Dead Or Alive 4 (16+)
Verdict: Don’t play it alone.
Platform: 360.
Rating: 3/5
If there’s one thing Dead Or Alive is famous for it’s its graphics. The kind of graphics popular with teenage males - big, bouncy and scantily clad. Which is a shame because beyond that shallow reputation is an excellent and solid 3D beat-em-up which is typically simple to pick up but difficult to master.
For those not familiar with the series it’s a fairly traditional fighter with a meaningless story, cheesy FMV and a host of play modes, unlockables and online scrapping. What differs it from the Tekkens and Virtua Fighters is the ‘Free’ button - a multifunctional command that works as a standard block and more importantly, with precise timing - counter attacks. These can turn the game round at any moment - button bashers be warned, a skilled player can win without even throwing a punch.
As an evolution from DOA3 and Ultimate it works well but pulls no surprises. Gameplay is quicker (punishingly so), environments feature obstacles that can be used to your advantage and there’s a decent roster of new characters (including a secret cameo from the Halo universe) as well as the welcome return of some old favourites like Brad Wong, the Drunken Fist Kung-Fu master.
Counter attack timing has been tightened too which while making them more satisfying to pull off in multiplayer can become frustrating in single player when the A.I. uses them at the drop of a hat and strings together painfull, unblockable combos that leave you close to death in one attack. Having a sixth sense will definitely help, especially against my new nemesis - the teleporting end boss.
Like any fighter though, repeated play is required to truly master the game and after a while the counters start to flow. At this point multiplayer really comes into its own and its where DOA4 excels with its excellent online service making up for the weaker solo play.
Introducing a bizarre new lobby system and customisable avatars, the game allows you to socialise with others while waiting for your turn to fight in matches like ‘Winner stays on’. It’s oh so satisfying to be that winner and as a loser you can watch and learn. Or just watch if you’re so inclined.
Touted as a graphical showcase for the 360 the environments are truly stunning but I can’t help but be disappointed by the bland, doll like nature of the characters. For fans of the dolls though that old ‘age’ cheat is still there for added bounce.