With SNK finally jumping its King of Fighters series into 3D, things were looking a little bleak for fans of 2D fighters. If anything, Guilty Gear Isuka proves there is still plenty of life left in 2D fighters. Guilty Gear Isuka takes all of the forward progress made it last year's Guilty Gear X2 and pumps it up with new backgrounds, music, play modes and a brand new fighter.

The Guilty Gear series has consistently provided one of the best looking fighting experiences on the market. Characters are fully animated and in high-resolution, giving the game a nice clean appearance. Character models are, as always, quirky and provide something just a little different than the karate fighters, ninjas and boxers found in other games. For example, one character walks around with a bag over his head and another uses a giant key that makes faces during attacks as a weapon. This gives Isuka a distinct flavor, setting it apart from just about anything else on the PS2. Overall, the game doesn't seem to take anything too seriously, making for a fun experience. The game's anime influences go beyond quirky characters. During fights gamers are treated to all kinds of lights and glitter.

Guilty Gear is the only series that can pull off an 80's glam-rock soundtrack, and Isuka does it with style. The rock soundtrack is excellent and really fits with the game's overall style. Sound effects are just as good and are a marked improvement over previous games.

Guilty Gear Isuka sticks to the roots of 2D fighting games, but also adds a few new twists to the genre. The biggest addition to the game is the option of having four characters on screen at once. This is handled in a two-plane system similar to the one found in many of SNK's 2D fighters. This feature adds a new level of chaos to an already fast-paced and chaotic game. Now, instead of just worrying about one guy's powerful moves you have to watch your back for people hitting you from behind. Its takes a little time to get used to the idea of jumping planes and only being able to attack people on that plane, but once you get the hang of it, its pretty fun.

Another addition is Boost mode, which is a side-scrolling action game mode. Here you pick one of the fighters from the game's roster and go through levels in a 2D beat 'em up game. This mode is also a blast and gives players just a little something extra to do when they need a break from Arcade mode. Boost mode also ties into another mode, called The Factory. Completing missions in Boost mode unlocks new upgrades for your Robo-Ky android.

Fans of the previous games will no doubt remember the Robo-Ky Factory found in them. Isuka takes this idea and evolves it, giving players Robo-Ky II. This mode allows gamers to upgrade and assemble their own fighter. You can customize his stats, fix up moves and make him into the fighter you've always wanted. The process is pretty complicated (perhaps a little more than it needs to be), but its still a fun little mode.

Guilty Gear Isuka provides enough difficulty levels that it should be accessible for just about anyone. Beginners have their own mode, while the hardcore guys can try their luck on the Maniac level. Each of the levels gives players a challenge without getting too frustrating. The jump between difficulty levels is manageable and provides just enough of a step up to keep players in the game for awhile.

As with any fighting game, the controls have to be laid out in a logical manner and above all - be responsive. Thankfully, Guilty Gear Isuka fits the bill perfectly. Every button is in just the right spot, which not only makes combos easier to string along, but also the dual and quad-button press moves. Everything had a very tight feel to it, and felt right. While the D-pad will never be as good as the arcade stick - it still worked. As previously mentioned, the hardest aspect of the entire system is getting used to jumping planes during battles. SNK fans will adapt to this concept a little quicker than other players. Using two planes offers another level of strategy.

While it may not be in 3D, Guilty Gear Isuka still provides a great fighting experience. Fighting fans should definitely give the game a look, and fans of old-school fighters should already be on their way to the store to purchase a copy.