Looks great, but takes a step back from earlier DOA games.
Some would argue that this makes it more real, because you need to “train” to become better. Just like studying real martial arts. But after all, the whole point of a video game is to suspend disbelief, not give a real life experience. The one exception to my dislike of the genre has always been Dead or Alive. But even the new DOA4 for the 360 still has its flaws.
GAMEPLAY
DOA4 has evolved very little in terms of game play since DOA2 on the PS2. It’s the same basic fighting engine that was introduced then. The action is fast paced, and accessible while still having the deep game play that hardcore fighting fans love. There’re also a lot of different modes, including the usual story and time attack. In addition to the online play and up to 4-player tag-team versus modes.
However, fighting against the game’s AI sucks. For one, it’s super cheap, and the boss is nearly impossible. Instead of having to use different strategies to beat the AI, the AI will instead just counter every move you make to the point of frustration. That’s not fighting, that’s just bad AI programming.
GRAPHICS
DOA4’s graphics are stunning, but not perfect. The backgrounds are greatly improved from DOA3 on the Xbox. There’s fully modeled characters in the background that move around, nice reflections, and lighting effects. The characters appear to be virtually unchanged, though. There’s a few minor improvements; like moving fur and reflections on certain costumes. But on the whole everything looks fantastic.
SOUND
The sound in the game is still kind of weak. There are some nice thumps when characters hit background objects, but the standard punch and kicks sound weak. Maybe Fight Night spoiled me with the sickening sound of their punches, but this just seems below par. The music is sub, par too. It all just seems bland and forgettable. The only bright spot is Aerosmith’s “Amazing” during the closing credits.
VALUE
DOA Ultimate on the Xbox was the peak of fighting game value for this series, and unfortunately DOA4 takes a step back from this. DOAU had a ton of unlockables, but DOA4 only has a few costumes per character, and a couple hidden levels and fighters. Over all there is much less here that DOAU.
DOA4 is still a great fighter, and much more accessible than the vast majority of fighting games. But it hasn’t evolved much from past versions except for graphics, and in some areas has taken a step back from earlier games. It’s still fun to play online, or with friends, but there isn’t enough new with the single player experience to warrant long term play.