DOA2: Hardcore

"Fate is in your hands"

My first glimpse of a Dead or Alive game started with Dead or Alive 3 on the Xbox. Before then, the mention of some new fighting series trying to compete against the heavyweights like Tekken made me laugh. Who would of thought these two series would go in opposite directions, and I would find the Dead or Alive series to be one of my favorite licenses in the industry. As Tekken has gotten worst with each incarnation, Dead or Alive continues to improve. Despite its minor improvements from 2 to 3, the improvements were made. However, Dead or Alive 2 has been considered the pinnacle of the series. The improvement from the first to second is so drastic that the second is simply in another league in comparison to its predecessors. Being introduced first to the Dreamcast, Itagaki and co. decided to remake a PS2 edition dubbed Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore.

Having played DOA 3, 4, and U, then going back to play DOA 2: Hardcore, I can say that it holds up extremely well. In fact, it is the very game that defines the series into what it is today. The same fast pace striking, and precision reversals are still as slick as ever. While the reversals are a bit too easy to pull off, the game still has plenty of upside. Unlike some of the other games in the series, the difficulty isn't all that difficult. The controls are still as smooth and responsive as ever. Combos come with ease, but at the same time has plenty of depth. The combo system is fast and furious, with plenty of fully interactive environments to add some strategy.

Using the interactive levels, the player can utilize this theme to one's own strategic planning or on how they should be defending oneself. The interactive environments are an important step to how the game ultimately feels and play. But despite these great things about DOA2: Hardcore, the reversal system feels a bit too simplistic. In fact, pulling off reversals is far too easy. The reversals seem to work despite the fact that you're not timing it right. Unlike other games in the series, where a missed time reversal would leave your guard open, but instead this is a non issue in Hardcore.

One thing that becomes excruciatingly unbearable is the game's English voice acting. With poorly translated lines, and voiceovers rivaling some of the worst around, it set a mark that is unexpected in Team Ninja games. Every Team Ninja game has the utmost quality of presentation. Yeah, the game can end up being bad, but you can always expect Team Ninja to dazzle you with plenty of gorgeous visuals and topnotch voice acting. For some odd reason, they failed to provide us with competent voice acting. During the snow level, where Ayane and Kasumi meet in battle, the voice acting pretty much ruined such a momentous occasion. Even though the voice acting was horrendous, the in game music was a pleasant surprise. I never get tired of listening to the dramatic music in the background when I am facing Ein. There is simply an epic tune that gets your juices flowing.

The graphics engine is also quite polished. Knowing Team Ninja, you wouldn't expect anything less. Itagaki and co. are simply perfectionists who always try to push the envelope when it comes to the production values for their games. The animation for this game feels spot on. The effects are also nicely implemented, as the power of these fighters is shown through its slick animation. The frame rate also runs very smooth. While the character models aren't as good as I would like, it's still forgivable considering how early in the PS2's life time that this game came out.

Perhaps one thing that keeps DOA2: Hardcore from truly shining as the best in the series is its lack of modes. The story mode feels skimpy, as there are no dramatic tales between fights. The story mode doesn't offer much of a story. Yes, I know this is a fighting game, but a somewhat cohesive story isn't much to ask for. Or is it? Besides the standard modes like tag, time attack, etc. there aren't really any modes that jump out at you. Furthermore, the game seems to lack many options and unlockables to make it the best in the series. Even though Itagaki filled the game with ninjas, wrestlers, and your generic Bruce Lee rip-off, there is a lack of fighters. With its current cast, it still feels potent, but it simply doesn't feel like it's enough. Fortunately for us, the game's overall mechanics is spot on. With its fast pace action, and friendly interface, it's reason enough to have plenty of fun with this title.

Now that I look back, I can say DOA 4 is the best in the series, 3 being the graphical showcase, and Ultimate being the online juggernaut, but DOA 2 is the pinnacle of the series. From the first incarnation of the series to the sequel, these two have the largest disparity in terms of improvement. DOA 2 really kicks off the series into high gear. Starting with the Dreamcast, and now the PS2 version, DOA 2 brings excellence to a brand new series looking for notoriety. If you would have asked me when the first Dead or Alive game came out that this series would be where it is today, I would have laughed at your silly remark. But now, in the present day, there are few fighters as fun as the DOA series. There are certainly fighters that are much deeper, ala Virtua Fighter, but there are few that take into consideration the total package. DOA 2: Hardcore is accessible to the newcomers, yet it is packing with depth for the veterans. Coupled with the fact that the game is simply a blast to play, there is really no reason not to pick this game up. DOA 2: Hardcore bolsters what is already a strong lineup of fighting games for the PS2.

Final Score: 8

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/12/06