine laps around a square track. Emerge victorious by strategically utilizing dust clouds to impede your rivals. On the final lap, Donphan's Rollout adds an exciting twist.
Streaming Stampede: As Cleffa or Igglybuff, test your counting skills by estimating the number of a specific Pokémon. Your performance determines the points you earn, with the final question challenging you to count every Pokémon.
Tumbling Togepi: Embark on a fast-paced journey as Togepi, running on a treadmill towards the goal while avoiding obstacles like boulders, flowers, and Diglett. For a change, you can opt for an Omanyte as your character.
Delibird's Delivery: Take control of Delibird, gather presents, and amass points, with bonus points awarded for delivering the same presents multiple times. It's a delightful delivery challenge.
Egg Emergency: Play as Chansey, tasked with catching falling eggs while skillfully avoiding pesky Voltorb. Precision and speed are your allies in this frantic task.
Eager Eevee: Four Eevee are in a race, and you must outpace your rivals as you race around a lid held down by Aipom. The twist comes when Aipom opens the lid to reveal fruit that you must grab, all while dodging Pineco.
These mini-games introduce a breath of fresh air compared to Pokémon Stadium 1, offering players a diverse range of challenges and entertainment. Among them, personal favorites like "Pichu's Power Plant" and "Tumbling Togepi" stand out as exceptional choices that add an extra layer of excitement to the Pokémon Stadium 2 experience.
Summary
Gameplay: 7.5
Graphics: 8
Characters: 6
Content: 8
Music: 6
Difficulty: Nightmare
Length: 19 hours
Audience: 7+
Perk: Collector
Final Score (8 - Great): Pokemon Stadium 2 is a fantastic sequel that outshines its predecessor. With a diverse selection of Pokemon, entertaining mini-games, and plenty of content, it's a must-play for Pokemon fans. While not without its flaws, it remains the pinnacle of Pokemon gaming on the N64. I may not have experienced Pokemon Colosseum or Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness yet, but if the opportunity arises, I'll explore those titles as well.
Modes & Features- Pokémon Stadium 2 offers a versatile Free Battle mode that allows players to engage in practice battles. You have the freedom to select rules from any of the tournament cups or even create custom rules to suit your preferences. With support for up to four players, the battles can become even more exciting. You can assemble teams using a combination of rental Pokémon and those imported from your Game Boy games via the Transfer Pak. Plus, who could forget the charming touch of Pikachu announcing its name when you select the trainer icon from the Pokémon section screen? One of the standout features of The Pokémon Stadium Series is the Game Boy Tower, which, unfortunately, is absent in the Nintendo Switch Online version. In the original, you could play Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal on your Nintendo 64. Winning Stadium cups and conquering the Gym Leader Castle unlocked higher speed options, allowing you to relive your Game Boy adventures with a fresh twist. If you connect Pokémon Stadium 2 to Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal, you unlock the intriguing "Mystery Gift" function. This feature lets you receive random items in your Game Boy game, adding an extra layer of excitement to your Pokémon journey. Some of these items include decorations for your in-game room, which can be both viewed and customized within Stadium 2. It's a unique and charming way to personalize your gaming experience. For players in Japan, Pokémon Stadium 2 introduced the innovative "Mobile Stadium" game mode. By using the mobile phone adapter bundled with copies of Pokémon Crystal, you could access this exciting feature. In Mobile Stadium, you could battle against other players downloaded from the mobile phone service in tournament-style matches. Moreover, you could also engage in battles with friends by transferring information across the mobile adapter, taking your Pokémon battles to a whole new level. For those seeking an upgrade in visual quality, the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak comes to the rescue. When inserted into the console, it elevates the texture resolution and overall image quality of Pokémon Stadium 2. Additionally, it reduces the frequency of data loading when playing Pokémon Crystal in the Game Boy Tower, ensuring a smoother and more visually appealing gaming experience. This hardware enhancement adds depth to the gameplay and is a welcome addition for those looking to optimize their Pokémon adventures on the Nintendo 64.
Mini Games- One of the standout features in Pokémon Stadium 2 is the Mini-Game Park, nestled in White City. This vibrant area invites up to four players to indulge in 12 exciting Pokémon-themed mini-games, promising a plethora of fun and competition. While it's not mandatory, players can even bring their favorite Pokémon from their Game Boy cartridges into select mini-games, adding a unique twist to the experience.
Gutsy Golbat: Transform into four Golbat and soar through a cavern, collecting hearts that are playfully blown by a Jynx. The challenge lies in avoiding collisions with both your opponents and the tricky Magnemite. A true test of aerial agility.
Topsy-Turvy: Assume the role of Hitmontop and engage in an intense showdown where the Rapid Spin move is your key to victory. Knock your opponents out of the arena, and the first player to secure five knockouts emerges as the winner.
Clear Cut Challenge: As Scyther, Scizor, or Pinsir, your task is to slice a white line on logs. The finesse in your cutting technique determines whether you gain or lose points. After five logs, the player with the highest score claims victory.
Furret's Frolic: Play as Furret and focus on knocking four Poké Balls into your designated corner to rack up points. Alternatively, you can opt to take the role of a Girafarig for a change of pace.
Barrier Ball: Step into the shoes of Mr. Mime, and engage in a fast-paced game where you bounce a Poké Ball back and forth across your opponent's court. Precision and agility are your best friends in this thrilling mini-game.
Pichu's Power Plant: As Pichu, engage in a race against time as you compete to be the first to fully charge up using four electrodes. Alternatively, you can opt for a Pikachu to take on the challenge.
Rampage Rollout: Transform into Donphan and partake in a race to complete nine laps around a square track. Emerge victorious by strategically utilizing dust clouds to impede your rivals. On the final lap, Donphan's Rollout adds an exciting twist.
Streaming Stampede: As Cleffa or Igglybuff, test your counting skills by estimating the number of a specific Pokémon. Your performance determines the points you earn, with the final question challenging you to count every Pokémon.
Tumbling Togepi: Embark on a fast-paced journey as Togepi, running on a treadmill towards the goal while avoiding obstacles like boulders, flowers, and Diglett. For a change, you can opt for an Omanyte as your character.
Delibird's Delivery: Take control of Delibird, gather presents, and amass points, with bonus points awarded for delivering the same presents multiple times. It's a delightful delivery challenge.
Egg Emergency: Play as Chansey, tasked with catching falling eggs while skillfully avoiding pesky Voltorb. Precision and speed are your allies in this frantic task.
Eager Eevee: Four Eevee are in a race, and you must outpace your rivals as you race around a lid held down by Aipom. The twist comes when Aipom opens the lid to reveal fruit that you must grab, all while dodging Pineco.
These mini-games introduce a breath of fresh air compared to Pokémon Stadium 1, offering players a diverse range of challenges and entertainment. Among them, personal favorites like "Pichu's Power Plant" and "Tumbling Togepi" stand out as exceptional choices that add an extra layer of excitement to the Pokémon Stadium 2 experience.
Summary
Gameplay: 7.5
Graphics: 8
Characters: 6
Content: 8
Music: 6
Difficulty: Nightmare
Length: 19 hours
Audience: 7+
Perk: Collector
Final Score (8 - Great): Pokemon Stadium 2 is a fantastic sequel that outshines its predecessor. With a diverse selection of Pokemon, entertaining mini-games, and plenty of content, it's a must-play for Pokemon fans. While not without its flaws, it remains the pinnacle of Pokemon gaming on the N64. I may not have experienced Pokemon Colosseum or Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness yet, but if the opportunity arises, I'll explore those titles as well.