Dark Cloud 2 is a role-playing game (RPG) for the PlayStation 2 video game console. The game is the sequel to the original Dark Cloud, both of which were developed by Level-5 and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released on February 17, 2003 and is considered a gem among PlayStation 2 RPGs, receiving generally good reviews. A third installment to the Dark Cloud franchise is scheduled to release exclusively on the PlayStation 3 in 2009. Story Dark Cloud 2 has seemingly no link to the story of the original Dark Cloud. The central character of the game is Max, a young inventor from the town of Palm Brinks. When Max receives a ticket to the carnival, he accidentally overhears a conversation between the ringleader, Flotsam, and the mayor of the town about the outside world. For eavesdropping, Flotsam attacks Max, forcing him to flee from Palm Brinks for his life and giving him a chance to finally see the outside world, hurtling him into an adventure he could've never dreamed of. Max later meets Monica while on his journey and finds out a shocking secret that may change the fate of the world's present and future. Gameplay Players progress through the game while exploring dungeons and rebuilding the world. Characters are collected and upgraded along the way, similarly to other RPGs, though with more of an action flair. Players can invent things such as aquariums, power-ups, and weapons using photos Max has taken, adding to the variety of the game. Dark Cloud 2's gameplay strays a bit from the standard RPGs formula to produce what was seen as a success according to reviews everywhere. Fast Facts:

1. Developer: Level-5
2. Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
3. Platform: Playstation 2
4. Genre: Role-Playing
5. Mode: Single player
6. ESRB rating: Teen (T)
7. Release date: Feb. 17, 2003