I’m noticing a trend in 2D fighting games: the longer a remake’s title, the the better the game. This hypothesis holds true with Capcom’s SSFIITHDR, and Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus only serves as further evidence supporting this phenomenon.

By this point, it should be pretty clear to those who have played Guilty Gear before what they’re getting into. GGX2ACP is merely an improvement to the original Accent Core, released sometime in 2007.

So is it worth dishing out another $30 bucks for the new model? Let’s take a look at the stats.

Upgrades from the previous Accent Core are as follows:

• Kliff and Justice are back (why they weren’t in AC in the first place is beyond me)
• Team Versus mode (more on this later)
• Survival mode has RPG elements (hooray!)
• Mission mode, which was absent in AC, is makes a comeback (the catalyst for the recent spike in my blood pressure)
• New Gallery and revamped Story mode
• Many of the bugs in the buggy AC were ironed out (which shouldn’t have been an issue to begin with)
• Subtle tweaks were made to further balance the gameplay (which is always welcome)

GGX2ACP is pretty much just another Guilty Gear, but as they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

But for those of you unfamiliar with the series, let me give you a little background: the Guilty Gear franchise is a collection of incredibly deep, anime-esque 2D fighters with a nearly incomprehensible story that wraps itself around a cast of metal-inspired characters, an outstanding soundtrack, and some of the fastest, most frantic gameplay I’ve ever seen. Ever.

What do I mean by “metal-inspired”?

Aside from the bitchin’ tunes (Guilty Gear X2 boasts one of the greatest gaming soundtracks of all time), many of the characters and their moves are named loosely (though more often, directly) after metal bands and musicians: Testament, Axl Rose Low, Slayer, Venom, etc. Oh, and then there’s this chick.

If that’s not metal, I don’t know what is.

In its triumphant return, Mission mode comes in a more compact form than in previous versions, offering 25 missions rather than the 50 found in GGX2.

A welcome change to this feature is the option to select your own character for each mission, making them—er—possible. They’re inexplicably difficult, and there is an added aspect of replayability in completing each mission with every single character, a daunting task to say the least (good luck). Oh, how I missed the rage induced by Mission mode, often frustrating me to the point where I’d consider scaling my house just to see how far I could fling the game from my roof. Gulity Gear’s Mission mode will do that to ya.

The most interesting change to the series is found in my favorite mode, Survival, which is exactly what it sounds like it is. You go up against a barrage of opponents, one after the other, fighting single round matches until you earn enough experience to face a boss.

What really won me over was the being able to level up as you progress through Survival mode. After defeating each boss character, you’re given the opportunity to upgrade one of your stats or acquire some sort of special ability (added level bonus, easy Roman Cancel, etc.). Of course, those who are too badass for stat upgrades can always deny the option, offering yet another way to make this hard ass game even more challenging.

Probably the most useless of the changes exclusive to GGX2ACP is the team battle mode. You and your opponent each choose three fighters, but instead of duking it out Marvel vs. Capcom style, you simply try to knock out the other player’s fighters one by one. I guess this is a good way to try and master multiple characters, but I don’t see this feature as a game seller and probably won’t come back to it often.

The Story mode has been immensely expanded, forcing the player to wade through its vastness with each character, one by one (multiple times), in order to explore its plethora of pathways. Even though the story can be a bit convoluted, it’s still awesome, and the dialogue between characters can be as hilarious as it is badass.

If you’re unsure of which version to buy (Wii, PS2, PSP), allow me recommend the PSP version if you’re fortunate enough to have the option. I personally can’t see this game working well with the WiiMote or a GameCube controller (though perhaps the classic controller could serve as a plausible substitute). While the PS2 version is surely a fine alternative, I’ve noticed that fighting games just seem to play better on the PSP. I’d have to attribute this to the console’s D-Pad and tight button layout, which seems to be far more responsive and better fit for fighters than the PS2 controller (of course, this is just my personal opinion).

And don’t worry, the PSP version offers Ad-Hoc play, so multiplayer is still an option. Sweet!

Overview

GGX2ACP is a must buy for 2D fighting fans everywhere. Its solid gameplay, various game modes, and intense difficulty will keep even the most hardcore fighting fan occupied for a good while.

My main issue with the game is its cost, as I feel the $30 price tag is a bit steep. I really think it should be something closer to $20.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s easily worth every penny of $30, but considering this is a remake of a remake—eh, it’s just beyond me how they could charge so much for a game that really hasn’t changed enough to warrant that kind of price. If you have any other version of GGX2, you should know by this point whether this game is worth it to you—especially if you’re a die-hard Guilty Gear fan like myself.

Casual fighter fans who don’t have the extra cash can easily find solace in buying Guilty Gear Judgment instead, which is offered on the PSN for the PSP console for a measly six bones. If you’re even the least bit unsure, check that out if but for Guilty Gear X2 #Reload which is included in the package (just ignore Guilty Gear Judgment itself, because that game sucks).

You really can’t go wrong with any of the GGX2 titles, and Accent Core Plus delivers just like the rest of ‘em. Definitely a must buy for those who don’t have the original Accent Core, and worth a look for those who already own the original version.

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