Dead or Alive 2

"All show doesn't always make the game go"

Story-Here's the story straight out of the manual.''At the end of the twentieth century a great leader was murdered.His name was Fame Douglas,who was known as the sponsor of the legendary ''Dead or Alive 1 World Combat
Championship''.Since his death,the world has become chaotic due to the lack of the presence of a great leader.In the midst of this chaos,the ''Dead or Alive 2 World Combat Championship'' has been announced to take place.However,the true purpose & significance of the tournament have been lost with the death of Douglas.Even worse,the promoter of the ''Dead or Alive 2 World Combat Championship'' is responsible for Douglas' death.The new promoter is not just a corrupt being but one of pure evil.His involvement in the tournament has caused terror among the whole world resulting in the infamous Tengu Disaster that occurred at the end of the century.''
Personally I find this story kind of poor.The only part I see it following is the last boss.The FMVs of the story mode are beautiful but there is no depth story in this game.I was kind of disappointed by this.But now on to the many other important features.

Gameplay-Like I said,I was disappointed in this game's lack of depth story line.But it's artificial intelligence is pretty good compared to the other fighters that are out there.
Every fighter in this game has there own detailed moves to show off.A lot of the arenas are wide spread;for example if you're on a high floor you can kick your opponent off that floor through a fence leading to his fall upon another floor.I found that really cool.For one level you can smash your opponent & he'll go flying into a wall & once making contact it blows up.
The controls are not too hard to get used to.Just go to the sparring mode for half an hour & that should be all you need.
This game consists of 7 modes.These modes are Story mode,Versus mode,Time Attack,Tag Battle,Survival Mode & Team Battle.
The only original mode I find is the Tag Battle mode.Sort of like Tekken Tag Tournament you can choose 2 character to fight to other character with.With your 2 characters you can also perform Team Attack combos,which are pretty cool.
As for story mode you pick a character of your choice & play through the game & every so often you should enter an FMV sequence which explains very little of the story.But happily the game actually put up a good fight.
I've only named the modes which I found formidable.If you wish to learn more then I suggest you decide upon renting it

Graphics-Now the graphics are really something to gawk at.There absolutely nothing to change about the graphics.All FMVs are beautifully done,all moves are well detailed.This is one of the nicest features of the game so enjoy it.

Sound-If you listen to the music in the sound test it sounds pretty good.I listen to the music every once in a while.The sound of the punches,kicks,explosions & so forth all fit in well.Not too many problems here.But I give it a 9 because even though it is good I have heard better.

Replay Value-Once you beat this game to death beating it with all characters & unlocking the secret ones is there really much of a point in this game anymore.I'd have to say not.After getting all there is to get in this game there is really no point in playing this game unless your friends come over to play.Only way to have fun is beating your friends up in this game after your done.I guess if your feeling bored you could put this in to your computer CD-ROM drive & look at the Dead or Alive 2 art.

Overall-The Graphics & sound are good & don't need a thing to be changed.But I can't emphasize enough how much I could go for a good depth story.Another thing I find wrong with this game is it draws a lot of players who just want to look at the pretty girls in bikinis.Because if that's all you really want to look at then I suggest just buying a magazine cause they're way cheaper.Overall this game is ok but it has some things to be worked out & shouldn't be bought unless you're sure of your decision after you rent it.If you've rented it & enjoyed it then that's great.You should have no problems with this game.But remember,rent before you buy.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 03/30/02, Updated 03/30/02