"...Both
testing players’ reflexes and treating them to some incredible
visuals, this game is a fabulous addition to the Dreamcast
library..."
Since the
Dreamcast’s launch Namco’s Soul Calibur has been the dominating
fighting game for the system, and is arguably the best game in the
Dreamcast library. Now there’s Tecmo’s entry into the fighting game
genre, Dead or Alive 2. So, is it a Soul Calibur crusher? Well, the game
comes close, but no cigar. Nonetheless, DOA2 flaunts some of the best
graphics to be seen on the Dreamcast, as well as a blistering fast
engine, a great cast of characters, and a chunky collection of moves to
accompany the beloved DOA counterattacks.
What first jumps
out at the player once the game gets a spinning is the breathtaking
visuals. The level of detail is amazing, both in the characters and the
environments. Lighting effects are dazzling and the only way that the
sunlight and the lens flare could be any more realistic would
be if they gave the player post-retinal vision. The characters are
well-designed (and seeing as it is a DOA game, well-endowed), with their
many selectable costumes flowing accordingly with their actions. The
animation remains silky smooth, and the camera is never a problem. In
fact it’s possible to knock opponents off of ledges, then jump down
after them. It’s a jaw-dropping sight.
The visuals
become doubly impressive after taking into account how fast the game’s
engine is once the fighting begins. Things can get to a hectic pace once
two skilled players face off. When fighting there are plenty of moves to
choose from that can be strung together some good results. However
it is the counterattack system that is the core of the game’s fighting
system. Timing is everything when trying to execute a counter, but they
can be decimating once mastered.
But while DOA2
has fantastic fighting environments, it does lack in game modes. There
are
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the traditional Arcade, Survival, and Practice modes, as well as a
Team mode, but it’s still slightly lacking in added modes that players
have come to expect. It’s not the end of the world as the game is
still excellent, but there’s still some disappointment.
The
audio can help cheer things up however. The sound effects are well done
from the shattering glass to the thrown punches. Music is standard
arcade fair, but fits the game well. Best of all Tecmo has chosen to
keep the Japanese dialogue intact in DOA2 while adding subtitles,
sparing players from the horrors of potentially bad English dubbing.
DOA2
makes for some great high-intensity fighting. Both testing players’
reflexes and treating them to some incredible visuals, this game is a
fabulous addition to the Dreamcast library.