Tobal 2

Tobal 2 is a fighting game developed by DreamFactory and published by Square. The game was released in Japan for PlayStation on April 25, 1997. It is the sequel to Tobal No. 1 and remained exclusive to Japan, never receiving an official Western release.

In addition, the game was designed by Seiichi Ishii and features character artwork by Akira Toriyama. Tobal 2 expanded many of the ideas introduced in the first game, including a larger character roster and an enhanced Quest Mode.

Story and Setting

Tobal 2 does not focus heavily on a traditional narrative.

Instead, the game centers on tournament battles between a wide variety of fighters. Each character participates in combat matches to prove their strength and defeat rival opponents.

However, the Quest Mode introduces a different setting. In this mode, players explore dungeons and a central town while battling monsters and collecting items. As a result, the game blends fighting mechanics with light role-playing elements.

Gameplay

Tobal 2 features one-on-one battles in fully 3D arenas.

Players can move freely around the stage while keeping their opponent in view. Attacks are divided into high, medium, and low strikes, allowing players to create varied combinations and strategies during combat.

The game also includes grappling techniques, blocking mechanics, and special attacks. Each character has an unblockable fireball-type move that adds another offensive option during fights.

Graphically, the game runs at 60 frames per second and uses improved character models compared to its predecessor. It was also one of the first PlayStation games compatible with the Dual Analog Controller.

Modes

The PlayStation version includes several gameplay modes.

Tournament Mode allows players to fight through a sequence of opponents in traditional fighting matches. VS Mode supports multiplayer battles between two players.

Training Mode helps players practice moves and learn character mechanics.

Quest Mode introduces dungeon exploration and RPG elements. Players explore multiple dungeons, battle monsters, and unlock additional playable characters.

This mode greatly expands the game’s content and allows players to collect characters encountered during exploration.

Presentation

Tobal 2 uses polygonal 3D character models and smooth animations for its battles.

The character designs were created by Akira Toriyama, known for his work on Dragon Ball and several role-playing games. The visual style combines stylized characters with simple arena environments.

In addition, the game features a large roster of fighters and monsters, eventually reaching around 200 playable characters.

Legacy

Tobal 2 became known for its large character roster and innovative Quest Mode.

At the time of its release, the game held a record for the largest number of playable characters in a fighting game.

Although it never released outside Japan, the game gained a strong reputation among import players and remains a notable PlayStation fighting title.