Capcom is a company synonymous with fighting games, being the creators of the legendary Street Fighter series and a host of other fighting games.  Power Stone would be their first endeavor into the 128-bit home market.  It would also be surprisingly different from the typical Capcom fighting game.

Since 1991, when the introduction of Street Fighter 2 debuted, Capcom has been releasing fighting games that have been equal to or better than the ultra high quality standard that SF2 brought.  The problem is that over the years, each new title was only really deserving of a new version number because the quantity of enhancements were minimal at best.  Faster gameplay, a few more frames of animation, a couple new characters, etc.  It wouldn't be until Street Fighter EX on the PSX that Capcom developers would finally venture into the 3D realm.  While SF2 EX looked sweet, it was still a 2D fighter in gameplay.  Fans of Capcom games will be happy to hear that Power Stone is a new breed of game!  Beautiful 3D graphics coupled with a unique gameplay experience surprised myself and the many fighting game fans that have played it.  Unlike the competition, Power Stone uses the 3d engine to truly enhance the way you play the game.  Each 'board' you play on is a unique 3D environment, sort of like a room with many things construed everywhere.  There are higher tiers that you can climb to giving you an advantage if you have a long range weapon, because your enemy will have to take the time and effort to try and get to you.  There are poles in the middle of the level that you can climb, allowing you to escape some of the games special attacks, and so on.  I could go on for awhile about the many different things that make up a 3D level.  This is really what makes this games stand out from the pack.  You have the ability to run and jump anywhere in the level, giving you a chance to collect power-ups (Power Stones), grab weapons and objects to throw, and to simply escape your enemies wrath.

The fighting is similar to a typical Street Fighter game when things get up close and personal.  You have a variety of punch kick and throw combos at your finger tips when fighting close quarters.  You also have powerful special moves that get charged up by collecting Power Stones, which is a strategy in itself.  You may take a beating trying to get the Power Stones, but if you get them before your enemy, you can easily turn the tide of the war.  For long distance combat, you can throw boxes and barrels at your opponent, or find one of many weapons concealed within boxes to use.  Combat is fast and furious, and will have you panting for breath at the end of each scenario, like most other Capcom fighters would.

I'm having trouble finding faults with this game.  The only thing I can say that could be critical is that Power Stone feels like a typical Capcom fighting game after you play it for awhile.  The 'fighting' is very Capcomish (just invented that adjective), but the new 3D rules and variety of weapons will give this overplayed genre a fresh appeal.  Do not be surprised if you see clones of this type of game in the near future, combining solid gameplay with interactive 3D environments.  This title is pleasant to watch and is a fine effort by Capcom.  Fighting game fans will likely enjoy this title as it easily compliments the genre.

reviewed by Todd Alexander