Tecmo has officially revealed to GameSpot News that it is currently finishing work on a PlayStation2 version of Dead or Alive 2. The company first informed us of a PlayStation2 version of the game last September.

　　According to Tecmo, Dead or Alive 2 is being prepared for a release alongside the PlayStation2 in March, but the release may slip to a later day the same month (retailers have hinted at March 30). The game will be unveiled at the PlayStation Festival, which will take place in Japan from March 18-20.

　　As for what to expect from the PlayStation2 version of the game, Team Ninja, the developer of DOA2, told GameSpot News last September that it wants to improve special effects in the game such as the motions of the characters' faces. Additionally, it was stated that 95 percent of the data used in the NAOMI arcade version of the game could be transferred to the PlayStation2 - this is likely the reason for the short development time on the PS2 version. More details on the PlayStation2 version of DOA2 can be found in our September story, linked to the right.

　　As for when the PlayStation2 version of the game will hit the US, Tecmo has hinted at the fall. According to a company spokesperson, Tecmo currently has a contract with Sega of America that prevents the game from being released in the US on any other platform for a certain amount of time (most likely six months). Expect the PlayStation2 version of Dead or Alive 2 to release at the PS2's US launch, or shortly after.

　　The Sega Dreamcast version of Dead or Alive 2 is being prepared for a US release on March 10. No Japanese release date has been specified, and it's quite possible the Dreamcast version will not release in Japan. Look for much more on both the Dreamcast and PlayStation2 versions of Dead or Alive 2 in the near future.