Power Stone was originally released on SEGA's classic Dreamcast, a system that really didn't go the distance in the console war. But for those households that did own SEGA‘s ill-fated system it was a game that had plenty of “wow” moments. It was a perfect multiplayer game, and it has now found its way to Sony's PSP packaged along with the improved sequel, so does the Power Stone series remain a classic one?

The games have been ported from Dreamcast to PSP without a hitch, and they both look really great on the shiny LCD screen of Sony's powerful portable, and with the option to change the display (between Widescreen, 4:3 and stretched) it can suit whichever is preferred by the player. Despite being a few years old, both the games have stood the test of time and look great using the PSP’s impressive display capabilities.

If you are not familiar with the Power Stone series, then read on and allow us to educate you. Power Stone is a little bit different to Capcom's usual Beat 'em up games, instead of focussing on defensive play as much as attack, attack is actually the emphasis of the game. Players are able to run freely around the games enclosed arena's, interacting with objects in the environment, picking up weapons, and beating the wind out of their opponents. Now lets talk about the titular stones, which can be collected and used to transform your chosen warrior into an even more powerful being. Whilst in this transformed state each character can perform highly powerful attacks, which can truly bring the house down.

Each game, is selectable from the main menu, and it has to be said that loading times are quite a problem, but it's certainly worth the wait. Both games are very enjoyable and boast their own individual traits to set them apart from one another. The first game still offers plenty of time killing fun, although it’s a rather basic game by today's standards, due to the limited gameplay modes, and the fact that battles can only cater for two players. That said, the follow up is a lot more impressive.

To start with, the total amount of players in a battle, has been increased to four, which makes tactics necessary, instead of the good old button-bashing, which could work in a lot of situations on the original game. Then there’s the actual arena's, which have a lot more interactive objects and this time you actually travel through the stages. There’s also additional game modes over the original, and with all the collective improvements, it’s a sequel that is truly better than the first (not many sequels are in this writers opinion).

The first game was explosively action packed, but with the new inventions in the sequel, the action is off the chart. While you are annihilating one opponent, you may have to watch out for the other two, as well as any traps and any changes to the environment. It is a game that really keeps you on your toes. The Power Stones are - obviously - back again to aid you in battle, but with potentially more opponents to combat at once, they help in the fact that they can totally turn a battle upside-down.

Capcom have added Adventure mode to give players something extra to play through (especially those returning to the series). You can unlock new items in this mode, such as mini-games and movies (which you can view in a movie theatre). Also there is a shop...which (you probably guessed already), you can buy items from, with money that you accumulate from skirmishes.

A really big downfall of the collection, is that to play against a friend, you both would need a copy of the game. There’s a game sharing option for Power Stone 2, but it‘s basically a demo, that you don't get to do much with. It’s a shame as multiplayer is definitely the greatest strength of the series, although when all is said and done it’s still a superb collection.

Words by Kyle Sage