This review originally went live in 2016, and we're updating and republishing it to mark the game's arrival in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack N64 library.
After all the groundbreaking success that Pokémon's first generation had, it would've only been wise for the powers that be to capitalise on the franchise. How was this done? Game Freak launched a new set of games – Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal – in the late '90s (or early 2000s, depending on the region) and this of course meant a slew of new monsters to catch and train all over again. This also yielded new sets of trading cards, a new series of anime, new merchandise, new manga, and everything in between. It's a formula that's continued to work ever since, and it was only logical that Nintendo also followed suit in the console department with a sequel on the Nintendo 64 – Pokémon Stadium 2.
But what's different about Pokémon Stadium 2 compared to its predecessor? Having the second generation of Pokémon makes it a must-have and winner altogether (due to it being this writer's all-time favourite gen), but to many this alone surely couldn't warrant a purchase — although now it's available for free on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass. We've covered the ins and outs of Pokémon Stadium in our review of the game, and its successor contains most if not all of the same features the original had.
With that in mind, Pokémon Stadium 2 might be seen as a lazy follow-up to its predecessor right off the bat, due to possessing the same game modes and character models (for the first 151 'mon at least), making it seem like it wasn't a whole new game at all. But if there's one thing that games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask has taught us, it's that a great game doesn't necessarily depend on a squeaky clean, spanking new set of assets, but instead great gameplay to generate a memorable experience. With that said, Pokémon Stadium 2 shines in its intricate detail.
As previously mentioned, Pokémon Stadium 2's core gameplay lies very much in sync with its precursor. However, the enhancement of Pokémon's battle mechanics that Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal brought means that the N64 sequel also benefited, thus deeper and more intricate battles can be had. It's nothing like Pokémon of today, but simple improvements such as separating the 'Special' stat into 'Special Attack' and 'Special Defence', the addition of two new typings (Dark and Steel), held items and a larger movepool in general, means that battles are more ferocious than before. It's like taking a game of chess and adding even more rules to it, which opens the floodgates for plenty more battling techniques and strategies. The game's Free Battle mode has also been improved from the first Pokémon Stadium, in that different arenas can be chosen instead of playing on the same old grassy area. And of course, the game's announcer was fueled with even more memorable quotes and phrases that kept the action engaging and pleasurable.
Just like its prequel, Pokémon Stadium 2 doesn't have a story, and progress is made by winning trophies in the Stadium via its four 'Cups', as well as competing in the Gym Leader Castle to earn badges by defeating Gym Leaders. It's the same format as Stadium 1; once both the Stadium and Gym Leader Castle have been conquered, the player is challenged by a rival in battle, and defeating him unlocks Round 2 of the game. Although it's arguably not as cool that the final battle is against a human rival and not something else à la Pokémon Stadium, he does possess a powerful team offering a fierce battle. Once Round 2 of Stadium and the Gym Leader Castle have been cleared, the rival is to be challenged again. He wields the same Pokémon, but they're substantially stronger, and taking them out is no easy feat.
Following the lead of its handheld main series counterparts, Pokémon Stadium 2 offers challengers from both Johto and Kanto regions. The eight Kanto Gym Leaders become available to battle against in the Gym Leader Castle once the Johto Gym Leaders have been defeated. After this, the player is put up against Leader Blue, and finally Trainer Red in one last epic battle. It's a great way for the game to stay true to its handheld counterparts by revisiting its Kanto roots and mirroring the events of Gold/Silver/Crystal's adventure.
At least in the N64 version in the game's single-player modes, there's a conscious effort to keep the integration with its Gold/Silver/Crystal counterparts by rewarding the player in nifty ways to better their handheld adventures. For example, if the Elite Four segment of the Johto Gym Leader Castle is cleared using six Pokémon from the player's Game Boy cartridge, the player is rewarded by allowing them to teach a single move to one of the Pokémon used in battle that it could learn in a previous level. As expected, the GB Tower also makes a triumphant return to Stadium 2 and offers pretty much everything that one could expect if they were familiar with this feature from the first game. However, all six handheld Game Boy Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal) could be played here via the Transfer Pak. How many of you immediately loaded your shiny red Gyarados into a battle as soon as you received this game? This writer certainly did, as well as every other shiny he caught throughout his Gen II adventures (a Donphan and Stantler). The novelty of transferring your very own caught and raised Pokémon into glorious 64-bit representation certainly didn't seem to vanish.
