
<MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/thearmchairem-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com">	Platform Dreamcast Genre Fighting Publisher Tecmo Developer Tecmo ESRB T (Teen) Released Q1 2000

- Great graphics - Plenty of moves - 4 player matches - Sound - Solid control

- Not enough extras

Capcom vs SNK 2 Review (Playstation 2) Tech Romancer Review (Dreamcast) Virtual On Oratorio Tangram Review (Dreamcast)
Newsletter
Be notified of site updates. Sign-up for the Newsletter sent out twice weekly. Enter E-Mail Address Below: Subscribe \| Unsubscribe

Dead or Alive 2

Score: 9 / 10

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.

Advertisement

- Dreamcast Game Reviews

- Fighting Game Reviews

- Reviews of Games Developed/Published by Tecmo

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.

Advertisement

But while DOA2 has fantastic fighting environments, it does lack in game modes. There are 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.

Reviewed by Mr. Nash

(September 1, 2000)