Xbox 360's best (and only) traditional fighting game!
This, is a typical fight in Dead or Alive 4. While the graphics look sharp, colorful and bright even on a standard definotion 'tube, and the charecters are detailed, and animate well, the game boils down to you countering, getting off a combo, maybe a throw, and then back to countering. After bieng on store shelves since Dec of '05, you would think another traditional fighting game such as this would have arived to fight (pun intended) with this game for sales. Nay. Only 2 games on XBLA- Street Fighter II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. So to say this is the best fighting game on 360 isn't saying much. In DOA4's defense, every charecter feels and fights deifferent. From Brad Wong's mastery of the decpetive and confusing Druken Kung Fu (or the bottle), to Jann Lee's lighting fast Jeet Kun Do fighting style which is reminiscent of Bruce Lee. But when it's time to rearange your oppents face with your charecter of choice, it dosn't matter in the end, because you both will be countering. If you can look past the insane amount of countering, the game does offer alot in both online and offline modes. Offline has your typical modes which have become a norm for fighting games (time attack, story, tag, survival, etc.). Online however, offers ranking and currency rewarded for fights. These credits can purchase new lobbies for your online matches ranging from under the sea to a cute Haloween graveyard. Currency can also be spent on costumes for any charecter in the game, to accesories for your avatar. Theres is some fun to be had online for sure, just be ready to counter like a mad man.
Dead or Alive 4 isn't a bad game, it's just frustrating and relies to heavily on countering. Is $60 worth the price of admission? No. Well what about $30? Sure.....or you could buy SFII and UMK3 off of XBLA and a large pizza of your choice, and a 12 pack of Mountain Dew, and have tons more fun.