Takara was after a hit new 3 dimensional fighting game when they decided to publish D-XHIRD for the Sega Saturn. Even though the character design in this game are right down fabulous, the rather old gameplay and annoying music and sound make this game a big disappointment (specially after importing!)

First let’s talk about the good to great little details to be found on this game. For starters the game boosts a great cast of characters that resemble Battle Arena Toshinden 2 characters in many ways. All of the characters have an overwhelming japanimation/anime look that is a feast for sore eyes. Even though the game tends to be slow at times, the characters move at a constant 30 fps. The level designs in this game are very interesting ranging from typical martial arts dojo to an arena far atop a building. The game has its share of special effects and can get quiet bloody sometimes.

That’s all that Takara wrote for this game. Everything else in this title is nothing but average, or simply stated: trash. The gameplay is write down simplistic with nothing new to be added to the genre. There are no original ideas incorporated and nor is there a new combo system to be incorporated. This game plays like a watered-down Battle Arena Toshiden 3. The combos are far in between and random button smashing rather than skills/brains will win the day.

I would write about the music and sound but I can describe it in one word: crap.

There are no options or gameplay elements to write home about. Takara knows that the Sega Saturn is weak in the 3D fighting game department (when compared to the Sony Playstation) and bringing this game to the players will serve as a good temporary title. Stay away unless you are really desperate. Overall a good attempt but a rushed job.

- HardCore

• Developer: NEXTECH
• Publisher: Takara
• Reader Review by: Hardcore
• Score: 63%