Jade Cocoon 2

Jade Cocoon 2 expands on Genki’s original title in a number of significant ways, combining monster breeding and RPG elements. The gameplay is a familiar mix of storytelling and monster-raising, with some substantial changes for good measure. The town serves as your base of operations, where you can stock up on supplies or take jobs to earn money and build a reputation. The latter is crucial because it is directly proportional to the number of monsters you can use in battle. Specific tests, when passed, grant you the ability to command more beasts – up to a maximum of 12 at once. However, you can only take these tests when your reputation is high enough. These trials take place in the Arena, which hosts Beast Hunter battles where you can put your skills to the test against other Beast Hunters. Monster eggs are discovered on your journeys and can be hatched in the Room of Life, an all-encompassing monster management room that provides detailed information on the beasts and allows you to merge them, resulting in hybrid creatures. The monsters are now evolving as well. Your amulet has 12 slots, with three for each of the four elements. Your creatures are placed on the charm in battle positions, and during combat, they will attack the enemy and protect you from harm. Their amulet position also determines their elemental powers’ effectiveness. The plot picks up 100 years after the original adventure, with the Cocoon Masters becoming a myth and legend. The modern equivalent is Beast Hunters, and players take on the role of Kahu, an aspiring Beast Hunter. Kahu is cursed due to a chance encounter, and he and a fairy named Nico must rid his body of the curse or die. Levant (the protagonist of the original title) is now a guardian and serves as your guide.