DOA2: Hardcore was a decent 3D fighting game for it's time, but the gameplay is
a bit too
noob-friendly for
it's own good. In high level play it can be called a "counter fest," which isn't all that fun
after a while. The character roster is still on the small side,
especially when compared to many other fighting games. And for such
a small roster, the characters really lack personality... and in some cases,
overall substance. Their fighting styles and visual designs
also leave a lot to be desired. ~TFG
Webmaster
.... .... .... .... .... ...
.
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.
Gen Fu... are you letting
her do that to you? Perv.
Review:
DOA2:
Hardcore for the PlayStation 2 was based on the Japanese version of
Dead or Alive 2 for Dreamcast. This DOA2 enhancement features one new
character (Bayman), a few new stages, more alternate costumes, and the new Gallery
Mode.
More Tag Team insanity...
and bad outfits!
The story
mode was slightly updated from the original's, adding in several new cut scenes, but still doesn't do
much in the way of character development. There's still not much of an actual
story going on with DOA... and DOA2: Hardcore's story really just
amounts to "a few random/silly cut-scenes for each
character," and most of which don't even make much of a statement. Many
hardly make any sense at all. I guess they weren't
going for a "serious" story or anything, but still... what's the
purpose of a story mode if it isn't allowing the DOA characters to
develop?
Gameplay-wise, it's practically the same exact game as DOA2. It's still
a solid gameplay engine, but DOA's gameplay style is still overly dependent on counters and not
as much on combos or actual skill. Still, those counter moves and double
team combos (in tag mode) certainly 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 sluggish at times.
Don't even try to figure
out what's going on here.
The 1-player experience is very
much the same as DOA2 vanilla. Survival mode
is back and even more fun this time around, featuring bonus items to collect as you
defeat your enemies. The Tag mode also returns with slightly faster gameplay, cool
new tag team throws/attacks, and a couple new stages. The standard Time Attack
and Practice (Sparring) Modes are also present. While this sweet looking 3D
fighter may appeal to casual gamers, especially with its purdy graphics (and
the bouncy boobs),
hardcore 3D fighting gamers looking for the best 3D hand-to-hand competitive
action will probably stick with Tekken Tag or Tekken
4.
PS2)
PS2)
.
