(LAST UPDATE: 6/26/09)
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Developer(s): Team Ninja
Publisher(s): Tecmo
Designer(s): Tomonobu Itagaki
Platform(s): Arcade, Playstation 2
Release: October 25th 2000 (NA PS2), December 14th 2000 (JP PS2)
Characters: Ein, Leon, Lei Fang, Tina, Bass, Kasumi, Zack, Ayane, Hayabusa, Helena, Gen Fu, Jann Lee, Tengu, Bayman
Related Games: Dead or Alive, Dead or Alive 2, Dead or Alive 3, Dead or Alive 4
Story:
A great leader was killed at the end of the 20th century.
His name was Fame Douglas, and he was renowned as the sponsor of the legendary
Dead or Alive World Combat Championship. Since his death, and in the absence of
his charisma and leadership, the world has become chaotic. Yet something appears
to be transpiring. Amid this chaos, it is announced that the "Dead or Alive
Championship 2" will be held. However, Douglas's passing has taken with it
the purpose and significance of the tournament. Even worse, the promoter of
"Dead or Alive Championship 2", who is fond of conflicts and jealous
of the string, is responsible for Douglas's death. The new promoter is more than
a corrupt mastermind, but a man of pure evil. His involvement in the tournament
has brought a sense of terror to the world, resulting in the infamous Tengu
disaster that occurred at the end of the 20th century. The climax of the
disaster is about to begin with a roaring battle.
Review: DOA2:
Hardcore for the PlayStation 2 which was based on the Japanese version of
Dead or Alive 2 for Dreamcast, this "Limited Edition" featured a new
character, new stages, and extra costumes, along with the new
"Gallery" mode. DOA2: Hardcore
is basically a more complete version of Dead or Alive 2...
More moves, more stages, more boobies (lol), and 1 new character (Bayman, from
DOA1)
for a total of 10 characters in all... Still a rather small character roster
when compared to many other fighters.
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The story mode still doesn't do the characters any justice... Mainly because there's not even much of a story. Story mode is more like a few silly cut-scenes for each character, and most of which don't even make much sense. I guess they weren't going for a "serious" story, but still... This lackluster story mode isn't helping the DOA characters develop. Gameplay-wise we're looking at nearly the same game as DOA2... It's a good system, designed more for casual gamers. In my opinion, DOA's gameplay is still overly dependent on counters and not as much on combos or actual skill... But again, those counter moves and double team combos (in tag mode) look really cool. The control of your fighter also isn't quite "there" as much as it is in other 3D (and 2D) fighters. Sidestepping and overall movement feels a bit sluggish at times.
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The Survival mode
is back and even more fun this time with bonus items to collect as you
defeat your enemies. The Tag mode also returns with faster gameplay, cool
new tag team throws / attacks, and new stages. Your standard Time Attack
and Practice (Sparring) Modes are also present. While this sweet looking 3D
fighter may appeal to many gamers, especially with it's purdy graphics (and
the overly bouncy boobies);
hardcore fighting gamers looking for the best 3D hand to hand competitive
action will probably stick with Tekken Tag or even Tekken
4.
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8 / 10 |
Closing Comment:
DOA2: Hardcore is a decent 3D fighting game, but the gameplay is too simple for
it's own good... On high level play, it's a counter fest. Another flaw, which
has been around since the first game, is that characters really lacking personality and
their fighting styles and visual designs leave something to be desired,
especially since the character roster is quite small. ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG