Reviewed
12.16.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
1x
GD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
May
26, 1999 (Japan)
Nov
6, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Easy~Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
Floating
3/4 Overhead
Genre
Action
/ Fighter
Player(s)
1-2
Options
Arcade
Stick
Backup
5
VGA
Box
VMS
/ VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
| Intro |
|
> Dynamite Deka 2 (DD2) is the Model 2 sequel to the ever popular
Dynamite
Deka / Die Hard Arcade (ST-V / Saturn) original. The game has
been titled 'Dynamite Cop!' in the states instead of continuing with the
Die Hard license. Sega has improved the graphics (detail and CG cut-scenes)
with the conversion to the Uberconsole, but the overall gameplay remains
in tact. Basically, you move around a limited 3D environment fighting
off wave after wave of bad guys, who have hijacked a cruise liner and the
President's daughter. If you like Zombie
Revenge, then you should give this game a chance as they're similar.
> Importing is a snap for those of you capable of punching, kicking and
jumping. The menus are a mixed bag of English and Japanese (70% Jap).
The game screens are entirely English as is the speech throughout the game.
Both Japanese and US versions are essentially identical sans the language. |
| Graphics |
|
> There are three different missions to select from, each with individual
rooms, enemies and chain of events (the reviews that state the contrary
are wrong). However, there is a decent amount of overlap among these
three missions. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that missions 2-3
are longer and harder (sure did seem that way). Also, you can open
up additional, more difficult missions by completing the first three.
The floating 3rd person view throughout is the same as the original Dynamite
Deka.
> I've never seen the Model 2 version of this game so I can't compare the
two directly. I've read that the Dreamcast version's graphics have
been enhanced over the Model 2. At any rate, imagine the first Dynamite
Deka and throw in more polygons, detail, color, effects, weapons, enemies
and you'll have an idea of what DD2 looks like. Most of the game
takes place on a cruise liner, which the pirates have hijacked. You'll
fight in various areas like the deck, ball room, bar, kitchen, casino,
and engine room. The rest of the game takes place at the pirate's
hideout, which happens to be a short boat ride from the cruise ship.
All the action is smooth and with a rock solid frame rate.
> Now for the weapons. The effects while using certain guns is amazing.
The missile launcher makes an explosion which rises up very high into a
mushroom cloud. The flame thrower is quite convincing as are the
various other types of explosive weapons. |
| Control |
|
> Absolutely mint with or without the Arcade Stick. The buttons
are jump, punch, kick, and escape. You can also execute special moves
and combos with certain button combinations. Once you've collected
enough power-ups, you can pull off some amazing combos with devastating
damage to the recipient. DD2 also has the famed quick timer events
from the first DD. In case you're unaware, this is when you need
to make quick decisions and press the correct button(s) in order to advance
successfully. Note: these events require random input for success
in order to insure variety. Another gameplay item of note is the
fact that nearly everything you come across can be used as a weapon.
For instance, you can use propane tanks, bodies, arcade cabinets, meat,
fish, weights, chairs, boxes, and pipes in addition to normal weapons (guns,
etc.). Every weapon is not available in each area, but you'll eventually
come across all of them. |
| Sound |
|
> I really enjoyed the movie-like musical score in the game. DD2
could easily have been licensed with the Die Hard name and pulled it off
with its soundtrack. You can even control the volume level in case
it isn't your kind of music.
> The sound effects are good, but certainly could have been better (IMO).
You'll hear bones cracking, groans, rockets firing, flames billowing, punches,
gun shots, explosions, and English speech. My problem here is that
some of them just seemed a bit muted. |
| Fun |
|
> There are a ton of weapons at your disposal. You'll have
access to a hand gun, submachine gun, axe, three ream bazooka, 50 mm rifle,
laser canon, missile launcher, iron pipe, wooden sword, iron, microphone
stand, insecticide, frozen tuna, sushi, and more... There are Arcade,
Versus, Time Attack, Gallery, and Comic Book modes to choose from.
Sega also threw in an old-school arcade maze game (which sucks).
Lastly, you can select from three characters (Bruno, Jean, and Eddie),
each with strengths and weaknesses.
> There is one potential problem here though. Most gamers will be
able to finish DD2 in one sitting since it's relatively short (25-35 min)
and you get 9 continues. However, this probably will not bother fans
of this type of game since every great hack 'n slash has been this way.
Remember Golden Axe and Streets of Rage? One more thing. Make
sure to download the Detonator Pack to enhance your game with a new character,
more weapons, and more illustrations (as described in the manual)... |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> If you liked the first Dynamite Deka, then Deka 2 will surely please.
Fans of hack 'n slash games will want it as well. DD2 is everything
the first game was plus better graphics, more characters, enemies, weapons
and moves. The game's only downside (for some people) is that you
can finish a single mission in about 30 minutes. If that doesn't
float your boat, then it might be a great rental... |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.0 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 9.0 | Fun: 8.0 |
|
