Power Stone

Overview

Power Stone is a 3D historical-fantasy platformer-fighting game developed and released by Capcom for arcades (using Dreamcast-based Sega NAOMI hardware) on February 1999.

One of the earlier entries in a sub-genre of 3D fighting games that use free-form platformer-style movement, Power Stone features one-on-one battles that not only let players duke it out with their fists, but also use the environment as weapons (such as throwing crates, knocking forward tables, and swinging from street signs) and using/throwing weapon pickups (such as guns, swords, and bombs).

The game's name refers to special gems (known as "Power Stones") that is used both in gameplay and in the game's story. In the gameplay, both players fight to possess all three Power Stones (one red, one blue, and one yellow), which allows them to temporarily transform into a powered-up form with powerful attacks. The game's story, set in a fantasy 19th century, tells the tale of several adventurers as they seek the legendary "Power Stone".

The game also received a home Dreamcast release on February 25, 1999, with it later receiving overseas releases as the platform's launch title. This version features bonus unlockable content, including boss characters, new items, VMU mini-games, and an alternate behind-the-back camera system similar to Cyber Troopers Virtual-On.

Along with a full-fledged sequel (that focuses on four-player battles) and an enhanced 2006 handheld port, the game received a TV anime adaptation from Studio Pierrot. The game will also be included in the 2025 compilation Capcom Fighting Collection 2.

Gameplay

Power Stone is a three-button fighting game, with two buttons to attack (a faster Punch and a stronger Kick) and one button to Jump. Unlike most other 3D fighting games at the time, players can move their character around freely (rather than locking in to a particular "line"). It uses a traditional round-based system.

Each of the three buttons can be combined for different techniques, each of which can be mapped to shortcut buttons on the Dreamcast controller:

• Punch + Kick can be used to either pick up and throw items, swing from posts, grab the ceiling, or grapple the opponent.

• Jump + Punch/Kick can be used while transformed to perform a "Power Fusion" super attack.

Environment

The characters of Power Stone can use the bare environment to attack their opponents. A basic ability for all characters is the wall jump. Although the wall jump is useful, Instead of jumping off the wall when a character is up against the wall one can press the attack button and their character will launch off the wall and attack towards their enemy, this applies whenever the character is in the air or on the ground. The other part of the environment that is usable is the ceilings. You can jump up towards a ceiling and hang on to it and climb around. While hanging on the ceiling you can press the attack button and your character will launch downwards and in the general direction of the enemy, but the distance you can move with this attack is limited so it is best suited to nearby enemies.

Objects

Objects are the items that are already within the environment such as chairs and tables. There are two ways to interact with the objects that are in the area. They can either pick them up and throw them or just push them towards an opponent. Light objects can be interacted with by any character, but only a few characters can interact with the heavy objects normally. If any of these excluded characters wish to interact with a heavy object they must first collect three power stones and transform. Poles are a unique item. Poles are heavy objects that can only be swung around in a circle once when picked up, but players who can't pick them up can swing around them and then propel themselves towards the enemy to attack. Also, and character can jump and grab onto the pole which is useful for avoiding attacks. Also, when hanging on to a pole you can press the attack button and your character will launch towards his nemesis and attack.

Items

Unlike environment-based objects, these are found in all stages (usually through a treasure chest) and are very powerful, with offensive items able to easily knock Power Stones out of the opponent.

• Sword / Lead Pipe / Hammer / Nyoi-Bo (unlockable, home version only) - Melee.

• Sixshooter / Flamer / Bazooka / Machine Gun (unlockable, home version only) / Ray Gun (unlockable, home version only) - Ranged. Punch attacks fire towards the opponent, while Kick attacks fire towards the character's current direction. Some weapons, such as the sixshooter, cannot shoot at an upward or downward angle.

• Bombs / BigBombs / Molotov Cocktails - Throwable.

