ARCADE MODE: The original coin-op Naomi code ported over to the Xbox intact and near perfect. Choose this and one will be able to further choose "Normal Game" or "Extreme Game" along with the choice of original tunes or remix. The normal game is a carbon copy of the arcade coin-op with character interaction sequences that are shown before boss meetings. The extreme game takes those little cut-scenes out and plays through the entire game without any backstory for a faster and fiercer experience. Seven characters are selectable - a few familiar faces along with fresh blood.

GALLERY MODE: 60 pieces of artwork are arranged neatly in rows. Thirteen of the images are immediately viewable but the others require unlocking. Press the "A" button to Zoom in and "B" to return to the main menu.

OPTION: Select screen size or change from horizontal aspect to vertical aspect if you're willing to flip your WEGA on its side for true arcade perspective. Players may also set game difficulty, assign buttons or turn Vibration On/Off.

Two Game Options are not immediately available and they are:

PRACTICE MODE: Try out any level that you've already completed in normal mode with any character.

STORY RECOLLECT: Review the storyline of a character that you've used to complete the game.

Game On
Players who have played through the original Shikigami no Shiro will find a similar experience in SNS2.

Enemies fly onscreen and shoot diamond-shaped bullets which one buzzes. The default buzz perimeter is fairly spacious and a buzz is indicated by a sparkle at the center of the character's being. Pressing "A" fires the default weapon while "B" unleashes a bomb. Holding "A" brings out a special weapon which one uses to destroy enemies and garner a ton of coins which magically fly towards your character.

When enemies are shot down by normal firepower, the coins they release simply waft in the air which makes colllecting them a chore. For those who wish to garner the greatest amount of coins, one strategy would be to go through the entire game by using the special weapon as much as possible. It adds a new dimension to the gameplay since the special weapon is not available all the time like the standard shot is. There's a 1-second power-up time which can mean life or death in a fast moving game like Shikigami 2. Every character uses a different special weapon which makes for some great strategizing and possibilities to test and try in the game.

Shikigami no Shiro 2 may be played without firing a single normal shot or using a bomb... Just keep your finger on the "B" button at all times and let the special weapon do its job while you dodge and maneuver around the screen. The only character where this strategy won't work is the purple witch Chibi Fumiko - she becomes immobile when using her special weapon, which is a targeting scope followed by a ball of energy which destroys everything that runs into it. The special weapon strategy however is available to everyone else although it does slow down the mobility of the character.

For beginners, the special-weapon exclusive strategy works best with the first selectable character, Kohtaro Kuga, who unleashes a guided spirit of sorts which tracks everything down on screen and hugs it until it explodes. Roger Sasuke, who is the last selectable character probably has the most powerful special weapon in the game. It's a group of black spheres which destroy everything in their path. Bosses and regular enemies alike bow before those spheres...

View the back cover.