Gaming The Pinnacle of 2D Fighters: Guilty Gear X2

[Charles]

The King of Sony returns! Yeah baby! Well, I never left, but I haven't created a thread here in the good old land of Playstation in many moons. Have I?

When I create a thread, it's usually dedicated to something interesting. In this case, that could be both a curse and a blessing. 2D fighters seem to be a dying breed...and Guilty Gear is a quirky title. So, I wouldn't be surprised if I get a big fat zero under replies, lol. Well, unless Semjaza replies....or Vampire Ed (out of pity).

Ahem, anyway, I urge you to forget about bloated, overhyped games like Devil May Cry 2 and give Guilty Gear X2 a try so that we can have a discussion based on a [i]great[/i] game in this forum. After all, it would be an infinitely better investment.

The main problem I had with the series was the lack of modes. Other than the standard arcade, versus, and practice modes, there was never much to do in past Guilty Gear games. I mean, the variety was just paltry compared to the likes of Street Fighter Alpha 3.

Guilty Gear X2 remedies this problem by introducing a story mode, survival mode, mission mode, gallery, and "Medal of Millionaires" mode, alongside the standard arcade and versus options. The story mode is particularly neat; each character has three branching paths. It can be quite a challenge to cover everything for everyone. Plus, the original Japanese voice acting has been retained for the domestic release (with English subtitles).

The survival mode is unique. Depending on the skill the player demonstrates in battle, one is able to climb levels. When one reaches a level that is a multiple of ten, a special boss appears (which is a standard character with unlimited overdrive). Once you defeat the character, you unlock their EX move set. For further incentive, players are given the opportunity to unlock some neat hidden characters, including Justice and Kliff, in survival mode.

I won't delve into the specifics of the other modes unless there is interest in this thread. It'll be a waste of time to write a whole review--it's not really what I'm out to do, lol. My point is, that there is now tons of replay value. You won't easily run out of things to do.

But, anyway, the gameplay is phenomenal--pure gold, baby! The burst attack, dust, and faultless guard aren't just superfluous gimmicks. I find myself using them generously. The burst attack, when it connects, fills up a character's overdrive completely. The dust maneuver launches opponents into the air for big air combo potential. Lastly, faultless guard allows players to block without receiving heavy damage, but at the cost of precious overdrive points. It's all very deep--but simple to grasp and utilize.

The EX versions of the characters feature entirely new move sets with the exception of the instant kill. It's almost like doubling the character count. I've even heard that gold versions of the figthers exist. Couple these features with unlockable artwork, gorgeous full motion video, and a completely remixed soundtrack--and boom! Arc System Works and Sammy studios have delivered the king of two dimensional fighters.

Admittedly, the game is not without its flaws. Many of the backgrounds have been rehashed albeit with a new coat of paint. And, some of the characters are almost unchanged from Guilty Gear X. It's hardly a big deal though.

Are any of you familiar with the Guilty Gear series? By the grace of all that is good, is it even remotely possible that I'm not the only member of OtakuBoards to have played this game? Give me a shout out people!

[The Vampire: Ed]

Well, I have not played this Guilty Gear yet. However, I have played the other two and I must say that this sequel sounds like a huge boost in the series. I mean the sequel to the original Guilty Gear was somewhat a let down because it had practically no storyline to it at all, and very few modes. No unlockables that I can remember either, so that game had very little reply value.

But this one sounds like it'll keep people playing for a while, and there is much more reward for your buck. From the extra gameplay elements it sounds like it would be a much more enjoyable experience, and the time invested in the game is well worth it. Whether it be to master the characters, or just to unlock more to enjoy.

This definitely sounds like it's worth the investment. More people should experience the Guilty Gear series, as it is one of the best fighters series in my opinion.

[Treble]

I know it's a bit late to bring back this topic up, but recently I rented the game at my local Blockbuster with my older brother and it totally blew me away!

To tell the truth I have never played any part of this series, so I wasn't really expecting much from Guilty Gear X2. Boy I was wrong, once I popped in GGX2 I was hooked, the fighting engine in the game was pure gold as you have mentioned Charles, its like a mixture of King of fighters and Street Fighter but with weapons.

I really enjoyed all the modes GGX2 had to provide, mainly Survival Mode and Mission Mode. Usually I easily defeat all of the toughest challenge there is in a fighting game, but when I tried to beat one of the missions in Mission mode the computer simply knocked me out like I was a puny little ant. Not only that, I couldn't even pass level 20 in Survival mode, which is a bummer because I think I need to reach a certain level to unlock an EX character. GGX2 really gives a lot of challenge to anyone who loves a challenge. :)

Oh and most of the soundtracks in the game are pretty sweet, my favorite one would have to be Sol vs Ky or something similiar like that.

Well as Charles have mentioned, this game has alot to offer for fighting fans or to anyone who is interested in GGX2. The only thing that bothers me is that I have never played part one of the series so I couldn't understand why the two main characters Sol-Badguy (he kicks butt) and Ky-Kiske were fighting each other. Anyone like to fill me in? Charles? Anyone? :confused:

[Posthumous]

[color=teal][size=1][b]I LOVE this game, The 2D graphics in this just rock!The characters are great too, and freaky(Zappa).

Overall I liked this game too, lot better than the first.The anime style makes it cool too.

And remember [SIZE=5]SOL-BADGUY OWNS J00![/SIZE][/color][/size][/b]

[Charles]

I'm so happy that this thread is finally getting some recognition. Guilty Gear X2 is probably one of my favorite games for the Playstation 2.

Treble, you're absolutely correct. I loved the challenge involved in the modes. You really have to be skilled to complete some of the missions. Guilty Gear X2 definitely isn't a button masher. And, I love how it forces you to play as different characters. You have to be a well rounded player to finish the forty it takes to unlock Justice, Kliff, and Robo Ky.

