Dark Cloud 2

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Table of Contents: Overview - Storyline - Gameplay - Links

APRIL 08, 2006

Reinventing the Creative Spirit.

-- By Dustin Lloyd Curran, Staff Writer, Phoenix Genesis

Overview

Dark Cloud 2 (a.k.a., Dark Chronicle 2 in Japan) for the PS2 is a RPG made by Sony Entertainment and developed by Level 5. This is the second installment of the Dark Cloud Series. The graphics in this edition have improved, taking a 3D cel-shaded approach that many others have taken on for cartoon-style games. This also holds true for gameplay elements both new and familiar. Musically, the score by Tomohito Nushiura was refreshing and fun; adding both life and depth to the story. Akihiro Hino wrote the scenario script as well as taking charge on the game design.

Storyline

The story of Dark Cloud 2 deals with a boy named Max, a self-made inventor of some sorts. Having just received an heirloom from his father, Max starts out on his quest to find his mother while encountering obstacles that wish to steal his inheritance away from him. Along the way, you'll meet Monica, an orphaned princess from the future who serves as your second playable character throughout the game.

DC2 Screenshot 08 During the story, it is revealed that both Max and Monica possess unique gems that could either destroy or save their world. As you proceed on your journey, you slowly begin to rebuild the future that had been destroyed in the past at particular points in time. Through the progression of the story, you find out what has happened to Max's mother and what caused the need for the timeline to be repaired. This task presents many moral dilemmas as well as opportunities to meet new and interesting friends and visit strange, unknown places. Gadgets are key to Dark Cloud 2 as they drive both story development and game play equally. The story ends like many RPG's do, with one exception, they included an extra side story chapter after the final boss battle is beaten.

Gameplay

DC2 Screenshot 09 The best description of what Dark Cloud 2 plays like would be a hodgepodge of different games. From its golf game to its dungeon crawling motifs ala Kingdom Hearts; Dark Cloud 2 manages to stay original and one step a head of the curve with its innovative and extensive invention system, which allows the gamer ultimate control of the game. This is good because this is where you will be spending most of your time when you're not dungeon crawling, repairing a town, golfing, fishing, or recruiting people to help you.

There are many ways that this game allows you to invent new and exciting things, one of the game's best and most interesting features, is the camera system. In this photography system, you snapshot every item in the world around you-everything! The more pictures you take, the more combinations you can use; therefore allowing the player to create and invent any and all items in the game. (P.S. - Make sure you take a photo of Brave Little Linda…it helps!)

DC2 Screenshot 05 The only thing I would have really liked them to work on was the length of the game and its control system. The controls for this game can be very confusing at times and can be felt throughout the gameplay without taking a good look at the help menu provided by the game itself. The help menu is probably one of the best features included in Dark Cloud 2. Many of the hints that you would not normally uncover are found in the help menu itself.

With its funny moments and stirring commentary on life combined with its good moral messages, Dark Cloud 2 is something to pick for the entire family.

Final Game Rating: 8 out of 10.

Links