Dead or Alive 5
Developer: Team Ninja; Sega AM2
Publisher: Koei-Tecmo Games
Year:2012 (VITA version March 2013)
Home Region Name:Dead Or Alive 5
Original Work/Author: Dead Or Alive [Tomonobu Itagaki]
Platform: Playstation 3; X-BOX 360; Play Station VITA
Rating: ESRB/M; CERO:D; PEGI:18
Developer: Team Ninja; Sega AM2
Publisher: Koei-Tecmo Games
Year:2012 (VITA version March 2013)
Home Region Name:Dead Or Alive 5
Original Work/Author: Dead Or Alive [Tomonobu Itagaki]
Platform: Playstation 3; X-BOX 360; Play Station VITA
Rating: ESRB/M; CERO:D; PEGI:18
[Due to the nature of this game, viewer discretion is advised]
At the dawn of 3-D fighting, Dead or Alive has crossed a path that few games of this class dare tread on; balancing model gameplay and sex appeal yet doing a surprisingly good job at it. Now Tecmo-Koei and Team Ninja decide to up the stakes with their fifth canonical installment, Dead or Alive 5.
[First multi-platform release since DOA2]
The game takes place two years after the events of the fourth Dead or Alive. Helena Douglass has decided to rebuild DOATEC from the ground up, and use the tech from the company for peaceful purposes. She also has Zack host the titular tournament. The main campaign centers on the tourney and the Mugen-Tenshin clan's hunt for the runaway clone of the series' protagonist [Kasumi], Alpha-152. Like Dead or Alive Dimensions, the story is told through the eyes of the main playable characters [excluding Gen-Fu], and you play all of them sequentially instead of the usual arcade-based storytelling used in fighting games.
[5 new characters enter the fray in DOA]
You play a total of 24 characters; among the recurring cast is Gen-fu and Alpha-152, who are unlockable. Rig, a shady Canadian taekwondo master, and Mila, a Spanish MMA fighter, are the two new faces of the franchise. New to the series are three of the fighters of Sega's Virtua Fighter; Hakkyoku-ken master, Akira Yuki, freestyle martial artist, Sarah Bryant and Mizongyi expert, Pai Chan. Contrary to the simplistic control scheme, each fighter controls differently despite the fairly sized roster.
[Tina: Did you miss these, honey?]
The game has a fairly decent amount of offline modes to play. The previously mentioned Story Mode is actually pretty good. Adding to the challenge-reward factor are a series of bonus missions, which help give you titles, and some unlockable content such as costumes, stages, etc. With that, your standard fighting modes, like VS, Time Attack, and Survival are here. The Training mode is pretty decent, providing alot of options to hone your skill the way you want to. For the offline spectator mode, you not only get to watch computer battles, but you also get to take snaphots. For online modes, you can chat with other friends worldwide while watching other fights, create a lobby, and so-on. For the most part, it doesn't end with the obvious online mode, you can post your progress in DOA5 on social media, namely Facebook and Youtube. The Vita version also has tap mode [where you face your opponent in first person and tap to attack] and command practice where newcomers can get a feel for the series.
The controls are responsive, but easy controlling, doesn't make this a game you can master. The main focus of DOA is a balance between a fierce offense and a solid defense. When fighting, timing and proper co-ordination is key to getting the upper hand over your opposition. The option to select between solo and tag matches in certain modes allow for variations of attacks as well. The legendary Danger Zone from the previous games is here; further improving more so on DOA4's hazards, making them more dangerous, especially for those on the receiving end of the fight especially with the inclusion of quick time events.
And of course, there is the game's graphics; having played the PS3 and Vita versions, they look really smooth. The console versions in particular put alot of emphasis on character detail, as they appear sleeker and more refined. Characters now have new effects such as, sweat, dirt and drench detail. Fans will also enjoy the return of what made this game so unique from most fighters, movable.... fanservice. However, the sexuality aspect has been less prevalent, making for a balanced flare. For the seasoned fans, the costume DLC can give them the experience they came to know.
[Not in a million years. Not downloadin this at all.]
The soundtrack for this game is rather hit-or-miss. There is some good music that set the mood, but some of it is worth a pass. The game can be played with English and Japanese dialog, both are not bad at the slightest.
Overall, Dead or Alive 5 lives up to it's slogan, "I'm a Fighter" with gusto. The game makes some interesting changes but does it's best to not forsake what made the game a legend among fans. Making proper use of the age of online gaming, while providing a strong replay value for local play. A more coherent storyline, and improved fighting system help make the experience beyond enjoyable. If DOA4 set the standard, then DOA5 exceeded it extremely well. I reccommend purchasing this game if you're into fighting games and the DOA series.
