OVERALL RATING: 7.5
Graphics: 9
Sound: 7
Control: 8
Fresh Factor: 6
Game life: 7 To further saturate the video game market with all things Pokemon , Nintendo has released Pokemon Stadium for the N64. While this title is billed as a stand alone game, it really serves no purpose other than as a graphic-heavy add on to Nintendo's Game Boy titles. Were this game judged soley on it's own merits, it would score pretty low. It's doesn't approach any sort of depth, is totally lacking a story, and fizzles out awfully darn fast. Luckily, in a bit of marketing genius, Nintendo has included a peripheral with the title that allows Game Boy Pokemon trainers to transfer their critters to the N64 and duke it out in 64bit graphical splendor. In this capacity, Pokemon Stadium excels.
The entire game takes place within the Pokemon Stadium complex, with no supporting story line. Gone is the gotta catch 'em all quests of the 8 bit titles. This game is pure fighting, Pokemon style. You can use either rented Pokemon, or transfer the 'mon that you've caught in your Game Boy gamepaks. The rented Pokemon are pretty bland, and there's no connection between the player and the little guys. When using your own hard-earned Pokemon, the game takes on a new life. That Blastoise that you raised ever since he was a little Squirtle is now rendered in full color, 3D glory. Every Pokemon is present and accounted for, and looks fantastic. Each unique attack is also included and are great to look at. If you're looking for a death match between Pikachu and Polliwhirl, be advised. This game is a Nintendo title, therefore the guys don't get too ruthless.
The two player game is really what this title is all about. It's good practice to whip up on some CPU trainers, but there's nothing like taking a friend's carefully cultivated monster stable and smashing it to pieces. Mercifully, Pokemon Stadium only requires one transfer pak for both players, so an extra investment isn't needed.
If you're already a Poke-fanatic, you can expect to spend a lot of time with this title. If you're a first time trainer, cut your teeth on the Game Boy versions first. By itself this is a mediocre game and only shines when coupled with a Game Boy Gamepak. If you've got a buddy who's a fellow trainer and you've been duking it out over the gamelink cable, get thee to a gamery and pick up this title immediately. It's everything you like about the fighting portions of the games, but not stuck on that 2 inch screen.
  
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