Similarly, The Pokémon Laboratory allowed players to organise their handheld games' PC boxes and access basic information about each of their owned Pokémon, such as moves and stats. 3D world maps of both Kanto and Johto regions could also be viewed, as well as all 251 Pokémon in 3D via the Pokédex. However, it also included the feature of trading, something that its predecessor lacked. Pokémon could be traded between two Game Boy games inserted into two Transfer Paks without the need of a Link Cable, making transfers quick and efficient.
Fortunately, Stadium 2 does have the Mini-Game Park where you can play through 12 different mini-games (three more than its prequel). These games are arguably more enthralling than the last batch and can be played in a more competitive mode called Mini-Game Champion, where players compete to earn enough coins to become the victor. Fans of Mario Party are likely to appreciate the inclusion of event-based mechanics, such as the leader having to give away their coins to other players should they lose.
New to Stadium 2 are quizzes where the player races against the clock to see how many Pokémon-themed questions they can answer in 100 seconds. This is also available in multiplayer, where players put their reflexes to the test to see who can answer the most questions correctly first. The option to choose the question difficulty means a fun and engaging test of one's Poké knowledge. One thing to note is the special functionality that allowed players to use their own Pokémon from their Red/Blue/Yellow/Gold/Silver/Crystal adventures within certain mini-games. In 'Clear Cut Challenge', if a player has a Scizor installed in their Transfer Pak via a Game Boy cartridge, or even a shiny version of any said Pokémon, they can be used within the game instead. It's a small but nifty feature that we miss on NSO.
There are several more new features in this sequel. Earl's Pokémon Academy is a great way for both novices and veterans to learn new battle skills in lectures, and then demonstrate these learnings in test battles. The Academy also contains a library, consisting of in-depth and extensive information on Pokémon, moves, items, type match-ups, and egg groups. The player also has their own room where you can (or could) look at your room from Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal in 3D. This area can be decorated with plushies, posters, and more. Stadium 2 also contains "Mystery Gift", a feature where a girl could give each Game Boy cartridge (Gen II only) a gift once per day. It's yet another great feature that makes Pokémon Stadium 2 the perfect complement to the main series.
With everything Pokémon Stadium 2 has going for it, it's arguable that Pokémon Stadium 1 still shines in the soundtrack department. Stadium 1's music when selecting Pokémon to use in Free Battle Mode was grand and exciting, and got players excited for the battle ahead, whereas Stadium 2's is a little mundane and often made us drowsy when waiting for our sibling to assemble a team back in the day. Other than that, unless you deem yourself a "Genwunner" (a term coined for those who adore the first generation of Pokémon and nothing else), there's not much else — if at all anything — that the original does that its successor does not.
Conclusion
Pokémon Stadium 2 takes the formula that made its predecessor so great and betters it with its slew of new Pokémon, the inclusion of both Johto and Kanto regions, and fresh features. Sure, most of its assets are taken from the original game, there was no revamp in graphics, and it arguably lacked in the soundtrack department (when compared to the original at least), but it does plenty more to stand out as a pretty great sequel. It's fair to say we haven't seen a comparable 3D Pokémon battling experience like the last of the Stadium series, but here's hoping we see a true Pokémon Stadium 3 (or something or the sort) on a future Nintendo console.
Comments 30
Removed - unconstructive feedback; user is banned
This game really really needs the game boy games to support it. Please make it happen.
Gameboy and N64 really need to be able to connect to begin with. Considering there's a couple more games beyond Pokémon Stadium which were compatible with game boy games. Mario Tennis and Mario Golf are two others I know.
Without proper Game Boy support, the Pokémon Stadium games are a 7 at best.
Oh well, at least the mini games are great.
I loved this game as a kid, but even back then I though that this game is slooooooooow, between that and being limited to the underpowered rental Pokemon only you're gonna need the patience of a saint to be able to play this for much.
But back in the day, this was such a fantastic companion piece to the Gen 2 games, I love the art and personality the game has.
Okay Nintendo you had released Pokemon Stadia 1 & 2 for NSO, now give us the main Pokemon games (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, etc.) so we could connect to them.
@theModestMouse what's the point of coming to a Nintendo fan site if all you do is complain about their love of Nintendo?
THAT said however I do agree that "updating" these articles is rather pointless when they add nothing new to read.
Unfortunately, the Stadium games just don’t have the same usefulness on Switch without the GameBoy connectivity. Without that functionality, you’re left with only using the Rental Pokémon, which is far from fun when trying to complete anything beyond the Round 1 stuff. The mini games and quizzes are a blast, but when that’s all the game really offers, it definitely isn’t worth a 9/10. I’d give this version of the game a 7/10 at best.