• Power Shield (unlockable, home version only)

Power Stones

Although in the story there is only one power stone in combat there are normally three (you can change it up to five). When the fight starts there will be two stones on the ground somewhere to collect and after a minute or so a third will appear. Whoever can collect all three (even if there are five you still only have to collect three) will transform. When you transform you attack, defense, and sometimes your speed will increase greatly and where the HUD shows your power stones will be a meter. The meter will go down with time and whenever you use an attack, so you overuse this powerful form. Your weak and strong attacks will change to either ranged attacks or melee attacks with a really long range. You also have two "super moves" (again pretty sure that's not official terminology) which can be activated by either squeezing the L or R trigger. Of course, each trigger does a different attack. These "super moves" will completely deplete the meter mention earlier so once it's over you will return to your normal self and the power stones will scatter.

Characters

Edward Falcon

"Hailing from the town of London, noble Falcon circles the world in his airplane "Hockeneim." He searches for the Power Stones which were revealed in an ancient family legend. Falcon has a strong sense of justice. He specailizes in boxing and destroys evil with sharp moves and explosive punches. Falcon is a balanced fighter with neither the flesh of outstanding strenghts or the drawbackof outstanding weaknesses. During a power change, he gains powerful moves for both close and far range combat."

Rouge

"Rouge, the Gypsy fortuneteller, is both mysterious and graceful. Guided by signs in her crystal, she travels the world collecting Power Stones. She has a unique ability to control flames at will! Her fighting style is mesmerizing: she moves as if dancing and chars her opponent's body and soul with her flames. Though her normal attack and defense abilities are relatively low, Rouge's flame attacks have long range and inflict severe damage. She runs more quickly than many of the other fighters."

Wang Tang

"A master martial artist from the town of Tong-Ang, Wang Tang is following his teacher's advice and seeking Power Stones around the world. Always optimistic, Wang Tang is second to none in Kung-fu skill." Wang Tang's merit is outstanding agility. His successive moves don't allow opponents to catch their breath. He is also excellent at special actions such as wall-climbing. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a dragon!"

Ryoma

"Ryoma's original home is an island country. Since no islander could compete with his skill, he tours the world seeking out tougher opponent, he cuts the enemy down instantly! Thanks to his katana, Ryoma has a long reach, but he is open to attack if he misses his target. Ryoma is weakest when picking up and throwing objects. He can beat an enemy with one stroke of his katana!"

Ayame

"Officially, Ayame is a star artiste in a traveling troupe. Secretly, she is descended from a ninja family and is herself a ninja. Obeying her master's order, she is on a quest to acquire the Power Stones. Ayame's attacking power is frail and she is weak when throwing heavy objects. To compensate, she runs more quickly than any other fighter. During a power change, her attacks are very powerful. Her best strategy is to avoid attacks while collecting Power Stones."

Gunrock

"This miner from Dawnbolts has nerves of solid steel and never gets upset. He is journeying from mine to mine to dig the legandary Power Stones. In fighting, he relies on his unrivaled strength. Gunrock is a power fighter with a huge body. Though he is slow, his power outweighs the weak-ness. Thanks to his magnificent strenght, he is better at throwing objects than any other warrior."

Jack

"Jack makes no distinction between good and bad. His pleasure are simple - he likes anything shiny, and he loves to cut with his knife. In Manches, his hometown, he used to rob strangers of their jewelry. One day, he overheard a tale about Power Stones, the most glittering jewels of all. His new hunt has only just begun. Unpredictable and mysterious rapid moves are Jack's strenghth. However, his attacking power is weak. Confuse opponents with tricky moves!"

Galuda

"Galuda lives in the weatern wilds. He is a shaman with a tender heart and hatchet-sharp intelligence. To save his village from a mysterious disease, he is on a worldwide search for Power Stones. Though he is a pacifist who abhors fighting, Galuda has sworn revenge on the "one-handed man" who brought sickness to his people. Galuda's offensive and defensive abilities are high. He doesn't have any notable weaknesses, and aim for powerful throw moves!"

Kraken

Sub-boss. Unlockable in home versions.

Valgas

Final boss. Unlockable in home versions. After defeating him for the first time, he absorbs the Power Stone and becomes the monstrous "Final Valgas" for one final round.

Accel

Unlockable in the PSP version.

Gourmand

Unlockable in the PSP version.

Julia

Unlockable in the PSP verison.

Pete

Unlockable in the PSP version.