GGXX:AC asserts itself as the pinnacle of 2D fighting, though its PS2 release leaves some yearning.
Guiltly Gear XX Accent Core is the third revision of Guilty Gear XX ("X2" localized), which is also a revision of Guilty Gear X. Accent Core is a large upgrade - perhaps larger than what X2 offered - and is also the most balanced edition. It effectively sets the new standard for 2D arcade fighting while keeping gameplay fresh and accessible to new players.
While advanced Guilty Gear players will find Accent Core to be an integral update to the series, more casual players may be disappointed by a Playstation 2 port which simply doesn't stand up to console ports of its predecessors.
Accent Core introduces several new global gameplay additions:
Force Break: These are special moves which consume 25% tension (not to be confused with Street Fighter 3's EX attacks which simply upgrade any special attack). For some characters, Force Breaks are an alternative version of a current special move. Other Force Breaks replace old special moves (seemingly to deter abuse) and some are new moves altogether. Force Breaks may have a specific application in a combo or just pack the extra punch needed in a tight situation.
Slash Back: Guilty Gear's answer to Street Fighter 3's "parry" system, the Slash Back lets the player to block an opponent's attack with no recovery time at the expense of tension, allowing them to dole out severe punishment for a predictable attack. However, the Slash Back requires particularly strict timing and will leave you open if done incorrectly.
Throw Escape: This feature has been in plenty of fighting games to date. Pressing the correct button while being thrown will allow you to break free of it.
Wall Stick & Floor Slide: These physics are new to Guilty Gear. Certain attacks may stick an opponent to the wall or make them slide on the ground, from which a combo can be set up.
Accent Core also implements a variety of changes for each character, sometimes outright changing how a character might be played. These changes have also helped bridge significantly the gap between "good" and "bad" characters.
New levels have been introduced, which by default replace most of the levels which have been around since Guilty Gear X. Levels from Guilty Gear XX SLASH (unreleased to the West) may be unlocked, which are recolored versions of the aforementioned levels. All voices have also been re-recorded, though one might not consider these to be any better than the old voices.
As always, Accent Core carries Guilty Gear's reputation of excellent graphics, music, and sound. Four new music tracks have been included since #Reload.
For players who never played Guilty Gear XX SLASH, Accent Core introduces two new tournament-legal characters to the XX vein: Order Sol and A.B.A of Isuka fame. Order Sol plays much differently from the classic Sol Badguy and uses his own "Charge Level" system (akin to charging in the original Guilty Gear), which affects all of his special moves and overdrives. A.B.A. plays similarly to how she did in Isuka, but without a frustrating turn button.
While Accent Core gives serious players plenty to chew on, casual players may be turned off by its release on Playstation 2 when compared to the comprehensive releases of X2, #Reload, and even Isuka. Gone are Story Mode, Mission Mode, online play, and console-only characters Justice and Kliff. However, new gallery images, unlockable levels, and Guilty Gear Generations modes have been added to generate interest. GG Generations allows players to select "GG" or "GGX" play modes, which incorporate gameplay tweaks from either game (including the classic "instant kill" method in Guilty Gear)
Accent Core is another step in the Guilty Gear series' dominion of modern 2D fighting, and a console version is a must-have for any serious player and should be seriously considered by new players. While its Playstation 2 port may not impress owners of X2 or #Reload, its meager $30 price tag may be enough to justify a purchase.