DOA2 HARDCORE

Once in a while, there comes along a game that takes the checkered flag...this game is that game. Honestly, I can't say anything bad about this game. And I don't think anybody really can, or has. I used to be a mad Tekken3 freak, until this game came along; since then, I've been hooked like a crack whore. I've never played a fighting game that's been as fast, fun, and full of moves to master. Without a doubt, get this game...you won't be sorry my fine feathered friends...

Graphics                                    9 of 10

Jaggies? Where? Come on now, if this game doesn't make you drool from eyecandy alone, I don't know what will.  This game is a splendid port, and I'm thrilled to own a copy. The graphics are crisp, colorful, and detailed.  I can't believe how much time was put into the modeling in this title.  The artists are a talented pool of sludge after this game, considering the uncountable manhours spent on this game alone. Tecmo really put out a AAA game this time around.  One thing that is really great about this fighter, are the fully 3D arenas.  Which is IMHO the only way to go when dealing with todays hardware prowess.  Theres is nothing in the world like picking up your opponent, and throwing him over a huge cliff, only to follow him down with a spiderman leap, picking him up again, and tossing him over the next available cliff...this stuff is good!  The texturing is nothing less than magnificant, utilizing the less than overwhelming texture RAM within the PS2.  And the moves...holy Toledo Ohio! There are more moves than you could master in a year of play...unless you're  a complete no-life grade-schooler willing to put aside life itself to master a game of this caliber.  I can't tell you enough how smooth this game runs. At a constant 60fps, this game will make you fully appreciate the stunning character animation, and fighting choreography.  Never before has it looked better to grapple someone and pull off a sick move that goes with the sound of  breaking bones. And only once in a blue moon will you see an arm go through a neck, or a foot through a chest...the collision detection is very well done...much better than I've seen around.  Imagine that...you pick someone up by the neck...and get this...your hands are actually 'around' his or her neck! Wow...what a concept. It's about damn time!  The poly count is also something to look at as well. For being such a detailed and blazing fast game, I can't believe the poly count...the characters are smooth as hell. This game is top notch when it comes to graphics...tip top!

Sound                                       8 of 10

With the exception of putting up with ludicrous dialog that makes an after school special look like 'Saving Private Ryan', the sound is quite good.  Ambient sound is very well done, with the sound budget most likely being pretty high up there as well. Punches, kicks, grapple ummphs, voice clearity, music, and all those other little audio treats are all there sounding good enough not to knock...so I'll leave it at that.

GamePlay                             10 of 10

Let me start out by laying the franks and beans on the table...If you are a novice gamer in the fighter genre, you will still be able to kick butt via 'button-mashing' techniques, but you will not even be cracking the surface of this games shear genius when it comes to moves, combos, reverses, and grapples. There's a lot to learn, so get in the arena, and go for it.  The actual smoothness of play is second to none.  Side-stepping around the levels, and destroying your enemy is very fast and smooth with little to no sticky parts in gameplay.

FunFactor                             10 of 10

The most important thing about a game is this factor. What factor? The FUNFACTOR.  If the games not fun, take the disc out for skeet.  Actually,  take your unfun games to EB or whatnot, and trade them, return them, or credit them...whichever is the most lucrative.  This game is fun through and through.  I have spent many o' nights with my best friend going absolutely crazy with this game.  It can be very brutal, but extremely fun!  The characters are nicely designed, although I can't seem to get it right...did Tekken steal from DOA, or vise-vera?

Overall                                   9 of 10

Overall this game is premo let me tell you. Best damn fighter I've ever played, and I mean that.  I love games and I love fighers, and this is my favorite;  taking over for Tekken3.  Once you start playing this game, it's hard to put it down...even to eat, or drink, or potty.  Graphics are superb, the sound is great, the gameplay is amazing, and the funfactor is top-notch. Get this damn game now!!!