Articles
By B1G T
Published: Mar. 4, 2007 11:18 AM
The Dead or Alive Series has returned. This time making its first appearance onto the Xbox 360, and looking better than ever, which is what you would expect for a “next generation title”. Dead or Alive 4 feels like the complete game for any fan of the fighting and button mashing genre, with plenty of varied game modes. There is also the option to battle the rest of the world online via Xbox live. Dead or alive 4 also hosts the most difficult achievements on the Xbox 360, not to mention the most frustratingly challenging computer opponents to match.
Offline, Dead or alive 4 provides you with basic yet challenging game modes for you to test your skills out. You have the choice of 22 characters, 6 of which have to be unlocked. All of the characters have their own unique style and move sets as well as several different costumes to choose from. These are unlocked as you complete the game. Many of you whom are fans of the DOA series will be familiar with these characters and game modes and feel right at home. There are 5 modes in total: DOA 4 Story mode, Time Attack mode, Survival mode, Team Battle mode and Versus mode. In each of these you can save your match replays and view them later in the battle viewer mode.
The DOA 4 story mode pits you against 8 characters, all of which become increasingly difficult as you progress. Once you have defeated all 8 characters with a certain character (you have to complete story mode with all characters to unlock the achievement) you are then treated (or tortured), with a mini-clip of your characters destiny. These look beautiful graphically but appear to be very cheesy. Considering how difficult it is to complete the final character in this mode you expect just a little bit more to warrant playing on. It would have been a lot better if you were treated with a cut scene in-between each match, making the next character you versus hold a significance instead of just being a random character you just happened to run into at a fruit store.
Though these modes may appear challenging, it’s only a matter of time before you master the reversal system and can just about nail every combo for your favourite character. The game then becomes very limited and doesn’t provide much replay value. Then Xbox Live is where it’s at. Once you have honed your skills in the sparring mode and feel you are ready to take on the rest of the world jump online and a whole new game begins. You have your basic options: quick match and custom match (where you can search for a game session under your specific conditions and level of skill). Before you jump into a game you can fiddle around with your own online character (known as an Avatar), choosing between several different characters. These include a ninja, dog, unicorn or even just a human character (which has even more customisation in terms of outfits). All new outfits and accessories can be purchased at Zacks Shop, as well as additional costumes for the characters in the game.
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