Team Ninja takes it up a notch in both visuals and gameplay and the series is far better for it. by StewXX

December 31, 2005 - The highly anticipated Dead or Alive 4 is finally here. After various incarnations such as Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, Dead or Alive Ultimate and DOA2: Hardcore, we have all been anxious to see what surprises are in store for the official fourth installment. Since its debut as an arcade game, Dead or Alive has become a videogame classic, making appearances on the Saturn, PSone, Dreamcast, PS2 and the Xbox. It's always evolving and it's only fitting that this fourth installment is released on the powerhouse known as the Xbox 360. It does take advantage of the console's might but it certainly doesn't push it to its limits.

Dead or Alive 4 is the best-looking of the series and it's the most complex, offering hardcore gamers a lot more than they bargained for, even in the single-player mode. The action is faster and there are new moves and new characters to get used to. If you want to learn all of the nuances of this combat system it's going to take a lot of practice. Dead or Alive 4 is more than just a button-masher.

With all the new features, characters, moves, improved graphics and online modes this is still a fighting game. It's not the same arcade fighting game that you may have encountered on the Dreamcast. Although it may look as though you have to dial in some of the combos this is mostly attributed to the blocking system in which you have to determine if the attack is coming from above, below or in the middle. I admit it's an awkward system for those weaned on the earlier arcade versions but it's something you actually develop a feel for over time. To me there is nothing more frustrating than having to memorize a series of button codes to execute moves and combos. But unless you want to deal with the randomness of modifiers you are going to have to expect some level of complexity in the control department if you want more combat depth. The developers have managed to strike a good balance between depth and control complexity. Beginners can still enjoy the fighting while button mashing while hardcore tournament gamers can dig deeper than ever before and spend the next couple of years perfecting their skills.

Truth be told, there are few people that will be able to rule this game. Most of what you need to learn can be assimilated in a week or two depending on how much you play. No amount of practice will totally prepare you for the different fighting styles that you will encounter online. When you're faced with a player that is more skilled than you are, you are bound to get your ass kicked. Fortunately you will learn how to adapt to new players' styles and thus limit the element of surprise. You are always going to be at a disadvantage when fighting a new player, unless he or she is weak. But the single-player mode is more predictable.

The single-player mode is not to be dismissed. It's designed to give you a workout like you've never experienced in Dead or Alive. The developers went to great lengths to fine tune this mode even enlisting the help of some of the best tournament players in the Orient to test the gameplay extensively and give feedback on it. After listening to the opinions of the pros and making the appropriate adjustments, we are presented with an AI that seems to psychically anticipate your every move. The blocking is almost perfect and the AI is quick to counter. Sometimes too quick. Unlike previous installments in the series, the AI is incredibly aggressive putting you on the defense for the majority of the match.

When a powerful kick or punch is missed or blocked you can continue to attack, whereas in the other games you would stall for a split second leaving you vulnerable to a counter move. This works both ways. So if your opponent doesn't connect that doesn't mean it's safe to go on the offense because he or she can get right back in the swing of things without missing a beat. Players are vulnerable when they are knocked in the air or knocked to the ground. The opposing player can move in a take a big bite out of that player's health meter.

There are other things to beware of that can reduce a players' health meter. The environments are interactive and are filled with various creatures and objects that can interfere with your matches. Dinosaurs such as raptor and pterodactyls will run or swoop at you in the Experimental Playground level. In Savanna Safari a cheetah will attack you if you get too close to it. When fighting on the streets of Vegas you'll have to watch out for cars because they certainly won't watch out for you. All of these encounters can adversely affect your health but no so much as to determine the match.

Other objects in the environment are interactive. You can slam your opponent into a tree, a fence, wall, rock and a set of stone stairways. You can also take cover behind various obstacles. People will scatter when you take the fight near to them and when you're playing in the mountains you will encounter 100 monkeys that react to the combat though they don't interfere with it. All these interactive objects and background animations really bring the game to life by giving it a more lived-in dimension. Sure, most of it is a novelty but if you'd rather just concentrate on fighting you can confine yourself to the Tatami Room which is an empty, sterile arena designed in the Japanese tradition to focus your energies on your combat skill.

Like most players you will eventually find your favorite character or characters and use them for most of your fights. If you've got all the time in the world you might want to experiment with all of them but chances are if you're not interested in grappling you might not want to play as Bass who is more inclined for such technique. Jann Lee is probably the all-round favorite, with his incredible strength and visibly rippling muscles. His only downfall is that he's easy to block. New characters include Eliot, Kokor and La Mariposa. Many classic characters such as Ryu Hayabusa have been overhauled with new moves so that they play like new characters. Although she looks like she could be a "Chief" Spartan is a big gal that like all girls in the series is very well endowed - with talent - among other things. She's got a sticky bomb that she uses as a finishing move to make mincemeat out of her opponent. It will take you awhile to unlock her, but Halo fans will definitely want to invest the time. Bayman should be used for counters and reversals and he's got quick reflexes and excellent timing.

There are a ton of modes including some that are unplayable such as the Watch, Movie Theater, Ranking, User Profiles and Battle Viewer. In these modes you can watch AI players slug it out as well as view some of the endings and best saved fights not to mention checking out the stats. Playable modes include Training, Sparring, Story, Time Attack, Survival, Verses, Team Battle and Online. There are three modes of Online play: Quick Mode, Custom Mode and Optimatch. Players are ranked by their performance which makes it easier to find an evenly-matched opponent. You will also be awarded Zach dollars which you can use to purchase accessories for your character as well as furnishings for your lobby. Matches can be customized and you can limit bouts to friends only. I didn't experience any technical problems online whatsoever and considering this is a huge part of the appeal that's a great relief.

Not only is the game technically solid but it's a real looker. It's easily the best looking console game ever. The characters maintain their anime look but it's a lot more refined while still retaining the DOA charm. The backgrounds have a lot more detail and depth with the interactive components making 2D fighters look like cave paintings. Hair sways, muscles writhe, water ripples and bones crack as fists fly. The framerate is smooth and load times are mercifully short, about four seconds. The guitar tunes rock, punctuated by the powerfully percussive sounds of punches and kicks.

To get the most out of DOA4 you've got to be prepared to put a lot into it. Button mashers are going to tire very quickly of getting their asses kicked unless they're willing to adapt to the more complex control system. If you want a really fun and responsive fighter then DOA4 is definitely worth your time and money.

Features:

• Unsurpassed online play via XBOX LIVE more players can simultaneously compete, much larger tournament groups available, detailed scoreboard featured, players can form clans, new and interactive DOA4 lobby area featuring voice and text chat available, and more!
  
• Fighting system will be overhauled allowing even more mastery and strategy of your favorite character including the most complex DOA countering system yet!
  
• Master level graphics from Team NINJA and powered By Xbox 360
  
• New characters added to the DOA all-star line-up.
  
• New interactive stages
  
• New and in-depth story line and cut-scenes.
  

By StewXX
CCC Staff Reviewer

Rating out of 5 Dead Or Alive 4 (Xbox 360) 4.8 Graphics If this isn't the best looking console game of all time then I'll challenge you to a fight. Welcome to the next-next generation. 4.7 Control The control system might be a little too complex for the average DOA fan. 4.4 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting The voiceovers are lackluster but the music and sound effects really pack a punch. 4.0 Online Things are starting to pick up online now that the game is out, but I have experienced some lag. I expect this to change due to Team Ninja's excellent work ethic. 5.0 Play Value Not only will it take you weeks to become one with the controls but it will take you that long just to play all of the modes. 4.7 Overall Rating - Must Buy Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.