Not even sure why they bothered putting the original Stadium on NSO when this eclipses it in just about ever way save for its lack of Lickitung-based sushi bar antics. Even without the gameboy conectivity it holds up, thanks in no small part to the hilarious random cup that makes the rubbish rental Pokemon into something of a positive since everyone's lumbered with them all the time.
These weren’t even 9/10 games when they released. Let alone now!
Great game! Took what the first game did and improved on it in almost every way! Atleast nothing felt downgraded and the gen 2 modifications made it feel new! I also remember spending so much time at Earl's Pokemon Academy to study Pokemon stuff and do the tests/quizzes!
Mario Party 3 is not dropping until December, is it ...
F***'s sake, Nintendo.
Same as with Pokemon Stadium 1, I am in the minority in which the lack of gameboy transfer options is something that doesn't affect me at all. It made the game too easy and I like the challenge (which is unfair but fun) that rental team provides! There is so much strategy, luck and good planning involved when you have to adapt with what you were given, instead of stomping with your perfect moveset and teams!
Praying we get functionality between the gbc games! It was really my favorite pokemon thing ever to connect those!
How do you even play these Stadium games? It keeps asking for N64 packs whenever I try to do anything.
@Wisps
Agree with this 100%. I enjoy the strategy behind using rentals, makes it a lot more fun.
Not interested in pokemon but kudos to the reviewer having a Melia icon 👍
a older game should be judged by todays standards.. some of the older scores for games are just way to high..
@johnedwin if old games are judged by “today standards” then they would all be low scores for not being 4k, 120 FPS, and with a realistic graphic aesthetic
I don't know about you guys, but I personally give both Pokemon Stadium games 10/10.
@Arkay Exactly. Just like it's pointless for Nintendo to re-release games in their current console, if they don't add anything new.
I really don't see much of what was updated here while it's interesting to see what was the reception back when it was released, it could do with a proper NSO release review outlining what's aged well, what hasnt, what's changed from the original release and the games legacy or importance to its series etc.
I have bought Stadium 2 back then (I still have it of course) on N64 70 Euros. The game is even better than Stadium 1. It worth it every penny.Hundreds of gameplay hours.Great minigames, great library, excellent fun service game. I had also Pokemon Crystal so it was amazing to transfer my pokemon from crystal and beat all the gym leaders in 3D. What an amazing time back then.
But now the game really needs the support of Game boy pokemon games. With out these, the battles in gym are almost impossible to beat and without interest.
If they every give us gameboy support for the Stadium games then I can finally die happy
@Olmectron the games offer entertainment and a chance to travel down memory lane.
These "updated" articles don't offer anything compared to their original publish date.
Still happy that Stadium and now Stadium 2 have been added to NSO even as is, but I can't not agree that connectivity with the GBC games would make them much better (and also NSO as a whole as that would distinguish it from every other official rerelease of N64 games) and how I wish that we got that for the Mario Sports games, too!
@Guile I agree. I played these games years ago, and I never even considered playing it without importing my party from the gameboy games. The novelty of the stadium games for me was to have 3D model battles with the pokemon that I used in the mainline game.
This Game is so a great Addition to the Gameboy Games, but without it is very lackluster.
I don't bother because they reused the first 151 Pokemon.
It is a Game on the same Console Generation, would be a bit of Crazy to redo perfectly fine Models for a Game that came out only one Year after the first one.
That they reused some of the Models on the Wii Game, was a more doubtful Decision.
Neither of the Stadium games were good, just like Snap and all the other half baked spinoffs that came after. You want to know why Gamefreak is as "lazy" and behind the times when it comes to game development? It's because you fell for truly lazy games like Stadium. You showed them years ago that so long as they put Pokémon in the title, it didn't matter what they released, you'd buy it.
Now I'm someone who has always purchased the mainline games, I even enjoyed Sw/Sh and S/V, but the constant whining from the community has gotten insane. These games are why Gamefreak is the way they are, so stop giving praise to the excuses, otherwise you can't hold them accountable for their mistakes today because YOU facilitated the process.
@johnedwin They really shouldn't, the scores reflect the time period. However, this game should have never been scored above a 5 since it barely is half a game.
What I don't like about stadium games is that youre stuck with mediocre movesets, can't swap moves. Imagine using a lvl50 pikachu that has a thundershock instead of thunderbolt
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