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Preview: Dead or Alive 2
Just when you thought that it couldn't get better than Soul Calibur, a game like Dead or Alive 2 comes along. Already enjoying immense success in Japanese arcades, the Naomi-powered masterpiece is coming full-speed to the Dreamcast in all its' glory.

From the footage I've seen so far, the game already beats SC in the graphics department. All the characters are incredibly detailed and animated (in 60fps, mind you), but DoA2's environments are what really shine. As opposed to boring, lifeless rings, the fighting arenas follow the VF3-esque pattern, and expand it tenfold. A typical fight might start in a cathedral atop a skyscraper. Fighters can be thrown through the windows, and amazingly, the fight picks up outside. All this is done very seamlessly, and with no loading times! Also, environmental dangers called 'danger zones' are implemented. One arena has a giant short-circuiting generator in the center, and if a fighter should come in contact with it, you'll get to enjoy the fireworks.

Most of the fighters from DoA are returning, joined by a few new ones, totalling 12 altogether. Each of these has a different fighting style, complemented by a plethora of moves. Everything from kung-fu to ninjitsu is covered, so expect to see some diversified matches. In the vein of Soul Calibur, cool moves can be pulled off even by newbies.

Following recent trends, DoA2 will also feature a tag-team mode. You'll be able to switch between two players during a battle, and you'll even be able to have both of you team up on the opponent.  Expect some really spectacular moves to come from this option. Like the danger zones, this option will also be seamlessly integrated into gameplay.

DoA2 will also dish up a great fighting system. Much like the one found in VF3, except the 'guard' button is replaced with an 'evade' button. This button is used to parry blows, but unlike DoA, reversals are added. By holding back on the stick and pushing evade, you can use you're opponent's momentum to turn the tides of the battle and deliver a thorough ass-whipping.

Judging from what I've seen, DoA2 seems to have all the right ingredients to dethrone Soul Calibur as fighting game champ. If Tecmo can handle porting the game (and since it runs off Naomi hardware, you can bet on it), DoA2 should be the game to own when it hits stores in February of next year.

--- ElDuderino