• Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2000
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. 100
    One of the best looking fighters so far for the PS2, it eclipses "Street Fighter EX3" and "Tekken Tag Tournament" for beauty.
  2. Daily Radar
    100
    The original Dreamcast game blew us away, and there are so many improvements to this version it'd be impossible to list them all.
  3. 100
    For fighting enthusiasts, DOA2 Hardcore is the first must have game for the PlayStation 2. End of story.
  4. Antagonist
    99
    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.
  5. Every fighting fans dream come true. It sports a plethora of characters, a huge variety of battlefields, and the nicest graphics ever seen.
  6. TotalGames.net
    91
    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.
  7. Tecmo has gone the extra mile by including tons of extras in addition to the already spectacular gameplay and graphics that was already there.
  8. GMR Magazine
    90
    Incredible at the time, DOA2 did things the "big boys" hadn't even dreamed of. [Oct 2004, p.122]
  9. 90
    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."
  10. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    One of the best fighters available for the PlayStation 2, thanks to rock-solid gameplay that overshadows minor graphical issues.
  11. Looks simply amazing. The animation is smooth, but the character models are what really stand out.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 87
    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.
  15. 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.
  16. "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.
  17. Spank!
    80
    The action is fast and exciting, the breasts still jiggle and the scene interaction could actually see you saying the word "wow!"
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.

Awards & Rankings

3
2
#2 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
19
#19 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 70
  2. Negative: 6 out of 70
  1. Aug 11, 2019
    10
    This is my favorite fighter on the PS2, right up there with KOF XI. I have many fond memories of this game, and as it was my intro to the DOAThis is my favorite fighter on the PS2, right up there with KOF XI. I have many fond memories of this game, and as it was my intro to the DOA series, it has a lot a value to me. The characters are all excellent and fun to play as, the multi tiered environments and detail in the stages is something to this day that is still extremely impressive, and the combat always feels deep, all while maintaining a flashy, aesthetically pleasing battle experience. There are quite a few modes in addition to learning the ins and outs of different characters by taking them to training mode and seeing how they move, what they can combo, and so on. Great experience, and even to this day, it feels more impressive than the offerings we get in the fighting genre on PS4 and Xbox One. Full Review »
  2. Mar 31, 2018
    7
    Still the best Tekken-style game I've ever played. Graphics and move sets are on point.
  3. Ed&AprilB
    Aug 10, 2005
    0
    Ok this is a piece of garbage. I bought Tekken, Virtual and Soul Caliber and this piece of junk at the same time and I took it back and was Ok this is a piece of garbage. I bought Tekken, Virtual and Soul Caliber and this piece of junk at the same time and I took it back and was happy that I got 3 dollars for the ten I wasted! 1. The characters SUCK: Chunky chicks in bathing suits cannot kick ass ...sorry so unbelievable I couldn't stand to play it. I hated getting beat by the chunky blond bimbo..hated it. Needs real characters that look like they could kick ass like in soul caliber and virtual fighter. 2. Controls and response ok but are crap when compared to Soul and Virtual. 3. Sound - garbage again for the same price go get soul caliber or virtual fighter. 4. Graphics: I hate to repeat myself but the ratings for Virtual and Soul Caliber are better and by god there right. The graphics suck compared to these other games. Not worthing owning !!! Take it back ,,,throw it away ! D.O.A. stands for Dont Own At anytime Full Review »