Even though the Saturn had a short lifespan here in the states there was one thing that the Saturn excelled at and that was beating the PS to a bloody pulp in the fighting genere. I was pretty disapointed with the first Alpha because it simply did not have enough characters, sure there were secret characters and a dramatic battle mode but who the heck wants to input a code after every single match? Anyway, Alpha 2 did beef up on the roster but maybe because of Alpha 3 I have been spoiled, or it could be those darn DC fighting ports. The game does not keep my intrest that much because although 2 player tournaments may be fun they do get old after a while. There are not enough extras to fiddle with. I know people are out there saying you cannot compare games from back then with games from today. To them I say that is a valid point, but I can play a game from a while back and determine if it is fun or not and Alpha 2 is a nice little diversion for a while but nothing else.
So whats good about the game? Well the controller that comes default with the saturn is absolutley perfect for fighting titles. I love the feel of the game, it just moves so fluidly. The animation is great and the debut of Sakura is my favorite addition of this sequel. The moves are are not as flashy as today’s titles but still pretty nice looking nevertheless. The stupid sound bug has thankfully been fixed so now I can enjoy a Capcom Saturn fighter with sound effects. The music is nothing memorable but is nothing horrid either. The sound effects are pretty good, I love the smacks of the fierce puches. I guess all that’s left is the additional characters, but it still does not have the bulk of Alpha 3.
As far as a negative stuff found, I could only think of the boring lstages of play and just not being quite as fun as newer titles, duh what do you expect?
Anyway I am just spoiled rotten in the fighting department. Alpha 2 is just not that fun to me. Is it a nice title? Yes, and you should snatch it up if you find it fairly cheap, Just don’t feel compelled to pay over $20 for it because there are plenty of other Saturn titles that fare much better than this. Average at best.
