TLDR;
This video reviews Digimon Rumble Arena 2, comparing it to its predecessor and assessing its gameplay, digivolving mechanics, unlockable content, and multiplayer experience. The reviewer finds the sequel to be a significant improvement, praising its faster pace, varied content, and engaging modes.
- Improved gameplay and faster pace compared to the first game.
- Enhanced digivolving mechanics with multiple forms and strategic depth.
- Varied unlockable content and game modes add replayability.
- Multiplayer mode offers chaotic fun, especially with unique stage hazards and items.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces Digimon Rumble Arena 2 as a game the reviewer can use to unwind while working on larger projects, particularly before tackling the final Digimon RPG on the PS1. The reviewer previously found the first Digimon Rumble Arena to be clunky but acknowledges the sequel's multiplatform release, new digi-evolving mechanics, and fresh gameplay style. Despite hearing opinions that the sequel is a downgrade, the reviewer is curious to see if he agrees with this sentiment.
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The content creator promotes G Fuel as an energy drink alternative that provides energy without the sugar and crashes associated with typical energy drinks. He highlights the variety of flavors available, including P colada, Citrus strawberry, and rot candy, and encourages viewers to use his discount code "WAYNEISBOSS" for 20% off their online orders.
Getting Started [2:36]
Digimon Rumble Arena 2 was released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox. The reviewer chose the Xbox version due to personal preferences and the backwards compatibility on the Xbox 360. While the emulation works well, the game's picture is stretched to fit a widescreen aspect ratio. The reviewer fixes this issue to display the game in its original 4x3 aspect ratio. The game features a decent user interface with lively icons and background transitions. The announcer's voice, however, could benefit from an echo effect to add scale. The game modes include training, multiplayer, and a single-player mode.
Gameplay Basics [5:30]
The gameplay in Digimon Rumble Arena 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring smoother animations, faster action, and more varied moves. Players have normal and special attacks, with normal attacks being basic melee moves that can be strung together in combos. Special attacks are unique to each Digimon and often involve ranged attacks. Directional-based inputs add variety to attacks, leading to different effects. Jumping and movement feel fluid, and launching attacks from above can deal significant damage.
Digivolving [7:32]
Digivolving is a unique mechanic in Digimon Rumble Arena 2. Players fill their digim meter by collecting blue orbs that explode from opponents when hit with special attacks. Once the meter is full, players can digivolve, and the game continues without pausing. Each character has multiple forms, from rookie to champion to ultimate, and sometimes mega forms. This mechanic encourages players to move around the stage, attack from different angles, and collect orbs. Digivolving provides new, powerful moves, but the game remains balanced, allowing lower-level forms to still compete. Players can perform ultimate attacks when at their highest form and use the digim meter to heal. Defensive options include guarding and grabbing opponents.
Stages and Items [10:55]
The stages in Digimon Rumble Arena 2 offer a mix of hazards, though some are better designed than others. Stages like Rubber Tree Falls and the Canary provide fun, balanced challenges, while Danger Gulch features instant-kill mine carts that can be frustrating. Items in the game have various effects, such as filling digim or health meters, buffing attack, or granting temporary invincibility. Digi change digivices trigger stage-wide effects, including digivolving or de-digivolving characters. The items are generally fine, but some of the more obnoxious effects last a bit too long.
Unlockable Content [12:54]
The game features unlockable content, including black versions of Agumon, Gabumon, and Guilmon, as well as the Ice Palace stage. These are unlocked by encountering special events in the single-player campaign. Additional game modes, such as timed mode, King of the Hill, keep away, collection, poison, little versus big, crazy Chase, and digi race, are unlocked randomly during the single-player mode. The digi race mode is highlighted as a well-realized mode that takes advantage of the game's mechanics. Unlocking these modes can be time-consuming due to their random nature. Boss characters like Duskmon, MaloMyotismon, Diaboromon, and Omnimon can be unlocked by completing routes in the single-player mode. The final stage, Chaos Wasteland, is unlocked by beating a route with a boss but is criticized for its excessive hazards.
Presentation [17:41]
The game has good presentation overall, with well-translated character models and pleasing stage designs. However, the music is not as memorable as the first game. A visual glitch causes some Digimon to appear overly shiny after completing a single-player run.
Multiplayer [18:32]
The reviewer addresses criticism that his review of the first Rumble Arena focused too much on the single-player experience by playing both games with his roommates. The multiplayer experience in Rumble Arena 2 is highlighted as more enjoyable due to the faster pace and varied content.
Conclusion [26:12]
The reviewer and his friends had more fun with Digimon Rumble Arena 2 due to its faster pace, varied content, better movement, and numerous moves and modes. While the first game has charm, the sequel is more enjoyable for casual play with friends. The reviewer recommends Digimon Rumble Arena 2 to fans, considering it a successful party brawler.
Outro [27:32]
The content creator thanks viewers for their patience and acknowledges the lack of recent content. He assures that Digimon World 3 is in progress but that smaller videos will be released in the meantime. He expresses gratitude to his Patreon supporters and encourages viewers to spread the word about his channel.