Power Soccer 2

Last year Adidas Power Soccer made its debut as one of the PlayStation's first soccer games. Eclipsed by more popular games such as EA's FIFA, it may not have received as much attention as Psygnosis would have liked. But then again maybe it didn't deserve as much due to its mediocre gameplay. This year, however, Power Soccer has left the Adidas endorsement behind as they prepare to launch Power Soccer 2 as a new-and-improved entity fueled by faster gameplay, sleek-er-looking characters and more teams to choose from.

First of all, the game engine has been improved, as the frame rate is up to a silky-smooth 30 per second. This allows the polygonal players to speed across the field briskly. The exaggerated speed may not be as realistic as other soccer sims, but does add arcade elements to the game. To make the play more believable motion-capture technology has established more natural-looking movements when characters cut, dive and slide to the ball. Instead of last year's choppy animations, this year's Power Soccer will have more animation frames to make the players move better. And except for the goalie's hunched back, they did a pretty good job cleaning up the boys overall. It should be noted larger sprites have been implemented, making the players a little larger as well. But perhaps the most innovative new feature is the ability to link special moves together, kind of like a combo in a fighting game, Of the 40 special moves, 12 have the ability to be linked to create some interesting maneuvers. For example, you can stutter-step into a rainbow kick to really throw off your opponent,

Also new-and-improved are the new Menu Screens which lay things out in a unique and efficient manner This is rather nice considering how many options and teams (189) a soccer sim can have.

We'll keep an eye on this one and hope the feared lame sequel syndrome doesn't claim another victim.

Power Soccer 2 features a multitude of options for arcade-style soccer action. Unfortunately, it's only an above-average offering.

Power Soccer 2 offers over 210 teams, 8 play modes, and detailed customization menus. The graphics are solid, but are hindered by tiresome animation for penalties and free kicks. The controls and sound effects are adequate, though.

Power Soccer 2 addresses all your soccer needs, it just doesn't sparkle like the rest. This one's a rental.