Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore

It's returned and it's bouncier than ever. DoA2 is the latest installment of Tecmo's infamous beat-em-up. And, boy does it look good. The graphics are the best I've seen in a beat-em-up and the characters flow like liquid. The backgrounds are incredible. In fact they are better than they are in Tekken as it is possible to throw your opponent off the edge to another part of the multi-tiered levels. In most games of its kind, only the limbs show any real movement; but here the bodies bend and break as if they were the real thing. However, looks aren't everthing and, although this looks the bee's knees, how does it play? Well, Lets just say that it is way better as a multi-player the a single player. The 'story' is non-existant or what little of it there is very confusing and disjointed. I have played, at great length, in 4 player mode (ie. tag matches) and it is spectacular. But it was very disappointing that the only stuff that is unlockable is costumes and a couple of other pointless things. That's right, you can't even unlock the final boss, Tengu. There are 12 playable characters each with 4 costumes and there are a few different modes, the best being tag mode. However, I find it will not be able to compete with the likes of Tekken Tag which includes quite a lot of unlockables. I'm afraid that, due to lack of lifespan, this game did not live up to its full potential and will be devoured by the might of Tekken which is extremely good in both single and multi-player formats. Oh well better luck next time. Marks out of 10:
GRAPHICS=9
GAMEPLAY=8
LIFESPAN=6
ADDICTIVENESS=6
OVERALL=78%
FINAL WORD: Good while it lasts but greatly let down by lack of unlockables. Worth while if you have lots of friends to play against.