I don't usually bother with media sheets and their stupid lists that are all based off of Metacritic scores, but they had the audacity to not just keep it within the score, but also add descriptions to why they thought it was good or bad. If they would have made this list a year ago, they would have given number one to Dead or Alive 2 (DC) on Metacritic, but since the scores were removed completely for some retro games when they relaunched that garbage-bag site they got to see DOA2: Hardcore as the highest rated game; so, they went with that.
DOA2H is a decent game, but it is the weakest of the three available versions by far: especially visually. I think this article is the perfect testament to not buy into the reviews for games and make opinions based off what you like. Maybe check out a community like FSD that actually specializes in DOA and isn't just blithering bullshit. They don't mention DOAX2's jet-ski mini-game which actually offers more than Wave Race, they say DOAD's story is "muddled" and say "but that's expected of a DOA game" when it's actually quite easy to understand, has layers and is mainly presented with high quality CG that no fighting game has yet to beat IMO.
Anyways, Game Rant sucks! Have a nice day!