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| Grounded! |
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| Pretty Ladies! |
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| | Dead or Alive 2 |
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| Number Of Players: | 1-4 |
| I-link/Internet: | No |
| Publisher: | Tecmo |
| Developer: | Team Ninja |
| Genre: | Beat 'em up |
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| | Full Review: |
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Dead or Alive 2 from Team Ninja was perhaps the only fighting game around to rival the mighty Tekken series of games until the arrival of Virtua Fighter, it combines realistic graphics with some explosive fighting action. This was a gem for PS2 shortly after its launch, though compared to more recent fighting games, it is a little limited.
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| | Gameplay |
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Firstly, the control setup is fairly good. It not only allows a full range of throws, combos, kicks, punches and special moves, but also an ultra effective counter system. It is perhaps the intuitive counter attack ability that makes this game a decent beat 'em up. With the use of the free button, you can really show great mastery of this game, by pressing the correct direction and the free button, you'll be able to catch your opponents' attacks and use it against them. For example, grabbing an opponents` arm during an attempted punch and hurling them over your shoulder.
There are loads of options to try out on this game. There is the normal story mode, where you fight as a certain character, uncovering details about their lives, and eventually trying to defeat the mighty Tengu. Then there is the famous versus mode, which cannot be excluded from any fighting game. Also available in the versus mode is the option to use up to 4 players and make tag teams. This is where the game excels over Tekken, because of the amazing array of different tag combos, which look absolutely stunning. There is also an option to play the game in a similar way to story as a tag team, as well as a survival mode. Lastly there is the sparring mode used for practising and even a recording mode so that you can create replays of your favourite fights.
There are also secret options to unlock such as the gallery displaying the survival items found, and also a fine looking CG gallery. However, of all the modes, the ones with the option to tag stand out. There are far more tag arenas than on previous versions in the Dead or Alive series, which adds a great deal of life and diversity to the whole experience.
I have to say though, that the part of the game that truly made my draw drop was the fact that all the scenes seem to be fully interactive. Admittedly you can't pick up chairs and start chucking them at your opponent, but that doesn't matter. Why? It's simple! Instead of throwing stuff at them, you throw them at stuff. On many of the levels, you'll be able to kick or throw opponents through windows and onto new parts of the arenas, or simply thrust them into walls (both of which cause extra damage). More subtly though, if you look carefully, you'll notice that the movement of the characters is affected by the terrain they are moving on. For example, small slips are noticeable when moving on ice or snow, whilst sand gives off a more "sinky" feel.
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| | Graphics |
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The game is very pretty to look at. The character models are fairly smooth and well animated. Every one of their outfits (some characters have as many as 8 available) are covered with excellent texture detail making the game look flawless. The arenas in the game are also good enough, and perhaps better than those in Tekken. They look so good in fact that you may not wish to fight, just in case you damage something! The details don't quite rival the fine Final Fantasy series, but with buildings on one level that are covered with all kinds of signs and banners, and many other impressive texture demonstrations, it isn't too bad. There are also beautiful sunsets on a few levels that may just be good enough to distract you from fighting!
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| | Sound |
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The modern hard rock found in the game is in fact a nice change from the generic game music that comprise most of the tracks found in other titles. The voice-overs are also fluidly placed in the game, though the actual acting is perhaps a little odd.It carefully avoids too much voice slippage, but some of the comments will make you laugh.
As for the general sound effects, the noise made by a character crashing into walls or hitting sensitive parts of the level has been exaggerated a little, creating a really atmospheric feel. The sound of conventional punches and falls are also well produced.
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| | Overall |
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Whilst it does lack the possible mastery you can find in tough fighting games like Tekken and Virtua Fighter, this game has a lot going for it. The large arenas, destructible scenery and of course the bouncy ladies all make it an exciting beat 'em up. By todays standards, it looks old next to Tekken, but it is worth the money as a platinum game.
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| Score |
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| | Gameplay
Good fun for a while, but less scope than others in the genre.
| 7.2 | |
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Graphics
Great women, nice arenas, but fairly average overall.
| 7.5 |
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Lastability
Less move mastery than Tekken, and the story mode is quite short.
| 6.8 |
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Sound
Odd voice acting, but good sound effects and music.
| 7.7 |
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Overall
Loud and bouncy, but also a little old.
| 7.3 |
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| | Alternatively: |
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You could also check out Tekken 4, a more recent fighting game. Unlike Dead or Alive, it concentrates more on large combo building rather than quick flick moves. Instead of simple forward and backward motions, attack and defence can last for several seconds before a counter attack can be launched, all depending on the expertise of the player.
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