Dead or Alive Xtreme 2

"Under the bright sun…"

When it comes to gorgeous visuals and oversized breasts, no one does it better than Team Ninja. Fortunately, most Team Ninja games also follow these factors up with some solid game play mechanics. Many will disagree, in fact, many will ask for my head after seeing this score. Luckily for me, I am tucked behind my computer screen and away from the fury of gaming elitists. Many will scream on top of their lungs about Team Ninja games being for casual gamers. May will look past the game for what it is and look for things to bash without even playing the game. Sure, it's easy to look at Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 and make false accusations of graphics over game play. Who can blame them? Women are portrayed with oversized knockers the size of San Francisco that can quickly blind anyone from more important matters. But spending quality time with this game and the previous one, I found the games to be quite enjoyable.

OMGz the Casual gamez

Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 is the sequel to the infamous Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball. The sequel dropped the word “volleyball” because the sequel contains a variety of mini-games. Many slammed the first game for its shallow volleyball and well endowed females. In fact, many who criticized the game probably didn't play it. The first game didn't have the greatest game play mechanics around, but it was easy to get into, had a relaxing atmosphere, and a variety of bikinis for the player to purchase. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the first game. The game play isn't technical per se, nor does any one aspect of the game really jump out at you, but in the end, the simplistic approach makes this game quite appealing for an easy to pick up type game.

After Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, Zack Island was sunk to the depths of the ocean to never be seen again. Or so you thought? The masterminds behind Team Ninja (Led by Mr. Itagaki himself) devised a dubious plan to resurrect the tropical paradise. After Zack gets rich from the tournament, he buys/rents (unclear) a machine that lifts his island back from the scour of the pit. Like the previous Xtreme title, Zack tricks our luscious starlets about a new Dead or Alive tournament. After hearing about such an opportunity, all the female fighters from Dead or Alive are gathered. A question arises though. Why did they come to the tournament in a bikini? Perhaps deep down inside they knew about Zack Island and just wanted to be naughty for a short while. The beautiful women were gathered together by an ingenious plan from Zach the Muay Thai master. It's only right that they play a little volleyball, race a bit on open waters, and even bump butts together.

I guess I am casual…

At first, DOAX2 felt like a disappointment. The volleyball didn't feel as tight, as spikes seem to be way too overpowered. The extra mini-games also felt like it detracted from the true purpose of the game. However, after sitting down and spending quality time with the game, the same enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere that was present in Xtreme Beach Volleyball started to surface in Xtreme 2. I started to remember why I enjoyed Beach Volleyball so much. It wasn't about the “technical” mumbo jumbo. It was a game that was easy to pick up and immerse yourself in. The fact that the game added more mini games and more items to collect make it that much more satisfying.

The fundamental game in Xtreme 2 is volleyball. The volleyball is a basic 2 button set up in a sense. One button sets up your team mate for the spike, while the other is to spike that volleyball down the throats of your opponents. The volleyball for the most part is fast paced. There really isn't much strategy to the game, but the basic controls make the game easy to get into to. Some opposing teams work better together and offer a bigger challenge. Due to this, a combination of Lisa and Tina can be deadly on your team. This is due to relationships formed in the game. Some relationships between characters are easier to obtain than others. For example, you'll find it nearly impossible to get Ayane and Kasumi together.

Anyways, back to the volleyball aspect of the game. When you start the game, someone will serve the ball. Based on the serve, you can earn points from 1,000 or 2,000 depending on the type of serve. There is an easy way out, while there is a more powerful serve that can be much more effective if done correctly. After the serve, the action starts going. Usually a combination of a set up, plus a spike can be a deadly combination. Each time the ball hits the ground, it's a point for the team that hit the volleyball. At the end of the match, the player will get hard earn money to purchase bikinis, accessories, etc.

Shopping is the key word!

Items can be purchased through numerous facilities – Zack of All Trades, sports shop, and accessories shop come to mind. Sports shop will include bikinis and marine race vehicles. Bikinis can range from fairly cheap to really expensive. Of course, scantily clad bikinis are usually more expensive, or if you're Kasumi that school girl outfit is going to cost a fortune as well. You can also purchase Marine Race vehicles that lets you upgrade and let you improve your change of winning the race. In accessories shop, the player can purchase fancy shoes and stylish hats. As for Zack of All Trades, it acts as the etcetera shop. Things like candy and laptops can be purchased there. This shows you the ride range of collectible items in the game. Of course to make things fresh, the game has different stuff for different characters.

Further touching up on the relationships that can be built in this game, it shows the type of team that can be formed from this. By giving gifts to other girls on the island, you can earn their cooperation. Beware though – some characters are quite stubborn. I got turned down by Tina after giving her 3 bikinis. In the end, I just got a slap in the face along with a no. If successful, you can join forces with that girl as teammates in volleyball. The interface is quite simple. You can gift wrap an item and send it via hotel services or direct contact. By doing so, it sort of gives you brownie points.

One thing about Xtreme 2 is the plethora of characters. That and the amount of bikinis for each one assure that this game has plenty of replay value. Aside from that, there are various other mini-games and casino games. You can literally spend hours in a blackjack or poker table wasting your earnings away. Or if a little tug-a-war is more of an activity up your alley, you can certainly partake in that. The other main activity that was added was the marine race. It's similar to Wave Race, where you have a course that you have to travel in a vehicle. You compete against upwards to 4 people at a time. You can perform tricks on your vehicle, which gives you more earnings. Marine Race is actually a good way to earn money because you don't have to be in first to make a quick buck. Another game that might sound silly is the Pool Hopping game. Basically there are floating devices over the swimming pool and you race someone else across it. And after a long day of work, you can just sit and relax. Doing so, will let you view your character in a provocative way.

The visuals in this game for the most part are very well done. One complain however – the water effects are far too shiny for my liking. Aside from that, the visuals felt topnotch like any other Team Ninja game. Character models were beautiful and the environment was soothing and tropical. The graphics was able to portray a simulate paradise with great effectiveness. The music on the other hand, while strong, didn't quite capture what Xtreme Volleyball did. I mean, whose bright idea was it to include that horrid sweet sixteen song from that horrendous MTV show in here? Voiceovers also took a hit in the sequel. The English voice actors forcibly tried to deliver the lines, but failed to do so. It sounded like a bad dubbing from a Chinese movie. I recommend switching to the Japanese voice acting, as it's a huge improvement.

The replay value in Xtreme 2 is high. There are tons of items to collect. There is a plethora of games to be played. Each one is unique enough to keep your attention for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the amount of characters in here, coupled with all the items to collect will make you a busy person. Developing relationships with other characters in this game can also be time consuming – though a rewarding experience. The game itself is easy to pick up; this makes it a perfect game for stressful moments.

Simply Relaxing…

Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 certainly has its issues. In fact, many dislike the game. For me, I feel that game's simplistic nature helps its cause. It's the perfect game for a stressful day. It's easy to pick up and you'll be having fun in the process. Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 should be around 40 dollars in some places if you look hard enough. That is certainly worth the price of admission for a game that zaps away your worries with a fictitious island. It's a paradise that I want to be apart of. Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 isn't for everyone, but if you like volleyball and a relaxing atmosphere, then this is your game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/04/07