Tobal 2 is a 3D fighting game on PS1 that was most definitely "ahead of its time". The innovative 8-way movement system is intuitive and feels similar to SoulCalibur and (many years later) Virtua Fighter 5. On that note, Tobal 2 was the first fighting game to feature 8-way movement, a game-changing mechanic that would be later refined in future 3D fighting games. In addition to the 8-way movement of your character, you can grab the opponent and move them in all directions as well. Specific throw commands are performed after neutral grabbing the opponent. Pressing the grab button again in a specific direction will coincide with the direction the throw technique. The grapple system also includes some grounded attacks and counters (similarly to TEKKEN). Tobal 2 also features Ring Outs similar to Soul Edge and Virtua Fighter.
 
The character roster from the prequel returns and mostly look the same, but pack some new techniques. Characters have a good mix of strings, powerful charge-up attacks visualized with a blue spark, and a selection of throw techniques. Characters look and feel a bit smoother this time around. The fighting mechanics feel much more complete over Tobal No. 1's, with expanded character movesets and combos. The reworked grappling/counter system is also compelling and among the deepest grab systems for a fighting game to date, and is probably the most unique feature about Tobal 2's gameplay. Characters can escape out of each other's throws and flow right into their own throws/counters. In my opinion, Tobal 2 is more interesting and more fun to play over the original... thanks to the faster-paced gameplay and innovative mechanics. Even so, Tobal 2 is still noticeably "slow" when compared to most other fighting games of the era (not anywhere near 60fps).
 
 

  
Tobal 2 was an improvement over the prequel in terms of graphics, gameplay, and presentation. The 200+ characters are unlockable through the new Quest Mode. While it's awesome that so many unlockable characters exist, many of these characters are simply "monsters" weird names, many borrowing each other's moves. There are skeletons, wizards, ghosts, giant floating squids, giant ferrets, giant monkeys, bears, tons of different robots, and even a Chocobo from the Final Fantasy series (complete with theme music). There are plenty of walking-blocky-things (wait that's every character) and even a Mokujin look-a-like. This character roster is madness.
 
Tobal 2's updated polygonal graphics engine features sharper character models & backgrounds, and finally, actual "textures" have found their way into the visuals! Overall, character models are still on the blocky side when compared to the top of the 3D fighting game crop. The animation has also improved, but there are still a handful of awkward movements, especially damage and falling animations. Attacks and combos that connect just don't seem to "hurt" very much in Tobal 2... and it really doesn't help when a character gets knocked down after a brutal hit or combo, just to jump or flip right back up like nothing happened. However, throw techniques do look pretty painful, as they should.
 
The RPG-like Quest Mode was one of the things that made Tobal No. 1 stand out, and Tobal 2's has the same effect as the original (actually better). This time there's a whole town to explore, complete with shops and dungeons. Your character must also eat and sleep to stay alive. The dungeons themselves aren't much different from Tobal No. 1's, but look a tad better with improved textures. The overall designs of the dungeons are still kinda generic, though. 

Page Updated: March 8th, 2025 Developer(s): Dream Factory Publisher(s): Squaresoft   Designer(s): Seiichi Ishii  (director, designer) Platform(s): PlayStation   Release Date(s): Apr. 25th, 1997  Characters:  Chuji Wu, Gren Kuts, Epon, Fei Pusu, Nork, Hom, Gren Kutz, Oliems, Mary Ivonskaya, Ill Goga, Emperor Udan, Doctor V., Chaco Yutani, Mufu, Mark The Devil Featured Video: Related Games: Tobal No. 1, Ehrgeiz: God Bless The Ring, TEKKEN 2, TEKKEN 3, Soul Blade, Bloody Roar, Battle Arena Toshinden 3, Bushido Blade, Bushido Blade 2, Mortal Kombat 4    Gameplay Engine  8.0 / 10 Story / Theme  6.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  8.5 / 10 Animation  7.0 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.0 / 10 Innovation  8.5 / 10 Art Direction  6.5 / 10 Customization  7.5 / 10 Options / Extras  9.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  7.0 / 10 Replayability / Fun  7.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  7.0 / 10 Characters  7.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  7.4 / 10     Final Words: Tobal 2 was ahead of its time... and one of the most advanced 3D fighters ever released on PS1. What other PS1 fighting game allows you to 8-way-run, play as muscular wrestler lady, or a chicken-man, or a Master Roshi wannabe, or a fat devil wearing Andre The Giant's wrestling attire? What a bizarre game. I remember I was addicted to TEKKEN 3 in 1997-1998... but I did think the original Tobal' No. 1 was worth a look. Tobal 2 simply wasn't available in North America, so I didn't get a chance to play the sequel until many years later. Tobal 2 is a compelling 3D fighting game on its own. It's even more impressive the game is running on a PlayStation 1. The 3D mechanics are comparable to VF and Tekken, and Tobal 2's unique throw reversals and 8-way movement make it stand out. The fact that the Tobal series never saw an arcade or localized release is definitely a shame and hindered the series from being developed further, eventually leading to its demise. In retrospect, PS1 fans who got a chance to play this gem surely remember and respect this one. Quest Mode is an ambitious extra mode for a fighting game that certainly doesn't need to be there, but Squaresoft's attention to detail and effort in even creating an "RPG mode" in a fighting game is an innovative and bold move that deserves praise. Once again, Tobal 2 features a ridiculous amount of characters to run into and unlock, including a Chocobo from Final Fantasy. Whaaat? The PS1 vibes are strong with this one. Gameplay-wise, Tobal 2 has a solid engine that feels like a console-ported mix of TEKKEN, Virtua Fighter, and SoulCalibur. Like the first title, this fighting game pleasantly "feels 3D" thanks to the 8-way movement, more resembling a real fight than most 2D fighting games (especially since a real fight is 3D). However, the game doesn't run anywhere near 60fps, which makes its responsiveness feel slightly slow and sluggish at times. However, the depth of the gameplay engine holds Tobal 2 together and makes it something special. Tobal 2's paved the road for another Squaresoft fighting game project, Ehrgeiz: God Bless The Ring. Interestingly, both games share some animations with the TEKKEN series. ~TFG WEBMASTER | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all Box Artwork / Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES