Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django

If you can get past the limiting nature of Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django's defining gimmick, then its well worth owning if you're hankerin' for an action RPG on your GBA.

May not be as revolutionary as the original, but it's still a solid gaming experience and a good bridge between the gaming world and reality. [Dec 2004, p.132]

Deduct 60 points if you live in an igloo but if not, Boktai 2 is better than the original. [GamesMaster]

The game play of this title is superb, if a bit difficult at times. It has a distinctive "Metal Gear" style of stealth action (indeed, you can even tap on walls ala Solid Snake and distract enemies) blended with fast paced hand-to-hand combat and some mildly amusing block puzzles.

The sun sensor hook is great, as is the game's awareness of time and location.

The transition between the Gun del Sol and the multiple weapons is decent, implementing a slew of new features necessary to see you through the game unscathed.

Boktai 2's steeper difficulty level and direct tie-in to the original game's storyline means it will be probably be most enjoyed by fans of the original who are eager for a greater challenge.

Konami has added in more depth, weapons, environments, and upgraded the multiplayer mode. The gameplay is fun, innovative, and unique.

You'll often have so many paths before you in a dungeon it can be tough to wrap your brain around how exactly you can move forward, and the individual puzzles can be absolutely brutal.

A clever use of AI makes it possible for you to influence enemies with sight and sound. [Nov 2004, p.131]

While not as groundbreaking as its forerunner, Boktai 2 still innovates enough to warrant your attention. [Holiday 2004, p.140]

It's a must-have for enthusiastic fans of the original, who will easily recognize the quality beneath the hostile surface. Everyone else may want to proceed with caution, though, because you'll probably be too busy having your butt kicked to have a good time.

I think maybe Konami went overboard in some cases - specifically with the deteriorating inventory items and a severely stingy continue system (you have to pay to continue, and then you only get half your health back.) [Nov 2004, p.89]

Fans of adventure games who don't find block-pushing and switch-flipping tiresome will enjoy a long-lasting challenge, as will fans of the original. Everyone else, however, should approach with caution. [Aug 2005, p.118]

There is no "type of gamer" who will enjoy it. You either will or you won't. No matter what I am pretty certain that the sun factor will drive you nuts.

Aside from the novelty factor, the gameplay in Boktai 2 is very unoriginal. It's not much different than Castlevania but it's not as difficult.

In many ways, Boktai 2 is very similar to the first game. There's just enough new additions to keep players interested, even if the difficulty level is a bit too high. The concept of the game is still charming and this time the ability to deposit solar power in the bank makes it a bit less dependant on your real life surroundings. [August 2005, p.76]

Its gimmick doesn't overcome its bland gameplay. [Dec 2004, p.190]