DOA2: HC is a must own fighting game for any PS2 fighting game fan even 5 years after its release.
User Rating: 9.3 | DOA2: Dead or Alive 2 (Platinum) PS2
Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore is a fighting game port for Playstation 2 of the Dreamcast hit Dead or Alive 2. The PS2 version contains extra unlockable costumes and other "hardcore" secrets as the box describes it. Released in the year 2000 DOA is a must own fighting game for any PS2 fighting fan even 5 years after its release. The game is a second in the series and is definately an improved sequel. The game features some of the best environments ever created with the ability to throw opponents off the top of buildings into other platforms and continue too fight it out. The environments also feature special danger zones in some levels that cause extra damage when a character is slammed into the wall. Lots of other details have been added to the environments too bring them too life including graphical details. The gameplay is fairly simple and easy too learn. For those unfamiliar with the series there is only one punch, kick and free button. Yet with the default settings "X" becomes the throw button which is a combination of free and punch the triggers can also be programmed to be other buttons. The direction pad and both analog sticks(when turned on) can be used for moving the on screen character. The configuration of the buttons can be edited in almost anyway you want it. Another great thing in the gameplay is the combos. Pulling out a 20 hit combo may be hard but getting out 5 to 10 hit combos are not too hard to do, simply string a bunch of attacks together. Countering attacks using the D-pad and free button is one of my favourite things about DOA's gameplay. It works very easily and can cause some good damage(depending on character). The unique move sets for each characters offer a great variation on gameplay. For example some characters are better used for doing lots of punches and kicks and some are better for more throw based attacks. Also a couple of characters have special stances to do some moves. Now this is good and all but what makes it really great is the multiplayer and tag team battles. Up to four people in a tag team battle is great for parties and lots of fun. The switching of characters is very easy and quick also certain people tagged together can do special moves that cause a fair amount of damage. This can all look good in writing but what about graphics? Well nothing too worry there DOA2 has some of the best if not the best visuals of 2000. Nothing stands against it for its time. Sure the new xbox games look better but this game was made before it was. Now the sound may not be all that exciting but it works at least. As for music this game has 2 of the best songs ever created. Im talking about the intro song and gallery song you will recognize them if you had the game unless you like bad music or something. One of the great things about this game is that once you play it you never stop. The game is endlessly fun. So many unlockable costumes and objects from survival. Now maybe they could have added a couple better modes and a better arcade mode and made the story mode better so that people would want to replay it. All in all though the game is addicting and definately worthy of any fighting game fan's collection. If you own a PS2 and have not given this game a chance go out and buy it now its 10 dollars or so form EB go now. 
