Reviews
The intro to the game is as colourful as the original and they’ve even kept the same song, which is fine, but once you realise the soundtrack to the game is about 80% the same as last time, you’re slightly disappointed. As much as “Loving you” works well and brings back memories, the whole teeny bopper Barbie bonanza does drive you insane. Fortunately you can edit the soundtrack and replace it with your own music.
The game’s structure is exactly the same, with days split into three parts before you settle into your hotel or go to the casino at night. You have three hotels to choose from this time, but the difference is merely cosmetic. The casino is also the same as the original : Black Jack, Poker, Roulette and Pokies. Although these remain solid and enjoyable mini games, I would have liked to see some variance or addition here.
Fans of the original will be a little disappointed by the overall lack of change. From Volleyball controls/dynamics to the beaches, soundtrack and shops, too much of the game is exactly the same as the original. One stand out item that has changed, outside of visual improvements, lies in the game’s dialogue. By default, the girls now speak English (and in their native accent). Although it’s good to understand what they’re actually saying, the excessively tacky dialogue is best left in Japanese. Fortunately the language can easily be switched back, restoring character to the game with the occasional recognisable phrase such as “nice-o-spike”.
The biggest improvement to the DOAX series lies in the additional activities found around the island. The most significant of all new activities is by far the Marine Race (Jet Skiing). Although it won’t earn you as much cash as a solid Volley Ball victory, Marine Racing does add a new dimension to this game. You can shop around for a decent Jet Ski (somewhat expensive) or just stick with the one you’re given to begin with. Controls are fairly straight forward (although turning nicely takes a little getting used to) and the ability to earn additional cash by performing stunts whilst racing is most welcomed.
The original pool hopping game is essentially the same, albeit with simpler controls and you now race against another girl as opposed to hopping alone. The remaining four new activities each require a one off ticket purchase (around $300,000 – which is an average pay out for a volley ball victory) and none really offer any decent earnings let alone depth. They are:
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