Dead or Alive helps Microsoft launch a console for the second time. DOA 4 features a few new fighters, new CGI endings and online play. There is even a female Spartan (Halo) to unlock and use in non-story modes. However, how much has the game really changed and is it worth the Xbox 360 price of $60?
DOA fans will probably enjoy DOA 4 quite a bit. Other gamers may not get the full value out of the game. A new countering system helps to make it harder on button mashers. Each type of attack (high, mid low) has a corresponding counter attack to try and match up. There is also a very short window to correctly hit the proper counter attack. Trying to master the countering system can get frustrating but is something that will help you master your fights. What gets annoying is when the AI counters your moves that are performing for the first time.
One thing that they need to stop pushing is the sexual themes. It seems to get a bit immature with this mature rated title. There is one ending in particular that doesn't go anywhere but to show some sexual humor. The outfits and 'bouncing' has become sort of a staple of the series but they seem to want to continue to push it as far as they can.
The main advancement in the game is how the countering helps prevent serious button mashing. At a $60 price tag, I think there needs to be some more advancements in the future. If they don't know what else they could do to the game, they should just work out the story telling more. Some of the ending cinematics are great and are more than just awesome CGI. And then there are some that are pointless and made to show off more of the women. They could at least tie them into something reasonable in a storyline.
Graphically the game looks really nice, similar to DOA 3 with some improvements. The environments look even more incredible than the fighters. A lot of detail is in the backgrounds along with animations. They really brought everything viewable to life. This should show that flat objects need to be a thing of the past. It's hard to emphasize how great looking the environments are, especially when you have one of Vegas and one with monkeys!
In the end, Dead or Alive 4 provides for a fun experience on and off line once you get into the countering system. Going online is also fun and isn't laggy. There's even a grading system for your online play that is nice. Hopefully the next DOA can bring in something new to really make it worth the price. Those looking for a fighter on 360 will find that DOA 4 might be able to hold them over for a while but there's not a whole lot separating it from, say, DOA 3.
