Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore

Hot Games

One of the best looking fighters so far for the PS2, it eclipses "Street Fighter EX3" and "Tekken Tag Tournament" for beauty.

Daily Radar

The original Dreamcast game blew us away, and there are so many improvements to this version it'd be impossible to list them all.

GamePro

For fighting enthusiasts, DOA2 Hardcore is the first must have game for the PlayStation 2. End of story.

Antagonist

It's the best fighting game on the planet! If you've already got this game in another form, though, and you aren't obsessed with it, then there's no real reason to upgrade.

GamerWeb Sony

Every fighting fans dream come true. It sports a plethora of characters, a huge variety of battlefields, and the nicest graphics ever seen.

TotalGames.net

What began as a second rate Virtua Fighter clone with dubious buster designs has evolved into a dazzling tactical fighter, littered with original and superbly implemented ideas.

Gaming Age

Tecmo has gone the extra mile by including tons of extras in addition to the already spectacular gameplay and graphics that was already there.

GameSpy

DoA2: Hardcore's innovative style of play, coupled with blazing fast graphics makes this a title to own - even if you already have "Tekken Tag Tournament."

GMR Magazine

Incredible at the time, DOA2 did things the "big boys" hadn't even dreamed of. [Oct 2004, p.122]

CNET Gamecenter

One of the best fighters available for the PlayStation 2, thanks to rock-solid gameplay that overshadows minor graphical issues.

GameSpot

Looks simply amazing. The animation is smooth, but the character models are what really stand out.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Another hard-hitting, fast-action, brutal-but-bloodless battle with Barbie-doll gals battling Schwarzeneggerish behemoths....Sound ridiculous? It is, but it's also a whole lot of fun.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Stunningly fast chop-socky, sumptuous looks, scenery interaction to drop your jaw - a fight fan's dream. Plus you get to ogle those ladies and who can resist all that? Not us.

IGN

Stone me for heresy if you like (excuse me while I duck and cover), but I'll always prefer DOA's speed, balance, character design, and levels, even if Tekken may be the majority choice.

Happy Puppy

If you're looking for something unique, look no further than that series known for its bouncy girls. Now its got even more depth to go along with its more obvious features.

Game Revolution

"Tekken" fans will probably dislike the somewhat limited depth of DOA Hardcore, though the cool reversal system and tremendous graphics make it worth the price of admission for most.

All Game Guide

DOA2 has a fun engine that is more accessible than most other fighters out there, and this is both a blessing and a curse. The reversal factor of the game makes one quickly feel like they know what they're doing, but it also is so easy that it can sometimes seem to overpower the game.

Spank!

The action is fast and exciting, the breasts still jiggle and the scene interaction could actually see you saying the word "wow!"

PSX Nation

Takes better advantage of the PS2 than "Tekken Tag Tournament", IMHO, with incredible physics, realistic fighters and fast action not seen in any other modern brawler.

Thunderbolt

Stands proudly as a solid game for enthusiasts and casual players alike. It has a fair amount of kooky characters, wonderfully fast-paced gameplay, a fair amount of extras, and great presentation to round it all out.