Dark Cloud 2 is a video game developed by Level 5 Inc. and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated. Created exclusively for the PlayStation 2 console from Sony, it was released in December 2002. The title is classed as an action and role-playing game, played from a third-person perspective.

While Dark Cloud 2 is set in the same universe as the previous game in the series, it has another premise and features totally new characters. The main element in the story is Max, who is a young inventor from Palm Brinks. He is thrown in the middle of a plot, which involves a power hungry Emperor who wants to destroy the past, so that he can control the future, a Sun Stone that has immense magical force, a bunch of killing clowns, a giant robot called Halloween and, last but not least, a princess who arrives from the future.

At certain key points in the game, the player can take control of Monica to solve situations that are too difficult for Max to handle. The switches between characters provide variations, which enhance the experience of the game.

One of the most interesting elements is that characters themselves do not level up. The weapons that they wield are the ones getting experience from kills and gaining new abilities. Because of this mechanism, the game makes players more interested in the weapons they are using, and forces them to pay attention to their durability.
 

GAMEPLAY HINTS
 

The Mayor

Enter City Hall and go upstairs. Talk to the Mayor. He will need a code for his safe. The code is "1221." 

 

Milane

To make Milane join your party, build up Monica's favorite sword to "Island King."

 

Mina

Talk to Mina and she will say that she is feeling sick. This will start several rounds of Spheda. Compete in ten rounds of Spheda.

 

Olivie

Finish in first place in any of the classes of the Finny Frenzy.

 

Pau

To get Pau, all you have to do is give him a carrot. He can be found in Vennicco, during Chapter 5.

 

Monica's magical blocking

Find a Gemron or Gundron, and block its projectile. A screen will appear, telling you how to do Monica's magic absorb attack.

 

Here's a video: