Dead or Alive is a series of fighting games that pulls no punches and the same can be said for Dead or Alive 6. This game is a testament to how over the top fighting games can be. The characters in this game are all rather quirky even if they simply seem to be normal people. It’s thrilling to take down opponents and watch them jump up and continue fighting.
Dead or Alive is a solid fighting game and one that has a nice roster. Players will punch, kick, and throw their way to victory. If players haven’t played a Dead or Alive game before the game isn’t out to throw them under the bus. In fact, it starts with a tutorial and has character tutorials available at all times. It is definitely an asset to have the tutorial available even in battle. Especially in the other modes that are available.
The roster is varied and includes many characters from the past games in the series. This game also includes a few new characters from the loli Marie Rose, to the blue haired scientist Nico, and even a spunky fighter named Diego. There is DLC which the player can purchase that will include new costumes and other goodies. While no guest characters will be in the launch edition, players should expect some to pop up as the game lives. It’ll be interesting to see who is added as Dead or Alive 5 had representation from the King of Fighters and Virtua Fighter.
Players will also see a lot of crazy things while fighting in this game. There are a plethora of actions that can break clothing. The game offers plenty of moments where the fighting will be slowed down as the fighters deal often decisive blows. Watching someone slowly punch a character in the face at full force is always a great sight to behold. Players will need to be on their toes or will risk missing out on some great fighting moments!
This game is also not like other fighting games because it is often so gratuitous and over the top. The game even asks the player if they want the blood and violence turned off. This game makes a spectacle of itself and its characters and to be frank if the player isn’t up to this sight, maybe this game isn’t for them. There are plenty of intense fighting games that don’t have this kind of energy, and this game is best experienced at full tilt crazy.
The cool thing about the roster is the fact that when players select a character they get to see a poster. Each character has their own poster with a little blurb about them and their stats. It is cool to see how the characters match up when figuring out who fights well against who. Sometimes the character’s size will make moves less possible. Marie Rose for example often can’t throw characters and ends up using her hips to deal the damage.
Players can also take on players online or in couch co-op. Learning the moves is what will take the player to the next level, so it’s also good that the game has a practice mode. While the game can be played with button mashing, to be the champion of DOA 6, the player will need to pick a character and master them. Though it is fun trying out all the options to figure out which character the player is best at controlling.
Dead or Alive 6 has a full story mode with stories for every character. Players can dash through the main story with no problem, but can also experience the other stories as they play. Beating certain story chapters either in the main story or in character’s stories unlocks more paths. Sometimes you might unlock a later chapter in a character’s story. With seven chapters for each character, there are often things missed. For me, I decided to try my best to only play the character’s where I could chronologically play through their story. It is great for a fighting game to have a story mode and this one even has a pretty decent story for what it is.
This game also has challenges for the player to undertake. These challenges get harder as the player wins. Players will even gain stars so it is possible to beat said challenge without being perfect. It’s good to have a mode like this because it allows players to feel accomplished after beating it. Players use a variety of characters to complete these challenges allowing them to try out characters they might not like or need work on.
One thing about the game that might be a little jarring is the voice acting. The voice acting is pretty good, but sometimes the characters voices don’t seem to match with the character. For instance, Honoka who is seventeen or so sounds like she’s just a little younger. While it isn’t the biggest gripe it might bother some people.
The fighting stages all vary and look stunning. It is cool to see fighters take each other on in all of the different locales. The outside areas are vibrant and peaceful. Battling in an outdoor temple in the autumn is a sight to be seen. Players can even take their foes off cliffs and that changes up the battle. Learning where these small events can occur is paramount to getting good as they were.
This game is also going to throw some curveballs at the character. Sometimes the stages themselves offer things that might seem a little out of place. For instance, there is a level where dinosaurs fly in and attack the players. The player might break an egg and be attacked by a dinosaur too. It adds to the insanity of the game and makes the experience even more exciting.
Dead or Alive 6 is a fighting game that is visually stunning. The fights are often just a little over the top and provide a reason for the players to keep playing. It’s great watching the characters unleash moves and brag about winning. If the player has any interest in fighting games then this game might be for them. Dead or Alive 6 is here, who will the player lead to victory?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided