DOA2: Hardcore

"All-time best 3D-fighter for the PS2 to date"

Early anticipation for this game is very evident before the last few weeks/days of the Playstation Launch. Many were wondering who will come out victorious. Will it be Dear or Alive 2 Hardcore by Tecmo or Tekken Tag Tournament by Namco. Well, when the Playstation 2 finally shipped and the games have been played and compared, it is quite obvious that Dear or Alive 2: Hardcore offers a lot more than the other one. Let's take it into another perspective. A fighting game must have game elements that must give us players a nice control of the character so that we will be able to use our own style of playing. Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore does that and more. Here are my observation/comments/ratings about the different aspects of this game.

Gameplay/Element of Fun
Score: Perfect 10

A fighting should give you the freedom to be yourself in fighting as well as implementing an intense element of fun in it. The fighting element of the game (which was also incorporated in the first game, way back for the Playstation) is purely strategical. You can't win by just pummeling/hitting the buttons as fast as you can. This time, you actually have to anticipate (or to think/act beforehand) the movements of your opponent in order to win and on top of that, the Computer AI is also somewhat hard to predict. You can attack, but then you can be blocked, held, or even countered. If they attack, you can also block, hold, or counter yourself but you have to be exact as the high, middle, and low body hit system is in play. That means, you don't just worry about being hit or in hitting, you'll also have to know if the attack will come from the upper, middle, or lower body. Apart from the complexity of the game, you'll definitely have fun in playing the game. You can try out the different modes of play available. Arcade, Versus Battle, Tag Battle, Survival Mode, or you can just try out your character and train yourself in using him/her. Multiplayer for Dead or Alive 2 hardcore is also another one to take note of. You can play with up to 4 players using the multi-tap for the tag-team modes.

Controls
Score: Perfect 10

The controls for this game is very very easy. The characters can be easily moved to and fro in the battlefield and what's more, you can always try out different buttons combinations and custom combos. Mastering the controls will be as easy as ABC.

Customization
Score: Perfect 10

One basic aspect of any game is the customization/settings of the game environment. Basically, this game has an easy customization options that cover almost every aspect in its gameplay. You can change the sounds, set the number of rounds to suite your needs, and most especially the difficulty of the game. You can easily set the way the computer thinks (either easy to hard) and you can even handicap him/her if you have trouble. If you think you're that good already, you can also handicap your character. Plus, don't forget that each mode of play has its own customization options.

Originality
Score: 8

Most of the features in Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore can be found in easy 3D games such as Tekken, Virtua Fighter, and more. But there are unique fighting elements that are in this game such as the Holding and Countering (which was implemented in the first Dead or Alive and enhance in this game). Other than that, there's nothing much new about the game.

Plot/Story
Score: 8

The Plot and the story of the game isn't as good as it is. Although the story is enticing, Tecmo somehow put only short stories for each. The plots really need some more details. But then, Tecmo did a good job in crisscrossing the plot into the battle scenes and that adds to the excitement in different battles throughout the game. The characters' story also intertwines each other. That adds to the complexity of the story, and thus, to the adds interest in the game.

The Graphics
Score: Perfect 10

Now what about the graphics? Actually, only one word suits the graphic element of the game, ''stunning!''. Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore definitely takes advantage of the advanced graphics processing of the Playstation 2 console. The background are astounding with very detailed rendering. The characters also move already like people do and they run at a constant 60 frames per second for smooth animation. The colors are, what can I say?, very very remarkable. Your eyes will feast on everything it'll see (at worst you'll drool). Oh, don't forget the babes in this game. If you think the first DOA is good, wait 'til you see this!

Sound System
Score: Perfect 10

With Dolby Digital Surround Sound, you're ears will feel the intensity of the game. The soundtrack is marvelous. It will pump you up during your battles. Most people think that sound isn't important. Well, try playing games without sound and let's see if you'll last long. Having simple sound effects/music isn't good too, Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore will teach you a thing or two about excellent sounds.

Game Re-Playability
Score: Perfect 10

So, you want to play it again? You'll definitely enjoy it again and this time, you'll enjoy it a lot more. With tons of things to do such as unlocking the new characters and fancy (and not to mention very sexy) costumes, you'll always have a reason to come back and play.

Therefore basically, Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore is excellent in all aspects of a fighting game. It has its own style and groove, it will definitely give you the entertainment you want, and it'll take you to a new level of fighting games. Nevertheless, you are always free to try out the game first by renting it. If the gameplay suits you, you can then buy the game and include it in your Playstation 2 games collection. So, head on now and get the game. Don't hesitate on shelling out your hard-earned money for this game. You won't regret it in the end. Thanks for reading. bye!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/22/01, Updated 07/22/01