DOA2: Hardcore

"Tecmo outdoes themselves once again."

Among the first few games I played, at the top of the list resides this title. Dead Or Alive 2 : Hardcore has got to rank as my number one fighting game of all time, fast paced action, incredible graphics, and an amazing array of options and costumes, you'll spend hours just trying to get all the cool stuff, and then countless hours on end afterwards enjoying it. The game offers fans of the genre, and newcomers a new challenge and an unbelievable amount of fun, alone or with friends.

Gameplay : 9
It doesn't get much better than this for a fighter, throws, reversals, combo hits, it doesn't end! Each attack is impressive to watch, and fun to execute on your opponent, or hear your friends groan in agony as you slam them into the electric walls of the danger zone! Each character is unique in their technique and abilites, and although most of the moves are done alike among the characters, this also helps to master the basics of multiple characters at once in a shot period of time. Something you really need to do in order to unlock all the secrets of the game! The gameplay gets even better when you participate in Survival and Tag battle modes, both have been improved MASSIVELY since DOA:1, thankfully.

Storyline : 7
The game is sort of confusing as far as storyline goes, each character seems to have a reason for fighting, and certain characters have relations to other characters in the game. Though these are shrouded and hard to understand unless you play through the game as each character constantly, and unlock all secrets. But as the game comes around, the storyline develops somewhat, not bad for a fighter.

Sound : 8
Such an improvement over the first installment it isn't even funny! The soundtrack just rocks for a fighting game, however most of the music isn't too memorable, but it definantly matches the mood of the game and rarely gets repetitive, since there is a different theme for each character!

Graphics : 9
Simply stunning animation! Every costume is as impressive as the last, and the detail is down to each strand of hair and wrinkle in the clothing! This game truly shows the power of the Playstation 2 that we've all been waiting for.

Replay : 9
I'll play it until Dead or Alive 3 comes out, and maybe even afterwards. The game is so much fun in single player modes that it's hard to put it down, but with 1-3 other players with you you're going to have to pry your hands off the controller to stop. Maybe you'll get bored after mastering it, destroying all your friends, and playing it for 8 hours a day...but if you set it away for a week, you'll be itching to play it again soon.

Buy Or Rent?:
You like fighting games? What are you waiting for!? Get to your local store and pick this up NOW. There is no question that this fighter will be classic for a long time, and even if you're not a fan, I highly reccomend the $5 for a weekends rental.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/01, Updated 01/03/01