Dead Or Alive: Ultimate Review (no fat)

Game Description

‘Dead or Alive: Ultimate’ is a two-disc set that offers the original Sega Saturn Dead or Alive and a remake of Dead or Alive 2. The changes in this game from the original include redesigned Arenas, new costumes and support for online play over Xbox Live. The Game is a fast paced 3D fighter with the focus being Eccentric players and their moves.

Dead or Alive Game play

The fighting system is not deep and is playable by most gamers. The game doesn't feature a quest mode; players advance through other modes in the game to unlock new items. The time attack, survival, and team battle are as enjoyable as the games story mode but offer a nice diversion to the standard matches.

‘Dead or Alive Ultimate’ has 15 playable characters, 14 of which featured in Dead or Alive 2 and an extra character named Hitomi. 12 of these players are available in every game mode. Hitomi, Bayman, and Tengu can later be unlocked for use in all play modes other than the story.

‘Dead or Alive’ features 22 arenas taken from previous 3 games but all have been redesigned to give a newer look. The half a dozen enclosed arenas are basically used for Tag Team matches, although one-on-one matches can also be played. In multi-tiered arenas players can throw, kick and ride opponents for maximum damage.

The female characters are usually more balanced than their male counterparts and have more costumes. Each player starts with two costumes each but many more can be unlocked as progress is made in the game.

Most attacks can be reversed for massive damage to the opponent but requires precise timings, although cancel and reversal moves are still important they are not 'over powerful', which makes the matches more interesting and exciting. The moves themselves have been improved considerably as animations are smoother and more detailed

Dead or Alive Moves

All characters feature almost 70 moves. The moves themselves are not difficult to master but it is unlikely that anyone will be using all available moves. Since movements are not ultra fast, the moves can be anticipated after a bit of practice. The smallest details like cloths flapping in the air and billowing clothes during fight sequences have been looked into. While the game is impressive in itself, gamers who have played ‘Dead or Alive 2’ before will find the gameplay repetitive and stagnant after a while.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Online

Dead or Alive Ultimate is the second online game to hit Xbox. Few 3D fighting games offer as much in terms of online play. The gameplay online is same as single player mode.

The game introduces the ideals of a Virtual Arcade for online gaming. Once online, a virtual lobby is created where up to eight people from around the world can compete. This virtual arcade features six different fighting modes; i.e. Winner-Stays, Loser-Stays, Survival, Tournament, and Team Battle. However, Dead or Alive Ultimate may not run as smoothly online which can sometimes be a headache.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Graphics

The graphics in Dead or Alive Ultimate are impressive. The animations are smooth and the environments are exquisitely detailed. Things like floating cherry blossoms and snow storms during fights are most impressive. Also, the movies and stories in the game will show the enhanced graphics as they explain the pasts of the characters.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Sound Track

The quality of sound is pretty good which utilizes Dolby Digital 5.1. However, the music playing during the game is the same as Dead or Alive 2 and there is no custom soundtrack support.

The voiceover is solid, and you can choose between Dead Or Alive 2 and Dead Or Alive 3 voice actors.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Summing Up

Dead or Alive Ultimate is a must have for most gamers. Even a novice user can pull off spectacular moves with little practice. The only kind of player who should avoid it is the one who has already played Dead or Alive 2 and/or 3. While this game lacks depth, it makes up for any deficiency due to addictive, fast, and fantastic fighting. The visuals are beautiful and arenas have been well designed. The loads of costumes to unlock alone make playing worthwhile.

Dead or Alive Ultimate offers no revolutionary changes from previous games in the series but almost every aspect has been improved. This game offers satisfaction to gamers interested in its genre.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Price

The game currently retails for $29.98US at the time of writing.