A multitude of underdeveloped characters, a stagnant plotline, and bad voice acting irreparably flaw "Night Warriors;" and yet the occasional, redeeming plot device or exciting fight prevent an utter disaster.

For the most part, the anime does what it sets out to do well: fight scenes. In every other aspect, "Night Warriors" is sub-standard; threads of action parade as the main plot, mysteries build to no conclusions, and even the piece's raison d'etre falls flat. For example, the story anticipates a three-on-one fight, Morrigan, Demitri, and Donovan versus Pyron - but the fight never occurs.

Intriguing characters never develop; and, adding insult to injury, mundane characters play out to annoyingly unfruitful ends.

Shuko Murase's character designs shine through the feeble plot - consistent and innovative, it's a shame that his talents didn't shine inward for this vacuous cast. The succubus Morrigan and the alien Pyron make for some of the more unique characters in a genre typically filled with brawny, misunderstood kung-fu fighters. The settings, however, could use some work. "Night Warriors" invariably recycles the same annoying provincial village that has appeared in every anime from "Record of Lodoss War" to "Belle and Sebastian."

The English voice actors range from acceptable (Mei-Ling, Morrigan) to egregious (Donovan, Hsien-Ko). The dubbed script frequently deviates from the translation provided in the subtitles - usually to the detriment of the story.

Fighting (lots of), the occasional swear, and copious amounts of Morrigan and Felicia's skin.

The DVD contains the typical selection of Japanese and English dubs and subtitles. There are a handful of nifty goodies thrown in, such as the ability to skip to the fight scenes, a picture gallery, a collection of the characters' conceptual sketches, and an interview with director Masashi Ikeda on the first DVD.

Donovan's repeated invocation/damnation of his half-human, half-Darkstalker blood gets old real fast. Also, the theme of peaceful human/Darkstalker coexistence is a thoroughly flogged dead horse by the fourth episode.

More than one villain meets his demise at the hands of Donovan's most powerful attack: the incapacitating mental anguish resulting from the fact that a Darkstalker would ever fight as a good guy. Chintzy, quite.

Love it? Hate it? Buy it.