Anyway, the story behind Ky and Sol is as follows:

[i]Rumors of an immensely skilled lone-wolf bounty hunter had reached the ears of Kliff Undersn, the retiring captain of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights. Kliff [the leader of the knights] was interested; he spared no means in finding Sol, and invited him to become a member of the Order.

Sol's knighthood, however, was not to last. The growing tension between he and young master swordsman Ky Kiske was becoming more and more bothersome, and Sol realized that the majority of the knights bore him little more than ill will. When he saw his opportunity, he took it; Sol managed to desert the knights' camp with one of the Order's most valuable treasures... the blade known as Fireseal.[/i]

What did you guys think of the anime video? It has me totally hyped for a Guilty Gear anime--except for the horrible voice actor that played Sol. lol

That kind of turned me off.

[Semjaza]

All this from a guy who was trying to convince me that it would never be worth it to get this game after GGX.

[Charles]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Semjaza Azazel [/i]
[B]All this from a guy who was trying to convince me that it would never be worth it to get this game after GGX. [/B][/QUOTE]

I said if they didn't add anything significant it wouldn't be worth it. Both Guilty Gear and Guilty Gear X were really lacking in modes. That was my main problem with the games. They were just too bare bones.

[Semjaza]

This is backtracking and rephrasing of things that were said before. I will not take any more of these wild allegations!

Enjoy your game. I need to buy it still.

[Treble]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Charles [/i]
[B]
What did you guys think of the anime video? It has me totally hyped for a Guilty Gear anime--except for the horrible voice actor that played Sol. lol

That kind of turned me off. [/B][/QUOTE]

Which one are you talking about? So far I only saw the intro video and the one in the gallery, both which by the way were totally awsome. ;) The intro video was pretty cool, I liked the way it introduced the characters.

As for Sol, yeah I have to agree with you whoever played his voice sounded like he was bored, like as if he was being forced to read. :bellylol:

Anyways, so do anybody have a favorite character that they like to use? I tend to use Chipp Zanuff alot, he's quick and I like his style. Jam 's not bad either, she's cute and have some of the most sweetest kicking moves ever.

[Guest Watinabe]

I knew this game would be pretty good seein as how x kicked the *** in the first place so it only makes since that midnight carnival would kick the *** even more;) it should save 2D fighting games in the U.S. but I still enjoy DOA2 more:)

[Charles]

I highly doubt that it will save the genre in the US market. Most publications are barely even covering the game. Game Informer, for instance, regulated it to about an inch of print space. The Guilty Gear series is basically dedicated to a cult following. You won't be see a lot of marketing glitz for it--or [i]any[/i], for that matter. lol

It's a shame, really, because Guilty Gear X2 is probably far superior to over hyped 3-D fighters, like Tekken 4 or Tao Feng. Guilty Gear is basically a glimpse at what 2-D gaming could be if the proper effort was placed in the genre. I'd give my right arm for a Castlevania that looks like GGX2.

But, anyway, Treble--I was talking about the longer scene in the gallery. I liked how the characters were introduced, as well. The series has always had interesting character design, but little in character depth. The cinematics, in conjunction with story mode, really help bring the characters to life.

Sol Badguy is probably my favorite character. I admit that he's a cheap beginners' character, but I like the personality and look of him. He's got that "cool" image going.

[Subversive]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Charles [/i]
[B] I'd give my right arm for a Castlevania that looks like GGX2.
[/B][/QUOTE]

But then how would you play my dear friend?

[Sephiroth]

I've been playing the japanese version of GGXX for a few months now, the game is great, I love the gameplay, but I havn't been playing it much recently since Metroid Prime just recently came out in the UK, heh

By the way, Testemant owns you all, lol

[wizard-of-oz]

the japanese version of the game.

[Guest Super Ryaman]

Well, i like this game a lot. i think sol is cheap along with CHIPP.
i like dizzy for more than just one reson....(hehehehe)

[Guest Watinabe]

Sounds nice... you know what though if he didn't piss people off so much I would probably use Sol all the time and he would be my favortie character^_^


*Who do you think is the best character besides the specials*

[Guest Musahi]

I forgot all about this. :bluesweat

I rented GGX2 2 weekends ago while staying at my brothers apartment. At first I was a bit bored with the game. But I soon realised it was because my brother was no match for the King of the Sony forum. ^_^ When I jumped into the story mode (using Zappa) I was amazed at how much fun I was having. I really enjoy the game, but there isn't enough there for me. I'll probably buy it if the price goes down, but it isn't worth the 50 bucks in my opinion.

[spike speigel]

Guilty Gear X2 is the best game. Ever. There's no other game that possibly comes close. Oh and ky is the best character... along with Sol.


Those are my brother's thoughts on the game. I pretty much share the same point of view, though. I love the soundtrack, too. And a good deal of the destroyers look sweet.

One question, though: Does anyone else think that Venom looks a bit like the original Cobra Commander from G.I. Joe? His hair kind of looks like the sheet-like mask Cobra Commander used to wear.

[Charles]

I've never watched GI Joe, so I can't be sure. But, he does hold an uncanny resemblance to the Shadow Master, of Double Dragon fame.

[quote][b]I rented GGX2 2 weekends ago while staying at my brothers apartment. At first I was a bit bored with the game. But I soon realized it was because my brother was no match for the King of the Sony forum. ^_^[/b][/quote]

Yeah, the game's outward simplicity tends to turn people off. I've seen some reviewers write off the game as a simple expansion to Guilty Gear X, which was a bit annoying. Once you scratch the surface, there's really a surprisingly deep game to be had. Which, is nice, because it could have easily become a button masher.