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Capcom’s Power Stone Collection for the PSP is a decent compilation of the two classic Sega Dreamcast releases. With Ad Hoc multiplayer and melee mayhem, the release is a good, though not a perfect translation.

Power Stone Collection includes Power Stone and Power Stone 2. Power Stone features Single, Versus, Network, Training, and Secret Book modes, the latter to unlock special features.

In Power Stone, users can select from one of eight characters to engage in melee battles that require using in-game objects like boxes, barrels, lampposts, and rocket launchers to destroy the enemy. When players collect all four Power Stones they can turn into an alter ego that can elicit mass destruction.

Controls are perfect on the PSP and include punch, kick, jump, and grab functions. The frame rate veers from 30 to 60 frames per second, though it doesn’t affect the gameplay. Sound effect like smacks, explosions and object breaks are crisp.

Power Stone 2 features 1-on-1, 1-on-3, Versus, Adventure, Network, Training and Secret Book modes. The sequel adds four new characters, Pete, Julia, Gourmand, and Accel.

The game expands on the first with multi-level environments that move and deconstruct during play. The 4-player battles can be overwhelming, with each character employing actions to toss, fire, and beat opponents in animated locations.

Controls are similar to Power Stone 1, though target-based jump attacks were altered to force players to engage in close combat. The graphics engine suffers in the sequel at 30 frames per second, half of the original. As a result, the action is less snappy and slower.

Load times for Power Stone Collection can be up to 15-20 seconds on level loads and could have been optimized to drain less of the PSP’s battery.

Power Stone Collection is a solid release for PSP action fans. The two titles are distinct in their combat style and provides frantic fights. However, arcade and Dreamcast veterans will be let down by the visual downgrade and load times.