DOA 2's visuals are some of the best graphics ever created for a videogame. The character models come to life with a fluidity that can only be compared to real-life fighting. As punches and kicks are thrown by the characters, subtle reactions occur depending on the hit. Punch someone in the face and that characters with throw their hands up in agony. Some of the stronger hits even knock characters into a senseless dizzying state that'll make them an easy target for the next hit. But all this is nothing after the first time you see a reversal. Reversal animation is silky smooth as characters suddenly see the kick that they threw grabbed by their opponent and twisted against them. The number of reversal animations are equally impressive. There are many different moves in the game and it seems like all of them can be used against their opponent.

Team Ninja has created what could arguably be the most irresistible cast of female fighters in a videogame. Kasumi, Helena, Tina, and Lei Fang all posses very...attractive elements that'll have male gamers clamoring for their attention. Of course, the females steal the show, but the male characters are also quite competent. Hayabusa from the Ninja Gaiden series has super-cool ninja moves, while Zack (Rodman look-a-like) uses Thai boxing to kick ass - especially in the reflective alien outfit.

The large 3D locations are exactly that - sprawling locations that are as pretty to fight in as they are to look at. Whether you're fighting inside of a church or next to a nostalgic temple, the backgrounds are gorgeous. And the fact that most are multi-leveled just takes the cake. Knock someone over the side of a building and both players fall to a lower plateau to keep fighting. The effect is instantaneous and just plain cool to watch.

The fighting is fast and tight in DOA 2. Moves are snappy much in the vain of Virtua Fighter 3tb, with characters easily pulling off a 3 combo minimum. Juggles are also a main part of the fighting system, as many moves knock players off the ground, making it perfect for opponents to keep them from ever landing on the ground. The reversals help make DOA 2's fighting system one of the most unique around. Most fighting games have a certain tempo to them, but the tempo is constantly shifting in the game due to the many reversals that can be done. All this makes an excellent fighting system that is instantly accessible, but also has enough depth to hold its own.

DOA has plenty of modes to choose from. The Story Mode contains little cinemas in-between certain fights and shows some of the storyline rivalries in the game. Unfortunately once you beat it you're treated to a sub-par ending that'll leave anybody ungratified. The Survival Mode looks to see how many people you can beat up. Fighters come out right after the other with absolutely no load time as you continually try to beat up opponents one by one. Each time you beat a player you get some sort of power up - either points or food. The Tag Battle Mode could be another Dead or Alive game in itself. Here players fight Tekken Tag style, letting players switch characters on the fly and finish combos that the other player started. The tag system is real easy to pull off and is one of the flashiest parts of the game. The only minor problem is that tag battles have to played in the same square arena.

There are some down points in DOA 2. Some moves do a little too much damage than they should. It's a minor problem, but it does make the fighting imbalanced. Another is Jann Lee. The Bruce Lee type character has too many moves that are easy to pull off and do way too much damage. He's also lightning quick, and anybody that knows one of his moves or knows how to mash buttons can kill you in an instant. Also, there are few if any extras in the game, leaving a player with no incentive or challenge to any of the game modes.