Jade Cocoon 2

You know, it's all going pretty well and good until you grow a tail. At least that was how Kahu's story went. Who's Kahu, you ask? Kahu is the hero of Jade Cocoon 2, a CocoonMaster-wanna be who wanders into the Temple of Kemuel - and discovers that his destiny includes more than getting a BeastHunter license and collecting wayward critters. Instead, he meets a twisted version of himself, and a cute but smart-alecky fairy who you're going to spend a lot of time trying to figure out whether she's a blessing, or a curse. That was when the tail popped out, Kahu's tail, that is, and he discovered he was going to have a lot more on his agenda than picking up odd jobs in the local BeastHunter lounge.

So begins the tale of Jade Coccon 2, recently published by Ubi Soft and developed by Genki Co. The newest addition of it's kind to the PS2 system, Jade Cocoon 2 takes a spot in the "RPG/"Monster Breeding" genre. Well it's labeled as both, but really the game is all about monster breeding, and the RPG elements really play second fiddle. This is not meant in a derogatory way, by any means, but if you're looking for something more than monster-breeding, you're probably not playing the right game.

Jade Cocoon 2 does some interesting new things with the genre, and this makes it more interesting (and requires more strategy) than other games in the genre. These differences include (but aren't limited to) differences in breeding, monster traits, how the monsters are organized and the presence of  "mercenary" type side quests.

First of all, an aspect perhaps not so unfamiliar to to monster breeding gamers, is the elemental associations of the beasts you collect. What does seem different is the fact that different elements indicate the different functions of the monsters' behavior. Fire elements are responsible for direct aggression, water elements are responsible for healing, earth elements are responsible for defense, and wind elements take charge of inflicting status effects on your competition. As you progress through the game, you will be able to breed different abilities into one monster - building the ultimate team to smash your competition. That's the name of the game, right?

Hatching takes place in similar fashion to other games in the genre, with Kahu taking his newfound eggs to the "Room of Life" in order for them to hatch. Breeding is done with "Seed Beasts" - special beasts that can blend with your main (or Divine) beasts to add new qualities to their repertoire. Things to watch when doing this is Jade Cocoon 2 is to make sure you're strengthening the appropriate elements when you choose the merger - because it you pick the wrong element, the growth with be minimal, or perhaps negated.

Now that you have your corral of monsters, the next trick is getting them in formation - a place where Jade Cocoon 2 uses a bit of imagination. Instead of just having a team of monsters, your team will be organized on what's called the "Beast Amulet." The Amulet is divided up into four elemental sections (wind, water, fire, and earth) - which will correspond to the four different elements your beasts may posses. Each elemental section has three spots for monsters to sit. The center spot in each section must be a monster of that element, and will also be the one on that part of the Amulet responsible for defending you from attacks. The spots on either side can be "mixed" breeds of the elements adjacent to the section.

Also, Kahu doesn't only have to stick to the linear path of just completing his journey through the four elemental worlds. He will also be able to check out some side-jobs in the "Lounge." Check the bulletin board for side jobs that will not only give you more to look for while you jaunt, but will also reward you when your quest in complete.

Another bonus of Jade Cocoon 2 is the excellent and simple to use navigation fields. You can save your game progress almost anywhere you like with a simple menu - not to mention transfer back and forth between your main locations. 

The graphics of Jade Cocoon 2 are also above par. Most of the world is rendered in richly toned 3D color - with a few other methods thrown in here or there. One graphical method in particular caught my eye early on, and it takes place when Nico, our spunky fairy, takes time for a cut scene. She seems superimposed onto the regular visuals as a more 2-dimensional , cartoon-like, figure - with what seems like a nice faint film-grain over her look. It just contributes to the idea that the creative team behind Jade Cocoon 2 wanted to give extra personality to the title. Sound also takes a few interesting, if subtle, turns - adding a bit of a jungle/mystic flair.

Jade Cocoon 2 breathes new life into the monster breeding genre, and it just might garner in a few more gamers who haven't given the popular field a whirl yet. While, like many monster breeding games, the long-term enjoyment really depends on how determined you are to create the ultimate beasts - it's still a wonderful game for both newcomers and long-time players of the genre. With some innovative visuals, more involved gameplay, and spunky plot - Jade Cocoon 2 places itself a step above the rest. 

Graphics: 8.5
Jade Cocoon 2 graphics are both gleefully colorful, in the almost tongue-in-cheek, spritely attitude of the game, as well as being the obvious result of a team committed to maintaining a smooth look and flow to their 3D world. Monsters are as varied as the many possibilities you have in breeding them - and your progress will be reflected not only in your playing power - but also in the looks of your creatures. The only thing that gets repetitive are the backgrounds.

Sound: 8
There's a tremendous amount of energy in both Kahu and Nico's voice acting - a trait which extends into the many varied types of characters you will encounter in your journey. Jade Cocoon 2 also has a much deeper score than average, with the music seemingly many layered with different instruments and "cultural" influences. 

Concept: 8
You can teach an old genre new tricks - and Jade Cocoon 2 resuscitates a field that might otherwise have begun to feel stale and repetitive for many gamers. Not only does Jade Cocoon 2 add new facets to its gameplay, but it pays careful attention to overall presentation, something also overlooked from time to time in gaming as a whole.

Overall: 8.4
Jade Cocoon 2 may very well bring some new fans into this pop-culture genre, as well as satiating and challenging those who have been long-time players and are looking to go some new directions. Nico and Kahu rise above stereotypical main characters with great animation, witty humor, and very well-composed voice acting.