Dead or Alive 2

I have a complicated relationship with fighting games. There are two kinds of fighting game experiences: the traditional one, were the focus is on achieving an untangible goal of fullfilness (getting better at the game itself and fight with human players). On the other hand, there's the casual focus, were your goal is achieving a tangible prize for enjoying the game (loads of content, uncommonly deep-ish lore, customization). I vibe greatly with the second type and never cared a lot for the former.

After clarifying, DOA2:Hardcore is a good, if just above-average fighting game, with certain dots of deep technicality sprinkled around a pretty basic control layout. It definitedly goes in the traditional pile. The counter mechanics are annoying though and divide the player/CPU in two groups: or they can't parry for shit, or they are literally the parry master and unbeatable. It has a surprisingly forgiving AI level though.

DOA characters and story have... never been amazing, and this iteration it's kind of boring in that regard, even for fanservice (and the plot is told unnecesarily loosely). Tengu it's one ugly final boss design. The ladies are skimpy (even though I love Kasumi's clothes) and kind of oversexualized; in fact, the only one girl who's not objectified is the least interesting one, and that's not a very high bar to surpass. But that's THE DOA selling point, so no point arguing against it -even though it's remarkably juvenile. Most of the gentlemen feel generic too, but Zack and Hayabusa take the spot; one is a bizarre hiphodhead, the other a well established character. The unlockables are... not worth the hassle, apart from Bayman.

All-in-all, play some story mode and go have a great time with tag team battles, which are so fun - kinda broken, but very entertaining. Apart from that? Unless you appreciate fighting games from a competitive/technical perspective (or you manage to be part of the niche DOA following), it's just a time killer. A decent time killer.