Dead or Alive 2 for Sega Dreamcast

Released: March 17, 2000
Platform: Dreamcast
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Tecmo
Genre: Fighting

In March 2000, the first thing that people noticed when they saw Dead or Alive 2 was how fucking great it looked compared to anything that had come before it.

The character 3D models were more detailed (and shiner) than those from Soul Calibur. The female characters' voluptuous bouncy breast but the SC girls to shame. The clothing was more detailed and the applied physics were apparent.

Furthermore, the environments were more varied, interactive, the terrain changed, and they were multi-tiered. Having the "high ground" made for a better offensive position, and there was nothing cooler than throwing your enemy through a window and pounding them when the landed on the street below.

The only thing that DOA2 didn't have, (and IMO the series has never gained), is the kind of depth that Soul Calibur has in spades. DOA2 is a bit button mashy. While that's good from a pick up and play perspective, it's not good when a novice can take down an experienced player on the first try. Some of the air combos are too easy. But that's not where the talent lies in this game. The skill comes in being able to counter and reverse opponents moves.

I suppose I should also mention that the characters are varied form hot ass ninja chicks, to ninja dudes, to Hulk Hogan, and everything in between.

The story mode is strictly for practice (it's extremely short). Any fun in DOA2 will come from versus mode combat, and if you're me, it comes from tag team versus combat, which is a lot of fun (see video).

For fans of the genre, Dead or Alive 2 is pretty much a must own for the Dreamcast. It's the best hand-to-hand 3D fighting game for the console, including AM2's disappointing Virtua Fighter 3tb, the eye-candy factor has held up well, and there's partial nudity in the game's opening sequence.