If you’ve played the original Pokemon Stadium, then you’ll be right at home with this sequel. The game utilizes the Transfer Pak to download Pokemon data from all of the different versions currently available on the Game Boy (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, and Silver). So, the various monsters that you have captured and raised via your adventures on the Game Boy will be transferred to the N64 so that you can assemble them into an unbeatable team. The main crux of the game revolves around stadium battles. You pick your Pokemon (if you don’t have any Game Boy monsters to upload into the N64 cart you can use the rental Pokemon that are already on the cartridge) and go head to head against your opponent (human or computer). The last person standing after the battle wins. There are four different cups to participate in, each a little more difficult than the last. You can also challenge the gym leaders that you have met via Gold or Silver and work your way up the ladder for an enticing reward.

Other game modes abound to keep the action fresh. You may take a visit to the Pokemon Academy where you can study up on all the different monsters. You can even partake in classes where you will learn all about the intricacies of battle and the differing special attacks and strategies. Just like a normal class in school, you will then be given a number of quizzes to determine how well you paid attention. There is a wealth of information in this area of the game that should keep any fan busy for hours. You can take a visit to the Game Boy Tower where you can actually play your Game Boy Pokemon games on the television. If you’re still itching for something else to do you can play a bunch of mini-games that are reminiscent of those found in the Mario Party games. These are a nice diversion from the rest of the game, but they won’t entertain for hours on end.

Pokemon Stadium does feature some nice graphics. The stadiums have been revamped and now feature specific backgrounds and environments. There are all sorts of special effects thrown about the screen when a character performs a unique move. It’s cool to see the Pokemon you’ve worked so hard to raise in all their full 3D splendor on the screen. All of the graphics are bright and colorful, just like the cartoon, so the younger audience will feel right at home. All of the menu screens and text is extremely sharp and easy to read. While there isn’t much detail in many of the monsters, the game still portrays the beasts in a favorable manner.

The game is presented in Dolby surround, so if you have a decent sound setup, it’s definitely worth it to play in this mode. The game makes good use of the rear speakers for many of the battle sounds as well as the crowd when they cheer. The music is standard fare and pretty unmemorable. All of the monsters have small voice clips, but for the most part don’t sound anything like those heard on the cartoon shows and in the movies. It’s probably not a big deal to the average gamer, but hardcore fans will be disappointed. Making a return is the announcer that talks during each battle. He has improved somewhat from the last game, but does become redundant in what he says. For those that tire of his voice there is an option to turn him off.

Probably the biggest problem with Pokemon Stadium 2 is its longevity. The entire game is based around battles. There is no adventure or quest to go on like in the Game Boy games. There isn’t a story to follow, items to collect, or secrets to find. In a way this game is more of an add-on to the existing Game Boy games. The real meat and potatoes of the game lie within those very Game Boy games. It just so happens that you can take the monsters you’ve collected and bring them onto the N64 for more battles. Imagine how fun a Final Fantasy game would be if all you ever did was battle. It wouldn’t be nearly as fun, would it? I will admit that Pokemon Stadium 2 is infinitely more fun when playing with others and battling with them. Even so, it requires that the other players have some knowledge of the varying monsters and which ones work well against others. Sure, they can learn as they play, but for the most part they’ll be torn apart by players that know it’s not wise to put Charmander up against Squirtle.

If you really like the Pokemon games and want to extend those monsters you’ve collected onto the N64, then Pokemon Stadium 2 will be worth your purchase, but only if you own Gold or Silver for the Game Boy. If you own the older games and don’t have plans to buy Gold or Silver, then be sure to buy the original Pokemon Stadium. Remember, you will need to purchase the Transfer Pak separately if you don’t already have one. This game will not convert any new players to the series. While the multiplayer aspects of the game are fun, you can only fight so many turn-based battles before the game becomes tiring. It’s definitely a step above the original Stadium game, but it might be too little too late. Hopefully Nintendo will develop a full-fledged Pokemon RPG, like those seen on the Game Boy, for the Game Cube when it arrives.