By Alan
Namco unleashes their version of the original version of Dead or Alive 2 for the PlayStation 2. The first version was released on the Sega Dreamcast. Hardcore offers only a small amount of new features that I have noticed, but then, I have only played a small part of the DC version, so there may be more than what I write about. What I have noticed are the slightly better graphics and the English voiceovers, which were in Japanese on the DC. Hardcore offers a variety of well animated and detailed fighters, with an excellent fighting system. Add all this to whole lot of �bounciness� and you�ve got a great fighting game in Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore.
The Pros
The Graphics
The characters in this game look awesome. There is a variety of design in each of the characters, making them diverse, yet interesting at the same time. Also, all of the stage environments look very well done. One of the coolest features of the Dead or Alive series is the levels of each stage. For example, A battle can begin on the roof of a building and end up on the street below, once you or your opponent is knocked or thrown off the rooftop.
The Characters
As mentioned before, the characters look awesome and the animation is very fluent, particularly in the quick movements while battling. There is a lot of diversity between each of the characters, physically and fighting style. One of the aspects that the Dead or Alive series is known for are the female characters and their �.ahem�. �bounciness� which may or may not be the reason I always seem to choose a female character. Perhaps this is the reason DOA has been so successful and popular.
