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When it comes to 2D fighters, the Dreamcast is arguably the platform of choice for fans of the genre. From the Street Fighter series to the more obscure additions like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, the DC has this (quickly becoming) niche market cornered. With the release of Last Blade 2, it's time to add another quality title to the list. Despite its age (it was originally released in 1998,) this weapons-based fighter still proves to be one of the more unique 2D experiences out there.

Set in feudal Japan, you get to choose from one of 16 (extremely well designed) warriors. Once your character is selected, you can choose from one of three fighting modes: Power, Speed or EX. Each mode is fairly distinct from the other, as you can even gain access to new special moves depending on the mode you've selected. For example, if you play using the Power style then you can now use the "no guard slice" technique which is a fairly devastating charging manuever. When using Speed or EX mode however, you have access to the "launching slash" instead. The Speed style of play also allows the player to link moves together quicker, for more damaging combos. These are just a few of the differences between the modes. When you add in the ability to counter at will with the repel button, the crippling hidden secret slash moves, and some of the absolutely brutal looking special moves, this becomes an extremely deep fighter. My only fear is that casual gamers won't take the time to experiment with the various things you can pull off in this game. It is because of this, that I call Last Blade 2 a patient man's fighting game.

Being from 1998, Last Blade 2 may not impress a lot of people visually. The sprites are well animated, but not nearly as smooth as say...Street Fighter 3. I feel that while the game does look somewhat dated, the fantastic artwork more than makes up for that. Fans of anime should instantly be able to appreciate the wonderful character designs, as well as the nice backgrounds. From forests to a temple in flames, you'd think some of these locations were ripped straight from your favourite sword-slashing animes. Some people might be put off by the lack of music in certain levels, but I think it just adds to the overall artistery of the game world. The game endings are nicely animated, and even voiced in the original Japanese language with English sub-titles. This disc also features a beautiful art gallery featuring dozens of pictures of the characters in various poses and action sequences. A nice little bonus for fans of this series.

Above I mentioned that some stages don't feature any music. Now I realize that a lot of people may not understand why the levels were done in this way, but I believe that it was done for artistic reasons. It's actually pretty cool going all-out on your opponent with nothing in the background, other than the sound of flames or crickets in tall grass. Rest assured that where there is music, it's good. The tunes are very fitting for the game, but the sound effects are even better. The clashing of swords, the battle cry of a samurai warrior: they all sound perfectly clear and make the fights feel truly alive. One of the complaints that I've been hearing about LB2 has been its censoring. The original had blood splattering, which has now been replaced with "sweat." I personally have no problem with this whatsoever, so I don't see what the big deal is. It's not as if having blood in the game would actually enhance the gameplay. This is still an extremely deep fighter, with plenty of replay value for the fighting enthusiast.

With SNK falling off the proverbial gaming map, it's great to see some of their older titles still making it onto today's consoles. Last Blade 2 is one of SNK's crowning achievements, so if you missed out on it in arcades before, I highly suggest you pick it up while you have the chance. It's a piece of 2D history, and one that no DC owning fighting fan should be without. Overlook the absence of blood, take some time to really take in the fighting system, and you'll find a ton of hidden depth. The low price of the game doesn't hurt either. Check it out and experience SNK fighting glory, one more time.